Guardian names the male footballers it considers most linked to each squad number (1–50)
The Guardian published on 10 November 2026 a feature identifying the male footballers it regards as most closely associated with each squad number from 1 to 50. The interactive piece lists a single player for every number and explains the reasons behind each selection.
The article set out the criteria it used: length of time a player wore a number, what they achieved while wearing it, the motivation for choosing it and, in some cases, how a number became linked to a player after their death. The authors acknowledged the exercise is subjective and intended to be light-hearted, inviting strong reactions. The list runs from No 1 through No 50 and draws on examples spanning international tournaments and club careers.
For No 1 the choice is Lev Yashin, noted for his flat cap, the nicknames “Black Spider” or “Black Panther” and as the only goalkeeper to have won the Ballon d’Or. Cafu is selected for No 2, credited with two World Cups, being the only man to play in three consecutive World Cup finals and more than 700 club appearances. Paolo Maldini is the pick at No 3; Milan retired his shirt and he spent most of his career in that number despite not wearing it at Italia 90 or USA 94. Javier Zanetti takes No 4, having won 16 trophies in 19 years at Inter—15 of them as captain—and earning praise from José Mourinho (“it was an honour to coach him”) and Paolo Maldini (calling him “my most respected enemy”). Franz Beckenbauer is the No 5 choice, with Uli Hesse writing that the number “became synonymous with his unique interpretation of the libero role” and Bayern retiring their No 5 shirt in December 2024.
The No 6 slot is headed by Franco Baresi alongside other historical captains; the piece notes Baresi’s shirt was retired by Milan in 1997 and records that Baresi died this year, with references to photographs from his funeral in August. Cristiano Ronaldo is named for No 7, the article detailing the CR7 brand—fragrances, underwear, footwear, lifestyle hotels, a fitness app and bottled water—and saying his association with No 7 began in 2003 when Sir Alex Ferguson encouraged him to embrace the shirt. Marcel Desailly is chosen for No 8 after being repurposed as a central midfielder at Milan and wearing the number while France won France 98 and Euro 2000; the piece also recalls his goal in the 1994 Champions League final. Ronaldo (R9) is the No 9 selection, described as a singular young talent and linked to the Nike Mercurial R9 boots unveiled ahead of France 98, with the note that he paradoxically wore No 10 for Inter at that time.
Diego Maradona is the No 10 pick and is quoted directly: “No matter what happens and no matter who is in charge, the No 10 shirt will always be mine.” Ryan Giggs is named for No 11 after settling into Manchester United’s squad number when the Premier League introduced fixed numbers in 1993. Marco van Basten is central to the No 12 story—his impact at Euro 88 and influence on Thierry Henry’s number choice are both cited. Gerd Müller is selected as No 13, having worn it in the 1970 and 1974 World Cups and Euro 72, playing 13 World Cup games and scoring the decisive 14th goal in the 1974 final. Johan Cruyff is the No 14 entry, with the shirt’s origin at Ajax explained and the later establishment of Schoolyard14 and the 14 Rules. Falcão is chosen at No 15 for wearing the shirt in all five games at Spain 82 and winning the Silver Ball.
Rodri is the No 16 selection, the piece listing a string of honours attributed to him—“He’s won the World Cup, the Euros, the Ballon d’Or, the Golden Ball, the Treble … the lot”—and noting that, on moving to Barcelona, he asked Fermín López if he could take No 16. Kevin De Bruyne is linked to No 17 after Wilfried Bony’s presence in the squad influenced his choice to pick 17 on arrival at Manchester City. Ivan Zamorano’s No 18 is recalled with the anecdote about him switching to 1+8 after losing the No 9 shirt. Paul Gascoigne is associated with No 19 and the article quotes Bobby Robson asking his son after a 2009 charity match: “How did Gascoigne play?” Jota is the No 20 selection, with Liverpool retiring the number after his death and building a ‘Forever 20’ memorial outside Anfield.
Andrea Pirlo is named for No 21, with the piece noting 21 Brut Rosé was produced by Pratum Coller in his honour and listing his Serie A and Champions League successes plus a 2006 World Cup. Kaká is given No 22, cited as the 2007–08 Ballon d’Or winner who moved to Real Madrid for €67m and later returned to Milan to reclaim No 22. David Beckham chose No 23 at Real Madrid inspired by Michael Jordan, saying: “The connection with Jordan and how important the No 23 was, I just felt it was the right thing to do.” Lorenzo Insigne explains his No 24 choice: “I really hope to stay in the heart of this city so that one day, Napoli also retire the No 24,” and he added that he wears 24 because it’s his wife’s birthday and it has brought him luck. Gianfranco Zola is credited with No 25 after he gave Moisés Caicedo permission in August 2023 to wear it at Chelsea; the article praises Zola’s seven seasons of performances for the club. John Terry’s long attachment to No 26 is noted, including his decision to keep it for 18 years and a Stamford Bridge mural where the “26” is more prominent than his face.
The Guardian stresses that the selections are interpretive and playful rather than definitive: “The below list is highly subjective and ultimately a bit of fun, but don’t let that stop you being shocked and furious in equal measure.”
