The number 29, often chosen far from the spotlight, has been worn by soccer players whose exploits and victories have shone on the international stage. This article explores the careers of these exceptional athletes, revealing how they transformed the number into a symbol of success and perseverance. From the conquest of prestigious titles to remarkable individual awards, immerse yourself in the world of these players who have made the number 29 an emblematic part of their sporting identity.
1. Kingsley Coman
Kingsley Coman, a dynamic French winger, worked wonders on the flank for Bayern Munich, sporting the number 29 between 2016 and 2021. During this time, he played a key role in the club’s multiple successes, including several Bundesliga titles and a Champions League win. Coman’s blistering pace, coupled with his ability to deliver precise assists, made him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
What’s more, his career path since adopting the number 29 at Bayern highlights an upward trajectory, reflecting his development as a key player on the European stage. His influence on the pitch continues to grow, proving that the choice of this number was the start of a golden era for him.
2. Per Mertesacker
Per Mertesacker, known for his imposing stature and intelligent play, began his professional career wearing the number 29, first at Hannover 96 and then at SV Werder Bremen. This period was the foundation of his rise to fame, where he honed the defensive skills that would later lead him to become an Arsenal icon and a world champion with Germany. His impact at Werder Bremen was particularly remarkable, helping to solidify the defense and leave a lasting mark on the Bundesliga.
Mertesacker’s transition to English soccer marked the start of a new era in his career, where he has continued to excel. His debut with the number 29 remains a testament to his humble beginnings and his evolution into a world-class defender.
3. Granit Xhaka
Granit Xhaka, a Swiss midfielder renowned for his ability to control the game, wore the number 29 shirt during his early seasons with Arsenal, before continuing his career with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. With the Gunners, his presence in midfield was often key to the team’s dynamic play, with Xhaka distinguished by his precise passing and physical commitment. This number, which he wore with pride, symbolizes his formative years in the Premier League, where he honed his style of play and established himself as a leader on the pitch.
Moreover, his move to Leverkusen shows a continuation of his commitment to excellence, bringing his experience and vision of the game to the Bundesliga. Xhaka remains an example of how a player can influence the game from midfield, making the number 29 a symbol of his growth and impact in soccer.
4. Kai Havertz
German soccer prodigy Kai Havertz shone under the number 29 shirt at Bayer Leverkusen, before continuing his rise at Chelsea and now Arsenal. His time at Leverkusen, marked by an impressive attacking contribution, laid the foundations for his status as a key player on the European stage. Havertz combines sharp vision with clinical finishing, qualities that have helped him adapt quickly and shine in competitive leagues.
His ability to influence the course of a match, whether in the Bundesliga, the Premier League, or on the international stage, shows the extent of his talent. The number 29, associated with his club debut, symbolizes the first steps of his promising career, which continues to progress towards even greater heights.
5. Aaron Wan-Bissaka
From the moment he arrived on the soccer scene, Aaron Wan-Bissaka established himself as a formidable defender. With Crystal Palace and then Manchester United, he wore the number 29 shirt, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his speed and defensive rigor. What’s more, his ability to make precise tackles earned him instant recognition. Currently playing for Manchester United, Wan-Bissaka continues to shine, although he has yet to add a major trophy to his trophy cabinet.
6. Manuel Lazzari
At the heart of Serie A, Manuel Lazzari makes the most of his talent with Lazio. Before joining the club, he also wore the number 29 shirt, distinguishing himself by his versatility on the pitch. His outstanding performances as a midfielder have contributed to his team’s success, although he is still in search of major individual and team honors. However, his contribution to Lazio remains invaluable, strengthening the team every season.
7. Álvaro Odriozola
Wearing the number 29 shirt with ACF Fiorentina and Real Sociedad, Álvaro Odriozola stood out for his versatility and commitment on the pitch. These qualities enabled him to play a key role in his teams. Back at Real Sociedad, his presence strengthens the defense and brings valuable experience gained through success in various European leagues.
Odriozola’s track record is a testament to his talent and ability to shine at the highest level. For Real Madrid, he won the Champions League in 2019/2020, the Supercopa in the same season, and the Club World Cup twice, in 2018 and 2022. His move to Bayern Munich in the 2019/2020 season was equally fruitful, enabling him to add the Bundesliga, German Cup, and UEFA Super Cup to his list of honors. More recently, with Real Sociedad, he contributed to the King’s Cup victory in 2022/2023. Every trophy he wins underlines not only his defensive contribution but also his ability to influence the game in his team’s favor.
8. Wilfried Zaha
Wilfried Zaha, who played for Manchester United where he wore the number 29 shirt, now shines for Galatasaray. His attacking talent and ability to outwit opposing defenses have made him one of the most dynamic strikers of his generation. Despite his modest achievements, Zaha remains a key player for his team, regularly contributing to their success.
9. Mattéo Guendouzi
Proudly wearing the number 29 during his time at Arsenal FC, Mattéo Guendouzi quickly made a name for himself thanks to his talent and determination on the pitch. Today, playing for Lazio Rome with the number 8 shirt, he continues to impress with his dynamic midfield and vision. His transition from Arsenal to Lazio has been marked by constant evolution, proving his ability to adapt and excel in different leagues.
Throughout his career, Guendouzi has accumulated several significant titles that testify to his impact on soccer. With Arsenal, he contributed to FA Cup victory in the 2019/2020 season, as well as Community Shield success in 2020/2021. On the international stage, he played a key role in France’s UEFA Nations League triumph in 2020/2021. These achievements illustrate not only his talent but also his ability to play a crucial role within his teams, contributing to their collective success.
10. Kylian Mbappé
From his debut wearing the number 29 at Monaco to his first year at Paris Saint-Germain, Kylian Mbappé has established himself as one of the world’s most feared strikers. His speed, technique, and goalscoring instinct have not only propelled his clubs to new heights but have also left their mark on the history of French soccer. Currently a star for PSG, Mbappé continues to shine, racking up goals and honors with impressive regularity.
At club level, Mbappé has played a key role in PSG’s multiple Ligue 1 wins, as well as their Coupe de France and Coupe de la Ligue successes. His talent has also been recognized on the European stage, contributing to PSG’s Champions League campaign. Internationally, he has been a mainstay of the French national team, leading them to triumph at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and reaching the final in 2022, where he was honored as the tournament’s top scorer. In addition, Mbappé was instrumental in France’s UEFA Nations League triumph in 2020/2021. His outstanding performances have earned him numerous individual awards, underlining his status as a global soccer phenomenon.
11. Álvaro Morata
Before joining Atlético Madrid, where he currently plays, Álvaro Morata left an indelible mark on every club he represented. With a career that has taken him from Juventus to Chelsea to Real Madrid, Morata has always made a difference, whether through his decisive goals or his ability to position himself in the right place at the right time. His time at these prestigious clubs has been marked by important victories and key contributions at crucial moments.
Morata’s track record reflects the diversity of his experience and success across Europe. With Real Madrid, he won the Champions League, illustrating his level of skill on club soccer’s most prestigious stage. With Juventus, he contributed to their Serie A successes, underlining his ability to adapt and excel in different styles of soccer. With the national team, Morata played a vital role in Spain’s Nations League victory in 2023, demonstrating his importance on the international stage. These victories, combined with his FA Cup successes with Chelsea, paint the picture of a complete striker, capable of making his mark in the most demanding competitions.
