While legendary American coach Joe Paterno might have claimed that “Its the name on the front of the jersey that matters most, not the one on the back,” the numbers on the back of most football jerseys do matter in this day of modern day football. The pressures and expectations of donning an iconic jersey can often take a toll on the performance of the players. However, there have been certain players who have donned the iconic jersey only to add to the existing legacy of the number with aplomb.
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Let’s look at five players who have lived up to the legacy of their legendary jerseys.
#1 Former Liverpool Number 7- Luis Suarez
The number 7 jersey of Liverpool has been associated with greatness at Anfield with the likes of Kevin Keegan, Kenny Dalglish, John Aldridge, Peter Beardsley and Steven McManaman having donned it in the past.
Luis Suarez was handed the legendary number when he moved to Merseyside from Ajax on the back of an impressive season and he did not disappoint. The Uruguayan tormented the opposition during his 3 and half years in English football with his trickery, industriousness and a great ability in front of the goal. While he might not have been able to help Liverpool clinch their much-awaited 19th League title in the 2013-14 season, it did not deter the Liverpool faithful as labelling him as one of the best number 7 to don the Liverpool jersey.
#2 Former Manchester United Number 7- David Beckham
The English man ticked all the right boxes that make a football player a fan favourite. A stylish footballer who dated a pop star and more importantly had a deadly right foot, that could turn any game on its head, David Beckham surely added to the charm of an iconic number that had been worn by legends such as Bryan Robson, George Best and Eric Cantona before him.
He was an integral part of the United line-up in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s and won almost everything there is at offer in club football during his time at Old Trafford. Add to the various trophies, individual accolades such as FIFA world player of the year runner-up on 2 occasions during his time at Manchester United which further enhanced his reputation as one of the best in the world.
#3 Real Madrid Number 7- Cristiano Ronaldo
When Ronaldo arrived at Real Madrid he was labelled as one of the best of all times and the Portuguese striker has only further enhanced his reputation during his 7 years at the Santiago Bernabéu. His predecessor to the legendary number jersey was Spanish superstar Raul Gonzalez, a man who truly made the Madrid number 7 jersey his own.
Ronaldo has already overtaken Raul as the leading goal scorer at the club having scored an incredible 364 goals in 348 games, a much healthier record when compared to Raul who scored 323 goals in 741 games. Showing no signs of ageing, the 31-year-old is touted to raise the bar even further for the next number 7 at Real Madrid.
#4 Barcelona Number 10- Lionel Messi
Previously donned by Argentine superstar Juan Roman Riquelme and Brazilian magician Ronaldinho, Messi has definitely added a lot of grace and charm to the Barcelona Number 10 jersey. When he was handed the jersey at the start of the 2008-09 season post the departure of Ronaldinho, Messi was intimidated by the prospect that lay with continuing the player’s legacy. However, with Ronaldinho himself asking Messi to take his number, he obliged and the rest is history.
Messi is currently the leading goal scorer of all time at the club with 453 official goals and has bagged numerous personal accolades that not only make him one of the best footballers of all times, but also one of the best sportspersons of all times.
#5 Juventus Number 10- Paul Pogba
The Number 10 jersey of the Turin club has a rich history with the likes of Fabia Capello, Michel Platini, Roberto Baggio and Alessandro Del Piero amongst the great footballers who have worn it. Touted as one of the best midfielders of the current generation, Paul Pogba was handed the number on the departure of Carlos Tevez and the Frenchman’s meteoric rise has complemented the greatness that is associated with the number he dons.
The midfielder, who was let go by legendary manager Alex Ferguson at Manchester United has won SerieA for four consecutive years (2012-16) and is expected to move back to his old home for a record-breaking fee in the current transfer window. While the transfer fee is believed to be in excess of £100 million and might seem excessive even by today’s inflated standards, he will instantly improve the frail United midfield.
