There are few numbers in soccer that carry as much significance or admiration as the number 10. Some of the greatest players in history have worn this number on the back of their jerseys, and some of the greatest moments in the game have been created by a player wearing the number 10.
But why is this particular number so symbolic? What makes it so special?
Why the Number 10 Jersey Is Considered to Be So Significant?
There are a few reasons why the number ten jersey is considered to be so significant in soccer. First and foremost, it is generally accepted that the number ten jersey represents the “playmaker” or “creator” role on the field. This player is responsible for setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities and is often relied upon to make the final pass or play that leads to a goal. As such, the number ten jersey is often seen as a symbol of leadership and importance on the field.
Additionally, the number ten jersey is also associated with some of the greatest players in history. Players like Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo have all worn this number with distinction, and have become iconic figures in world soccer. These players are known for their incredible skills and mesmerizing plays, which have thrilled fans around the globe. And because of their accomplishments wearing the number ten jersey, it has come to be viewed as a highly coveted honor.
There are many reasons why the number ten jersey is considered to be so significant in soccer. This number is associated with some of the greatest players in history, and it represents the key role of “playmaker” or “creator” on the field. As such, it is often seen as a symbol of leadership and importance. Additionally, the number ten jersey is coveted by many fans around the world, due to the amazing skills and plays of past players who have worn it. So if you have ever had the opportunity to wear this iconic number on your back, consider yourself very lucky indeed!
History of the Number 10 Jersey
To truly comprehend the meaning of the number 10 in soccer, you must understand a little about the history of why soccer players wear numbers.
The history of numbers on soccer jerseys dates back to Australia in 1911. The first recorded case of a soccer club wearing numbers on their backs was a match played between Sydney Leichhardt and HMS Powerful.
Teams in the South American country of Argentina were the next to start doing this in 1923, and the United States followed in March 1924 in a game between the Fall River Marksmen and the St. Louis Vesper Buick.
The first jerseys with numbers on them were worn in England, the birthplace of modern-day soccer, only in 1928.
The primary usage of numbers in soccer is to identify players.
The numbers on a player’s jersey eliminate the need for a referee to recall the name of each player.
The numbers on the field were originally used to distinguish one player’s position from another. Each position was given a number ranging from 1 to 11. This made clear which area of the field or position, the player was in.
Positioning of soccer numbers on the soccer field
What do these numbers in soccer represent?
- 1 – goalkeeper.
- 2 – right-back, however, there are no fullbacks on the field in most cases, and you’ll see a center defender wear that number.
- 3 – left-back, if a team doesn’t use fullbacks, the same rule applies to left-backs as it does to right-backs.
- 4 and 5 – central backs.
- 6 – central defender.
- 7 – right winger or midfielder.
- 8 – central midfielder.
- 9 – central forward.
- 10 – attacking midfielder, or playmaker.
- 11 – left-winger or midfielder.
These numbers are assigned to specific roles in typical soccer clubs.
This numbering system was useful in a variety of ways.
- It also assisted the coaches of the teams. They were now able to point to a specific number on the field and the entire team understood what position was being discussed.
- It was beneficial for the team as a whole. They could look around them and see the numbers on the back of their teammates’ jerseys to figure out where they were supposed to be playing.
- Fans also were delighted by the new format, which also benefited the athletes and spectators. It was especially useful before a game when looking at the player list. Previously, it was simply a list of names, but now each name had a number next to it, allowing fans to see where the player would be on the field.
However, there is no direct link between a number and a player’s position in modern soccer.
The only reason jersey numbers are significant in soccer is because they may be used to identify players. Although the numbers were previously assigned to specific duties or positions on a team, this is no longer the case. A player may wear any number that their club allows them to.
Why number 10 is so significant?
The significance of the number 10 jersey is largely due to its association with some of the greatest players in history.
At the height of their careers, players such as Pele, Maradona, Messi, and many more of the all-time greats have worn that number.
The number 10 jersey was frequently reinforced as being linked with only the greatest players while fans from all over the world watched them perform acts that went well beyond anything they’d seen before.
Kids all over the world dream of being one of these greats and donning their team’s tenth jersey.
Not only that but being a player in the position of a number 10 is one of the most exciting and entertaining positions to play or watch.
The numbers previously stayed in their assigned locations on the field. In other words, if one player is a central midfielder in one game and an attacking midfielder in the next, he would wear the numbers 8 and 10 respectively.
A number has only recently been tied to a specific player on a team rather than a position on the field. In today’s game, the number is assigned to a player in a team at the start of a season, and they are required to wear the same number throughout the season regardless of their position.
This is the backdrop for why the number 10 jersey became so significant.
