In football, the jersey number is very important since it serves as an identifier for players on the field, making it easier for teammates, coaches, and referees to distinguish between players. Furthermore, specific numbers can be assigned to players based on their positions, providing a clear understanding of the team's formation.
Over time, certain jersey numbers have become associated with specific players or positions, such as the number 10 for attacking midfielders. This position is frequently in charge of creating scoring chances for the team's forwards as well as organising the team's offensive strategies.
The number 10 jersey has historically been associated with some of football's greatest players, including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, and Lionel Messi, among others. It can be said, the number 10 jersey is a symbol of creativity, flair, and offensive brilliance, and the player who wears it is considered being a key contributor to their team's attacking performance.
On that note let us take a look at the top 10 greatest footballers who have donned on this jersey:
1. Lionel Messi
The Barcelona superstar is widely recognised as one of the greatest players of all time, having won several Ballons d'Or titles. Messi has worn the number 10 jersey for both Barcelona and Argentina and has set numerous records during his career.
2. Diego Maradona
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Maradona wore the number 10 jersey for Argentina as well as Napoli. He guided Argentina to World Cup success in 1986, hitting one of the most iconic goals in history against England in the quarterfinals.
3. Pelé
Pele is largely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He wore the number 10 jersey for Brazil and helped the country win three World Cups. Pelé also played club football for Santos and the New York Cosmos.
4. Michel Platini
The Frenchman was a dominant force in the 1980s, earning three Ballon d'Or honours and helping France to the European Championship in 1984. Platini wore number ten for France and Juventus.
5. Zinedine Zidane
The French midfielder was one of his generation's most technically brilliant players. He helped France win the World Cup in 1998, scoring two goals in the final against Brazil. Zidane was also a Juventus and Real Madrid number ten.
6. Ronaldinho
On the pitch, the Brazilian forward was a magician, dazzling fans with his skills and originality. Ronaldinho played for Barcelona and earned two FIFA World Player of the Year titles throughout his career.
7. Roberto Baggio
He was a legendary Italian striker recognised for his remarkable ball control and scoring prowess. Baggio wore the number 10 jersey for Italy as well as many clubs including Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan.
8. Juan Roman Riquelme
A talented Argentine midfielder recognised for his vision and passing abilities. Riquelme previously wore the number 10 jersey for Boca Juniors, Barcelona, and Villarreal.
9. Ruud Gullit
The Dutch forward was a major player of AC Milan's famed team in the late 1980s. Gullit wore the number 10 jersey for both the Netherlands and Milan, where he won multiple titles.
10. Ferenc Puskás
The Hungarian forward was a prolific goal scorer who was instrumental in the Hungarian national team's success in the 1950s. Puskás wore the number 10 jersey for Hungary as well as Real Madrid.
