In the aftermath, the idea was cast aside by English football’s governing body, but after various reported instances of sides wearing them for the next decade or so, it was decided that all players should wear numbered shirts in 1939. The man that much of this is ultimately down to is legendary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman, who pioneered the idea of numbered strips in a match with Sheffield Wednesday back in 1928. Naturally, to fully understand it, we need to take a few steps back. Strikers typically wear numbers 9 and 10, while the number 11 is usually assigned to a winger. 10 for Arsenal.Īs supporters, we know these numbers are a bit peculiar, but why does something so trivial irritate us? Where does this seemingly inherent instinct emerge from? And why is it such a big deal anyway? 5 for Everton, or the uncomfortable feeling that festered when William Gallas wore No. With some teams, it’s because of the importance of that position. Also, the goalkeeper is often seen as the most important player on the pitch. It’s the reflex that niggles at us when we see Samuel Eto’o donning No. Here is what the numbers represent in more detail: 1 this number is usually assigned to the goalkeeper, as the goalkeeper is usually the first name on the team list. Discover the fundamentals of soccer position numbers in this insightful blog.
There are some players that don’t look quite right in their shirt numbers.Įtched into our soccer consciousnesses are intangible, requisite criteria when it comes to the number a player should have emblazoned on the back of his jersey. Russia has begun using a powerful aerial bomb that has decimated Ukrainian defenses and tilted the balance on the front lines.