The jersey numbers that players in the sport of football have worn during their careers have achieved legendary status. Each of these numbers holds a particular position or responsibility in the world due to their significance.

When considering the football players that are believed to be the Greatest of All Time, several considerations need to be taken into account (GOAT).

These all-time great players have also strived to guarantee that their jersey numbers are as well known as they are, which they have accomplished through their hard work.

As a goalie, you should always be wearing the No. 1 jersey, but it's odd to see fullbacks not wearing the No. 2 or No. 3 shirts because those are the shirts that are worn on the right side of the field, and the left side of the field, respectively. Those shirts are worn on the right side of the field.

We have brought together some of the most legendary footballers of all time, each of them sporting the most famous jersey number that they have ever worn throughout the course of their careers.

25 Greatest Of All Time Footballers And Their Jersey Number (From 1 to 25)

G.O.A.T FootballersJersey Number
Lev Yashin1
Thiago Silva3 and 6
Paolo Maldini3
Sergio Ramos4
Zinedine Zidane5
Franco Baresi6
Cristiano Ronaldo7
Andres Iniesta8
Wayne Rooney9
Lionel Messi10
Ryan Giggs11
Marcelo12
Michael Ballack13
Thierry Henry14
Daniel Sturridge15
Roy Keane16
Kevin De Bruyne17
Paul Scholes18
Dwight Yorke19
Gonzalo Higuain20
Andrea Pirlo21
Kaka22
David Beckham23
Lorenzo Insigne24
Nwankwo Kanu25

Lev Yashin - Number 1

Lev Yashin was a football player for the Soviet Union throughout his career. It is generally agreed upon that he is the best goalie that the game of soccer has ever seen.

Yashin was renowned for his agility, placement, size, boldness, intimidating presence in goal, and acrobatic reflex saves, among other qualities. In addition, he achieved this status by imposing his authority over the entire defensive unit, which led to a revolution in the goalkeeping position.

Yashin, who was born during the chaos of the first world war, put on a lot of weight while working at a weapons facility. Following his outstanding performance, he was offered a contract by Dinamo Moscow, the club he would remain with for the entirety of his career.

Lev Yashin was a football player for the Soviet Union throughout his career.
Source : co

Yashin would go on to win the title five times with Dinamo while also setting a record for himself by being chosen the World's Best Goalkeeper a record six times. He would finish his career with 270 clean sheets and would presumably save over 150 penalties.

This legendary athlete was known for wearing the number 1. The number that was tattooed on his back looked pretty amazing. Additionally, it served as an example for other keepers of the goal.

Thiago Silva - Number 3 and Number 6

Thiago Silva, a Brazilian footballer, is the captain of both the Brazil national team and the Premier League club Chelsea, where he plays as a central defender.

Silva is widely regarded as one of the best defenders because of his defensive prowess as well as his leadership.

While playing for Juventude, Silva shifted his position from that of a midfielder to that of a defender, having started his professional club career in 2002 with RS Futebol as a midfielder. After nearly losing his life to TB, the doctor advised him to take a sabbatical from playing football.

Thiago Silva, a Brazilian footballer, is the captain of both the Brazil national team and the Premier League club Chelsea, where he plays as a central defender.
Source : instagram

After he had fully recovered, he signed with Fluminense and helped them win the Copa do Brasil. Silva transferred to AC Milan in 2009 for a reported sum of 8 million Euros, and during his time, the club won the Serie A championship.

At the age of 23, Silva made his debut for Brazil in a senior competition on the international stage in 2008. He led Brazil to a win at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and the fourth place finish at the 2014 FIFA World Cup when he was captain of the Brazilian national team.

He also earned a bronze medal in the 2008 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympics. After that, Silva was integral to his country's victory in the 2019 Copa América.

The great defender now plays for Chelsea Football Club, where he wears the number 6 and number 3 for the Brazilian national team.

Paolo Maldini - Number 3

Paolo Maldini, who played soccer for Italy for many years, is widely regarded as one of the sport's best defenders of all time.

While playing for AC Milan and the Italian national team, he was used both on the left side of the defense and in the middle of the defense.

In addition, Maldini captained both Milan and Italy for a combined total of several years. In addition to being a co-owner of the Miami FC team that plays in the USL Championship, he is also working as the technical director for Milan.

Paolo Maldini, who played soccer for Italy for many years, is widely regarded as one of the sport's best defenders of all time.
Source : instagram

Maldini made his international debut with Italy in 1988 and played for the national team a total of 126 times, scoring seven goals to set a new appearance record.

Maldini represented Italy in five FIFA World Cups and three UEFA European Championships during his career. He did not win any tournaments while playing for Italy, although he did reach the final of the World Cup in 1994 and the Euros in 2000, as well as the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup and the Euros in 1988.

After he hung up his boots at the end of the 2008–2009 campaign, Milan decided to retire his number 3 jersey.

Sergio Ramos - Number 4

Sergio Ramos is a Spanish footballer who now competes for the national team of Spain and the club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1. He plays in the middle of the defense and is one of the best defenders on the team.

Ramos is well-known for his aggressive style of play, and he formerly played for Real Madrid for sixteen seasons. During that time, he won four titles in the UEFA Champions League and two titles in the UEFA European Championships. He also won the 2010 FIFA World Cup with the national team. Ramos is also a member of the Spanish national team.

Sergio Ramos is a Spanish footballer who now competes for the national team of Spain and the club Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1.
Source : skysports

Additionally, the defender has competed for Spain in the World Cup four times and the European Championship three times. 

Ramos is the current holder of the record for the most appearances by a player in the history of the Spain national team. He is also the ninth-highest scorer in his country's national team history.

This outstanding athlete wears jersey number 4 and has made it a point to understand and respect the symbolism associated with that number.

Zinedine Zidane - Number 5

Zinedine Zidane is a legendary former footballer for France. Around the world, he is most commonly referred to by his nickname, Zizou. He presently works as a manager for a football team.

During his time on the field, he was mainly used as an attacking midfielder. Recently, he held the position of head coach for the Spanish team Real Madrid.

Zidane was renowned for his control, skill, and ability to maintain possession of the ball. Three times (1998, 2000, and 2003), the FIFA World Player of the Year award was bestowed upon him.

His professional debut took place at Cannes. After that, he established himself as one of the finest players France and the rest of the world had ever witnessed. After spending some time with the Bordeaux squad, he transferred to the Italian team Juventus in 1996.

Zinedine Zidane is a legendary former footballer for France.
Source : marca

When he came to Real Madrid in 2001, he established a new record. His price of 77.5 million euros set a new record for the highest ever paid. For the following eight years, no one could top this achievement.

Zidane was instrumental in France's victory at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, scoring both goals in the championship game. After this victory, he was hailed as France's national hero and given several honors. In addition to that, the Legion of Honor was conferred upon him in the year 1998.

In addition, Pele included him on the FIFA 100 list, which is comprised of the names of the world's greatest living players. Zidane is one of just eight players in history to have won the World Cup, the Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or all in the same year.

He served as the ambassador for Qatar's successful bid to host the 2022 World Cup, making it the first Arab country to host it.

After completing an outstanding playing career, he entered the coaching field at Real Madrid Castilla shortly after retiring from the sport.

Zidane became the first coach in history to win the Champions League three times in a row, the UEFA Super Cup, the FIFA Club World Cup, a La Liga title, and the Supercopa de Espaa in his first two and half seasons as a head coach. He also won the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup twice each.

As a player, he donned the jersey number 5, making it a legendary number.

Franco Baresi - Number 6

Franco Baresi is now the young squad coach for the Italian national football team. He played football for Italy in the past. He was used either as a sweeper or in the centre defensive position.

Twenty years of his professional career were spent playing for the Serie A team AC Milan. He served as club captain for a total of 15 seasons. As one of the best defenders in the world, he was given the number 19 spot on the list of the 100 greatest players of the 20th century that was compiled by World Soccer magazine.

He led AC Milan to victory in the UEFA Champions League on three occasions. In addition, he has won six titles in Serie A, two in the European Super Cups, four in the Supercoppa Italiana, and two in the Intercontinental Cups.

Franco Baresi is now the young squad coach for the Italian national football team.
Source : instagram

In addition, he was a member of the Italian national squad that triumphed in the 1982 FIFA World Cup. He was honored with a spot on the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team in 1990 after helping his team to a third-place finish in the tournament.

Baresi has donned the Italian national team jersey several times, including in competitions at the Olympics and the UEFA European Championships. On all three occasions, he successfully advanced the squad to the competition's semifinals.

In 1999, the club's fans selected him as Milan's Player of the Century. In 1997, following Baresi's final season with Milan, the club decided to retire the player's number 6 jersey. At the event honoring the 100th anniversary of FIFA in 2004, Pelé recognized him as one of the 125 greatest living footballers by bestowing that honor upon him.

Additionally, in 2013, he was inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame.

Cristiano Ronaldo - Number 7

Cristiano Ronaldo and the shirt he wears, number 7, have achieved legendary status. Although, at first, he was hesitant to bear the responsibility of the number assigned to him.

All of it is now in the past, and CR7 has established himself as a legend in his own right. The footballer from Portugal is widely regarded as one of the best players. He captains the Portugal national team and plays as a striker for the squad.

Before signing with Manchester United in 2003, Ronaldo spent the first part of his professional career playing for Sporting CP. In his first year, he led his team to victory in the FA Cup. After that, he won the Champions League, the FIFA Club World Cup, and three straight crowns in the Premier League.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the shirt he wears, number 7, have achieved legendary status.
Source : goal

In addition, Ronaldo was the topic of the then-most expensive association football transfer when, in 2009, he joined Real Madrid in a deal that was for 94 million euros. This made Ronaldo the subject of the most costly transfer. He also holds the record for the most goals scored in the club's history.

In 2018, he moved to Juventus, another incredibly pricey transaction. The first ransom demanded was one hundred million Euros. It was the most expensive transfer ever made by an Italian club and the most costly one for a player older than 30.

In 2021, he signed with Manchester United once again. In 2022, he departed once more.

Andres Iniesta - Number 8

The number 8 is prominently displayed on Andres Iniesta's shirt. The Spanish footballer plays the midfield position for Vissel Kobe and is also the team captain.

Most of Iniesta's time on the field has been spent with Barcelona. In addition to that, he led the club as captain for a total of three seasons.

The Spanish footballer plays the midfield position for Vissel Kobe and is also the team captain.
Source : skysports

In 2002, at 18, he made his debut with the first team. He remained a member of the squad till the year 2018. Because of his whole playing career, he is now one of the most decorated Spanish players in the history of the sport.

Iniesta left Barcelona in 2018 to sign with the Japanese club Vissel Kobe after spending the previous 22 years there. In 2006, he made his debut on the international stage. In many instances, the Spanish squad relied heavily on his contributions.

Wayne Rooney - Number 9

Wayne Rooney, a former footballer from England, wore the number nine on his shirt while playing. He is presently managing football teams at the professional level.

Rooney is the manager of the Major League Soccer team D.C. United. Throughout his time on the field, he was a forward in position. On the other hand, he played the midfielder position in a few of the games.

Wayne Rooney, a former footballer from England, wore the number nine on his shirt while playing.
Source : co

Wayne is considered one of the most talented players of his time. He holds the all-time scoring record not just for Manchester United but also for the England national team. He also holds the record for being the youngest player to score a goal.

For a fee of 25.6 million euros, he signed for Manchester United. After that, he established himself as the only English player to win multiple titles, joining Michael Carrick in that distinction.

Lionel Messi - Number 10

There is no need to provide an introduction for Lionel Messi or his number 10 shirt. The Argentine football player plays in the forward position.

In addition to that, he leads the Argentina national team as its captain. Because of his incredible skill, work ethic, and strategy, he is widely regarded as one of the best players in the history of the sport.

He holds the record for the most European Golden Shoes, with six during his career. Because of this, he is distinguishable from every other football player.

There is no need to provide an introduction for Lionel Messi or his number 10 shirt. The Argentine football player plays in the forward position.
Source : co

Before moving on in 2021, he was a member of Barcelona during his whole professional career. In the course of his career, he has established and shattered many records, making it extremely difficult to achieve his success.

According to France Football, Lionel Messi has been the highest-paid football player in the world for five out of the past six years. According to Forbes, he was the athlete that made the most money in both 2019 and 2022.

Ryan Giggs - Number 11

The former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs wore the number 11 on his shirt while he played for the club. Throughout his professional career, he was a Manchester team member.

The Welsh football team presently employs Giggs as a coach. In addition, for a short period, he was the manager of Manchester United in an acting capacity.

The former Manchester United player Ryan Giggs wore the number 11 on his shirt while he played for the club.
Source : skysports

The fact that Giggs's father was a rugby league footballer definitely contributed to his son's passion for the game. This may also be one reason why some believe Ryan to be one of the best footballers of his generation.

The majority of his playing time was spent in the midfield. He was a Manchester United midfielder for the first 23 years of his professional career.

Marcelo - Number 12

Marcelo, a Brazilian footballer, wore the number 12 jersey for Olympiacos, which competed in the Super League of Greece. His position on the team is left back.

The technical abilities and deception that Marcelo possesses are well-known. He is considered one of the top left backs in the game. He is one of the most well-known players in Real Madrid because he has spent most of his career with the club.

Marcelo, a Brazilian footballer, wore the number 12 jersey for Olympiacos, which competed in the Super League of Greece.
Source : therealchamps

He signed a deal for 8 million dollars to join Real Madrid. Since then, he has amassed six La Liga championships and five UEFA Champions League victories.

In addition, Marcela competed for Brazil at London's Olympic Games in 2012.

Michael Ballack - Number 13

Michael Ballack, a former player for Germany's national team, is one of the all-time leaders in goals scored by players for the German national team. In every game he has ever participated in, the number 13 has been displayed on the jersey he wears.

Michael Ballack, a former player for Germany's national team, is one of the all-time leaders in goals scored by players for the German national team.
Source : transfermarkt

Pele ranked him as one of the 100 greatest living players in the world and included him on the FIFA list. Additionally, he has been awarded the title of German Footballer of the Year three times.

Ballack has competed in the UEFA European Football Championship three times (in 2000, 2004, and 2008) and the FIFA World Cup twice (in 2002 and 2006).

Thierry Henry - Number 14

Thierry Henry, a former footballer, is considered among the finest attackers in the sport's history. He is currently working with the Belgium national team as an assistant coach.

Thierry Henry, a former footballer, is considered among the finest attackers in the sport's history.
Source : mlssoccer

Additionally, he was widely regarded as one of the most talented players in the English Premier League. The number 14 was prominently displayed on the striker's shirt.

He set a record by winning the Premier League Golden Boot four times and helping the team win two FA Cups and two Premier League championships.

Daniel Sturridge - Number 15

Daniel Sturridge, a football player from England, wears the number 15 jersey for the club Perth Glory. Additionally, he has competed in the Premier League for England. 

Daniel Sturridge, a football player from England, wears the number 15 jersey for the club Perth Glory.
Source : transfermarkt

As a striker, he has had stints with several different teams, including Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea. In addition to that, he has previous experience playing for the Turkish team Trabzonspor.

Roy Keane - Number 16

Roy Keane, a former player for Ireland in association football, wore the number 16 on his shirt. He was one of Manchester United's most successful players during his time there.

Roy Keane, a former player for Ireland in association football, wore the number 16 on his shirt.
Source : transfermarkt

He was primarily used as a midfielder during his time on the pitch. Additionally, Pele included him on his list of the best-living players in the history of FIFA in 2004.

His previous teams include Cobh Ramblers and Nottingham Forest; he was with both of those teams before joining Manchester United. He finished his professional career at Celtic.

Kevin De Bruyne - Number 17

Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, wears the number 17. Both Manchester City and the Belgian national team have him on their rosters.

Belgian midfielder, Kevin De Bruyne, wears the number 17. Both Manchester City and the Belgian national team have him on their rosters.
Source : skysports

Manchester City paid a fee of 54 million British pounds to get his services. Since that time, he has amassed a total of five League Cup victories in addition to his four Premier League championships.

Paul Scholes - Number 18

Paul Scholes is a Manchester United legend who played for the club in the past. He was a club member and played for them as a midfielder.

Paul Scholes is a Manchester United legend who played for the club in the past.
Source : manutd

Additionally, the number 18 has competed for England up until the year 2004. In May 2011, he announced that he would no longer be playing.

Following his retirement from his playing career, he was given the position of head coach at Manchester United.

Dwight Yorke - Number 19

Former football forward Dwight Yorke is of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent. He is a former player for several professional teams, including Manchester United and Birmingham City.

Former football forward Dwight Yorke is of Trinidadian and Tobagonian descent.
Source : co

Until the end of the qualifying matches for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, he also served as the assistant manager of the Trinidad and Tobago national team.

He wore the number 19 on his shirt throughout his time as a player.

Gonzalo Higuain - Number 20

Gonzalo Higuain, who wore the number 20 jersey for Argentina, was the team's striker. Real Madrid paid a transfer fee of 12 million euros to acquire his services in 2007.

After that, in 2013, he made the move to Napoli for a fee of 40 million euros. He won the Coppa Italia in his very first season of competition.

Gonzalo Higuain, who wore the number 20 jersey for Argentina, was the team's striker.
Source : skysports

Because of his outstanding performance in front of goal, in 2016, Juventus paid a transfer fee of 90 million euros to acquire his services. Because of this move, he is now considered one of the highest football transfers in history.

Andrea Pirlo - Number 21

The brilliant career of former midfielder Andrea Pirlo helped make number 21 legendary. He now serves in that capacity for the Super Lig team Fatih Karaguruk.

Additionally, he has played for the Italian national football team. 2002 was the year he made his debut for the senior team, and in 2004 he captained his country to a bronze medal in the Olympics.

The brilliant career of former midfielder Andrea Pirlo helped make number 21 legendary.
Source : skysports

On the 30th of July in 2020, upon his retirement, Pirlo was offered the position of head coach of the Serie C team Juventus U23.

Nine days later, he was placed in charge of the first team, and during his first season in that role, the squad won both the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. He was eventually fired in 2021.

Kaka - Number 22

Kaka, who played football in Brazil for many years, is regarded as one of the game's all-time greats. The offensive midfielder wore jersey number 22 on his chest as the game started.

As a result of his achievements both for his club and his country, he is one of just eight players to have triumphed in both the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

Kaka, who played football in Brazil for many years, is regarded as one of the game's all-time greats.
Source : besoccer

While playing for Milan, he scored the most goals in the UEFA Champions League competition that year (2006–07), which the team won.

After spending the previous six years at Milan, he moved on to Real Madrid. He was taken advantage of to the tune of 67 million euros. At that time, it was the transfer charge with the second highest cost.

Additionally, he was a member of the Brazilian national squad.

David Beckham - Number 23

The name David Beckham is so well-known that it does not require any introduction. When he transferred to Real Madrid, he became known by the number 23, which he had previously worn.

The former midfielder, Beckham, is renowned for being exceptionally talented and agile during his playing career.
Source : goal

During his time at Manchester United, he played with the number seven jersey. The former midfielder is renowned for being exceptionally talented and agile during his playing career.

He is the first player from England to win a league championship in all four countries: England, Spain, the United States of America, and France.

Lorenzo Insigne - Number 24

Lorenzo Insigne, who hails from Italy and plays on the flank position, is now a member of both the Italy national team and the Major League Soccer club Toronto FC.

Lorenzo Insigne, who hails from Italy and plays on the flank position, is now a member of both the Italy national team and the Major League Soccer club Toronto FC.
Source : thestar

Insigne is employed on the left side of the field the most of the time despite the fact that his skill set allows him to play as a winger or a midfielder.

Nwankwo Kanu - Number 25

Nwankwo Kanu is a name that is familiar to football fans throughout the world. He was a player of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale, in addition to the Nigerian national team.

Kanu was a player of the Iwuanyanwu Nationale, in addition to the Nigerian national team.
Source : thesefootballtimes

In addition to being a member of many other teams, he was also a member of the squad representing England. Arsenal.