Exploring the world of soccer through jersey numbers offers a unique perspective on the impact and legacy of players. The number 25, in particular, has been worn by some exceptional talents who have left an indelible mark on the sport.
This article sheds light on these emblematic figures, detailing their contributions, their successes, and the importance of their actions in their careers.
1. Thomas Müller
Proudly wearing the number 25 shirt, Thomas Müller embodies excellence at Bayern Munich. His successful career includes multiple Bundesliga titles, Champions League victories, and German Cup triumphs. His influence is not confined to the club scene. At the international level, Müller has been a mainstay of the German national team, making a major contribution to its coronation at the 2014 World Cup. His impressive list of honors testifies to his ability to make an impact on matches, making him a player who cannot be ignored.
2. Mohammed Elneny
Elneny, who plays for Arsenal, is renowned for his rigor in midfield. With number 25, he won the Community Shield in 2020, adding another piece to his trophy collection. In addition to his club exploits, Elneny has also shone on the international stage with Egypt. An active participant in the African Cup of Nations campaigns, he was named in the tournament’s 2021 Team of the Tournament. His career, marked by a series of key performances, reflects his commitment and undeniable talent.
3. Jadon Sancho
Since his move to Manchester United, Sancho has quickly adopted the number 25 shirt. At Dortmund, he had already shone with his agility and creativity, scoring goals and providing assists. These qualities led his team to multiple successes, notably in the Bundesliga. For the national team, Sancho also brings his talent, fortified by his exploits at club level. His ability to influence the outcome of a match makes him indispensable to both Manchester United and England.
4. Manuel Akanji
Akanji, Manchester City’s central defender, also wears the number 25. Having arrived from Dortmund, he quickly found his place in City’s defense, contributing to the team’s solidity. His presence is also notable in the Swiss national team, where he contributes his defensive rigor. Akanji’s performances for club and country bear witness to his consistency and importance on the pitch, making him a first-rate defensive pillar.
5. Niklas Süle
Süle, wearing the number 25 at Dortmund, is another example of a first-class central defender. Before joining Dortmund, he won several titles with Bayern Munich, confirming his status as a top-class player. With the national team, he continues to be a crucial element for Germany, taking part in various international tournaments. His stature and ability to read the game make him a formidable opponent, contributing to the defensive stability of both his club and his national team.
6. Nuno Mendes
Nuno Mendes’ arrival at Paris Saint-Germain marked the start of a fruitful era for the young defender. He played a key role in PSG’s conquest of Ligue 1 Uber Eats in the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 seasons, demonstrating a swift and effective adaptation to one of Europe’s top clubs. His contribution didn’t stop there; Mendes also helped his team win the Champions Trophy in 2022/2023, proving his impact on his club’s success.
Before joining PSG, Mendes had already distinguished himself at Sporting CP, helping his team win the Betclic Liga Portugal in 2020/2021 and the Portuguese Supercup in 2021/2022. These early achievements, both domestically and internationally, are a testament to his immense talent and influence on the pitch. Mendes continues to prove that he can make a significant contribution, no matter the size of the stage or the pressure of the match.
7. Alessandro Florenzi
Alessandro Florenzi, who wore the number 25 during his time at AC Milan, now sports the number 42. This change of number in no way diminishes his impact on the pitch. With Paris Saint-Germain, he helped them win the French Cup and the Champions Trophy in 2021, demonstrating his versatility and leadership.
Joining AC Milan, Florenzi has continued to perform at the highest level, contributing to the team’s Serie A triumph in 2022. Moreover, his role in Italy’s triumph at Euro 2021 underlines his importance on the international stage. These successes reflect not only his talent on the pitch but also his ability to adapt and excel in different competitive contexts.
8. Jesús Vallejo
Jesús Vallejo, defender for Real Madrid, has marked his passage with significant victories. His contribution was crucial in securing the Champions League in the 2017/2018 and 2021/2022 seasons. These successes highlight his role in confrontations at the pinnacle of European soccer. In addition, Vallejo played a decisive role in the victorious UEFA Super Cup campaigns in the same seasons, while reaching the final in 2018/2019.
Vallejo’s career extends beyond European competitions. He has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s victories at the Club World Championship, triumphing in 2017 and 2018 in the United Arab Emirates, and again in 2022 in Morocco. These triumphs underline not only his defensive excellence but also his ability to rise to the occasion at global events, cementing his reputation as a leading international defender.
9. Emmanuel Dennis
Dennis shone for Club Brugge, where he wore the number 25 shirt. His performances in Belgium and in European competitions highlighted his speed and efficiency in front of goal. Although he has since changed clubs, his impact at Club Brugge remains memorable. On the international scene, he began to make his mark with Nigeria, promising to bring his dynamism and goalscoring talent to the table. His career, marked by key moments, underlines his potential for further development.
10. Adrien Rabiot
Adrien Rabiot, throughout his impressive career, has accumulated a remarkable number of trophies, affirming his position as one of the most accomplished midfielders of his generation. With Paris Saint-Germain, he has been crowned French champion on six occasions (2012/2013, 2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019), underlining his vital contribution to the club’s dominance in French soccer.
In addition to his Ligue 1 successes, Rabiot has played a key role in PSG’s French Cup (2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2017/2018), French League Cup (2013/2014, 2014/2015, 2015/2016, 2016/2017, and 2017/2018), and French Super Cup (2015/2016, 2016/2017, 2017/2018, and 2018/2019) victories. These successes testify to Rabiot’s lasting impact at PSG before he departed for Juventus.
At Juventus, Rabiot continued to add to his trophy cabinet, winning the Italian championship in the 2019/2020 season, the Italian Cup, and the Italian Supercup in 2020/2021. On the international stage, he contributed to the French team’s triumph in the UEFA Nations League in 2021. Rabiot’s ability to impose himself and win in different competitive environments demonstrates his versatility, talent, and importance as a first-class central midfielder.
11. Antonio Valencia
Antonio Valencia, renowned for his incredible versatility and commitment, wore the number 25 with distinction during his career at Manchester United. Under this number, he contributed to a landmark period of success for the club, including winning titles in the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League. Valencia was also a key figure in the club’s EFL Cup and Community Shield victories, demonstrating his tactical importance and defensive reliability on each occasion.
During his career with Manchester United, Valencia was crowned Premier League champion on several occasions, underlining his role in one of England’s most dominant teams. In addition, his contribution was crucial in winning the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the Europa League, adding to his personal palmarès. On the international stage, although he has not won any major trophies with Ecuador, his presence has always been a motivating factor for his national team. On May 12, 2021, Valencia announced his retirement from professional soccer, leaving behind a legacy of determination, leadership and success.
12. Emmanuel Adebayor
Emmanuel Adebayor, a renowned striker, has worn the number 25 shirt for several prestigious clubs in his career. His size and technique have enabled him to distinguish himself in attack, where his eye for goal has often been decisive. Adebayor remains an emblematic figure in Togolese soccer, having left an indelible mark on every team he represented.
13. Fernandinho
Fernandinho, currently with Club Athletico Paranaense, is widely recognized for his significant influence on the pitch when he wore the number 25 shirt at Manchester City. During his time at City, he played a central role in the team’s dominance at both domestic and European level. His contribution was essential in winning several Premier League titles, marking the club’s history with his leadership and versatility.
In addition to his club-level success, Fernandinho has also shone on the international stage with Brazil. Although he didn’t wear the number 25 for the national team, his impact was no less significant. His career has been punctuated by important victories, including in competitions such as the Copa America. Fernandinho has repeatedly demonstrated his ability to raise his game at crucial moments, cementing his reputation as a world-class defensive midfielder.
14. Fernando Reges
Currently with Sport Club Internacional, Fernando Reges has also shone with the number 25 at Sevilla, Porto, and Galatasaray. His presence as a defensive midfielder was essential, providing balance and security. His vision of the game and ability to intercept the ball have played a key role in his team’s success.
15. Gianfranco Zola
Gianfranco Zola, renowned for his creativity and agility, left an indelible mark on Chelsea with the number 25 shirt. His dribbling, precise passing, and ability to score spectacular goals delighted fans. Zola remains an icon of Italian soccer and a legend at Stamford Bridge, where his talent was celebrated at every match.
16. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Throughout his career, Klaas-Jan Huntelaar has been synonymous with precise finishing. Wearing the number 25 shirt at Ajax and during his time in the Bundesliga, he collected trophies thanks to his incredible eye for goal. His determination and efficiency in front of goal made him a feared and respected striker.
17. Nwankwo Kanu
With his imposing stature and technical talent, Nwankwo Kanu has left his mark on soccer with the number 25 shirt. His ability to change the course of matches, whether in the Premier League or with the national team, has made him a legend. His unique footwork and calm in front of goal have inspired many young players around the world.
