The number 10 shines on the backs of soccer’s greatest masters, a mark of creative genius and undisputed leadership. This article pays tribute to the icons who have worn this number with uncommon grace and talent, shaping the history and culture of world soccer. Their legacy, rich in technical and tactical feats and unforgettable moments, continues to inspire new generations of players and fans across the globe. Let’s explore the impact and achievements of these legends of the number 10.
1. Lionel Messi
Considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi has dazzled the soccer world with his unrivaled talent. Wearing the number 10 shirt for FC Barcelona for most of his career, he collected a plethora of trophies, including four UEFA Champions Leagues, and ten La Liga titles, and made history by winning the World Cup with Argentina.
His Copa America triumph adds the finishing touch to an already exceptional list of honors, illustrating his dominance at both club and international level. With an impressive 34 trophies to his name, his performances have also earned him eight Ballon d’Or awards, a record.
Today, he continues his career with Club Internacional de Fútbol Miami, continuing to inspire fans and players around the world with his exceptional play.
2. Pele
The name Pelé is still synonymous with soccer. The Brazilian icon, who wore the number 10 shirt for Santos and the national team, revolutionized the sport with his exceptional play and flair. His career included three World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), making him the only player to have won this prestigious tournament three times. With over 1,000 goals to his name, Pelé left an indelible legacy, illustrated by his countless awards and distinctions, including the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award in 1958.
3. Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona made history by wearing the number 10 shirt for Napoli and the Argentine national team. His prodigious talent led Argentina to victory in the 1986 World Cup and helped Napoli win their first Serie A titles. Maradona accumulated numerous awards, including the Ballon d’Or d’honneur in 1996, testifying to his monumental impact on world soccer. His legacy lives on, inspiring generations of players with his creativity and unwavering passion.
4. Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane, often cited as one of the world’s greatest midfielders, shone with the number 10 shirt at Juventus and in the French national team. His achievements include winning the 1998 World Cup and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid in 2002. With a career marked by 15 major trophies and numerous individual awards, including the 1998 Ballon d’Or, Zidane transcended the game with his vision and technical mastery. Now recognized as a coach of the first rank, his influence on soccer remains profound and enduring.
5. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho captivated the world with his infectious smile and magical soccer. At FC Barcelona, wearing the number 10 shirt, he was the centerpiece of a team that won two La Liga titles and a UEFA Champions League. Winner of two Ballon d’Or awards (2005, 2006), he also contributed to Brazil’s triumph at the 2002 World Cup. Ronaldinho stands out for his ability to combine technique, creativity, and joy on the pitch, leaving an eternal legacy of unforgettable moments.
6. Dennis Bergkamp
Dennis Bergkamp nicknamed the “Non-Flying Dutchman” for his fear of flying, left an indelible mark on Arsenal, where he wore the number 10 shirt with distinction. His club career was crowned with success, including three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, contributing to a total of 11 major trophies. Bergkamp is also famous for his achievements with the Netherlands, having been a key component in several international tournaments. His technique, vision, and spectacular goals continue to be celebrated by soccer fans the world over.
7. Michel Platini
Michel Platini, at the heart of the game, made the pitches shine with Juventus and the French national team, proudly wearing the number 10 shirt. He played a key role in Juventus’ European Championship triumph in 1984 and led his club to win the European Champion Clubs’ Cup. Platini also won three consecutive Ballon d’Or awards (1983, 1984, 1985), underlining his influence and major contribution to soccer. His many trophies, including national titles, testify to the greatness of his talent and legacy.
8. Francesco Totti
Francesco Totti, AS Roma’s emblematic captain, has dedicated his entire career to his beloved club, where he proudly wore the number 10 shirt. His loyalty and exceptional talent were rewarded with a Serie A title and two Coppa Italia, among other distinctions. Totti also distinguished himself on the international stage, contributing to Italy’s success at the 2006 World Cup. With his vision of the game, his technique, and his ability to score memorable goals, he has etched his name among the legends of soccer.
9. Juan Roman Riquelme
Juan Roman Riquelme, a master of the midfield, shone with the number 10 shirt at Boca Juniors, where he was a central figure in the conquest of several Copa Libertadores titles. His game, characterized by surgical precision in passing and tactical intelligence, also lit up the international scene with Argentina. Riquelme is revered for his significant contribution to soccer, marked by club titles and performances that have captivated fans around the globe.
10. Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil reinvented the role of the number 10 during his epic run with Arsenal, before concluding his remarkable career at İstanbul Başakşehir. His major contributions include FA Cup triumphs, enriching Arsenal’s trophy cabinet, and an iconic 2014 World Cup win with Germany.
His exceptional vision of the game, combined with a unique ability to distill decisive passes, established Ozil as a legendary passer. What’s more, his style of play, characterized by elegance and technical precision, marked an era, inspiring midfielders the world over.
That said, Ozil left behind a lasting legacy as a player who transcended the expectations of the number 10. His performances, synonymous with creativity and excellence, continue to inspire admiration and respect, making him an icon of modern soccer.
11. Luka Modric
Midfield maestro Luka Modric continues to shine for Real Madrid, where he has worn the number 10 shirt with distinction. His career is littered with successes, including several UEFA Champions Leagues and a FIFA Club World Cup title. Crowned with the Ballon d’Or in 2018, Modric is hailed for his technique, perseverance, and ability to direct the game, making a profound mark on soccer history.
12. Neymar Jr
Brazilian soccer star Neymar Jr. has left an indelible mark on sporting history with his iconic number 10 for FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Now, he is adding a new chapter to his exceptional career with Al-Hilal Football Club. His unrivaled talent and considerable influence on the game are reflected in his eloquent list of honors, studded with titles at both national and international level.
With astonishing speed, impeccable technique, and an innate ability to score and create goal-scoring opportunities, Neymar continues to captivate and inspire. He’s not just a player; he’s a phenomenon that transcends borders, inspiring fans and future talent to dream bigger. His trajectory, marked by the number 10, continues to inspire admiration and inspiration across the soccer world.
13. Wayne Rooney
Wayne Rooney, a true prodigy of English soccer, embodied the fighting spirit and unrivaled talent of the number 10 for Manchester United and the national team. His approach to the game, combining physical strength and technical finesse, made him one of the most feared and respected strikers of his generation. At Old Trafford, his achievements have been spectacular, playing a crucial role in the club’s multiple Premier League titles, as well as UEFA Champions League and FA Cup victories.
Rooney has not only excelled at club level; he has also passionately led the England national team, where his leadership and determination have inspired his teammates in the most prestigious international competitions. His ability to surpass himself in key moments has often been the key to his team’s success.
His legacy, cemented by the number 10, is full of memorable moments that continue to inspire young footballers. Rooney wasn’t just an exceptional goalscorer; his vision of the game and ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him a living legend of the game. His commitment to the game and his impact on the pitch demonstrate why he is regarded as one of the greatest talents England has ever produced.
14. Dani Olmo
Dani Olmo, wearing number 10, was a key figure for Spain at Euro 2024. With three goals throughout the tournament, he not only made a significant contribution to his team’s attacking strategy but also claimed the title of top scorer in the competition. His outstanding performance played a crucial role in Spain’s victorious run, culminating in their triumph over England in the final in Germany.
Beyond his decisive goals, Dani Olmo’s presence on the pitch was a major asset to the Spanish team, demonstrating leadership and creativity that energized his teammates and destabilized opposing defenses. His achievements at this Euro 2024 not only affirmed his status as a key player at the international level but also promised to continue to greatly influence his career and legacy in world soccer.
