By Jonathan Lewis | 25th Jan 2024
Our latest article on footballers who have had their jerseys retired is bound to intrigue you, whether you like betting on football on sites like Lottoland or are an all-round football fanatic. Let us know which player you think is missing from our list.
There are several types of fans in the football world, most of which are distinguishable based on behaviours and attitudes. There’s the one who will study a great guide for the best ways to bet on sports, and there are all-round football loyalties who will go to the extent of studying jersey numbers in particular leagues.
Whichever category you fall under, this write-up is bound to intrigue you as it discusses the names of football players who have had their jersey numbers retired. The fact is that football has evolved beyond what happens when the ball is on the player’s feet to the unwavering dedication of fans and the glorious history built by football legends. Read on!
Pele is regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His illustrious career saw him don the iconic No. 10 jersey for both Santos in Brazil and the New York Cosmos in the United States.
His incredible goal-scoring prowess, flashy skills, and three FIFA World Cup victories with Brazil made him a global sensation. Pele played for Santos for 18 years, then moved to Cosmos, where he made 107 appearances and scored 64 goals.
After 2 glorious years with Cosmos, Pele retired from football, and Cosmos retired his number 10 jersey to honour him.
Johan Cruyff is known for his innovative playing style and tactical brilliance. The Dutch maestro joined Ajax when he was 10 and won 8 Eredivisie titles, 3 European Cups, and one Intercontinental Cup.
The 3 times Ballon d’Or winner later moved to Barcelona, where he excelled playing different positions. He returned to Ajax as a manager between 1985 and 1988 and again to Barcelona between 1988 and 1996.
His Barcelona team won 4 consecutive Spanish League titles. Ajax retired his number 14 jersey on his 60th birthday in 2007.
Bobby Moore is said to be West Ham’s most outstanding player. He first appeared for West Ham at age 17, building a 16-year-old career to become Hammer’s most successful captain.
He made 544 appearances, including the victory in the European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1965. He won the Footballer of the Year award in 1964 and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year award in 1966.
West Ham retired Moore’s shirt No. 6 to honour his 50th anniversary since joining the club 15 years after his death. The jersey number was last won by Matthew Upson, who took the No15.
Maradona is a football legend usually termed one of the greatest footballers of all time. The Argentine played for Napoli between 1984 and 1991, delivering two Serie A titles and a total of 5 titles.
He was famous for creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates and his ability to control the ball. The club retired Maradona’s number 10 jersey in 2000. His home national team tried to do the same but Fifa declined the request.
AC Milan jersey No. 3 had not been worn since Maldini retired in 2009. He joined AC Milan at age 16 and went ahead to become one of the greatest defenders in the club’s history.
Maldini helped Milan win Serie A 7 times and 5 European Cup/Champions League titles. Although the number is not retired officially, it will only be reinstated if one of his sons makes it to the first team.
Like his mentee, Paolo Maldini, Baresi spent his entire 20-year career with AC Milan where he was the captain for 15 seasons. He played over 700 games, helping the club win 3 UEFA Champions, 6 Serie A titles, League/European Cup titles, 4 Italian Super Cups, and 2 Intercontinental Cups. The club retired his No. 6 shirt in 1997.
Zanetti had a successful 19-year career at Inter Milan, 13 of which he was the captain. He won the hearts of fans worldwide with his excellent ball carrier abilities. He made 858 appearances and retired with the record for the most trophies won with the club after winning 16.
After his last season, the club retired his No. 4 shirt in 2014 and appointed him vice president.
Retiring squad numbers is one of the highest honours a club or national team can give a player. Although more footballers had their shirt numbers retired, the players mentioned above achieved greatness on the field and became symbols of inspiration and admiration for football enthusiasts worldwide. Their retired jersey numbers are a perpetual reminder of these footballing legends’ indomitable spirit and enduring legacy.
