In the world of football, shirt numbers hold a special significance. They not only represent the player’s position on the field but also carry a sense of identity and history.
While most players opt for traditional numbers like 7 or 10, there have been instances where footballers have chosen some truly bizarre shirt numbers.
In this article, we will explore the 20 weirdest shirt numbers in football history.
1. Number 99
Perhaps the most famous unconventional shirt number is 99, worn by Brazilian striker Ronaldo during his time at AC Milan. The number 99 symbolized his explosive playing style and larger-than-life personality.
2. Number 0
Goalkeepers often wear the number 1, but in 2008, Italian shot-stopper Francesco Toldo shocked everyone by choosing the number 0 for his jersey at Internazionale. It was a bold statement that he was different from the rest.
3. Number 100
In 2015, Colombian forward Radamel Falcao donned the number 100 shirt for his national team. It was a unique way to celebrate his 100th appearance for Colombia.
4. Number 69
Known for his eccentric personality, French striker Eric Cantona wore the number 69 during his time at Marseille. The number choice raised eyebrows and became a talking point among fans and pundits alike.
5. Number 50
During his time at Barcelona, Brazilian right-back Dani Alves chose the number 50. He later explained that it represented the 50th anniversary of his favorite club, Bahia.
6. Number 23 1/2
When English defender Sol Campbell joined League Two side Notts County in 2009, he surprised everyone by wearing the number 23 1/2. It was a playful nod to his famous number 23 shirt.
7. Number 101
Italian striker Mario Balotelli has always been known for his unpredictable nature. In 2016, he chose to wear the number 101 while playing for Nice, signifying his desire to always go beyond the conventional.
8. Number 7 1/2
Argentinian midfielder Juan Roman Riquelme wore the number 7 1/2 during his time at Boca Juniors. The unusual number choice only added to his enigmatic persona.
9. Number 88
German forward Patrick Helmes wore the number 88 during his career. While it may seem like a random choice, the number 88 is often associated with neo-Nazi symbolism, although Helmes has denied any connection to it.
10. Number 17 1/2
During his time at Borussia Dortmund, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski wore the number 17 1/2. The number choice was a playful reference to his favorite band, AC/DC, and their song “Highway to Hell.”
11. Number 13 1/2
Spanish midfielder Santiago Cazorla wore the number 13 1/2 during his time at Villarreal. He explained that it represented his son’s birthday, which falls on the 13th of May.
12. Number 42
German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann wore the number 42 during his time at Arsenal. The number choice was a tribute to the book “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, in which 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything.
13. Number 77
Swedish striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic wore the number 77 during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. The number choice was a reflection of his larger-than-life personality and his desire to stand out.
14. Number 1/2
During a friendly match between Arsenal and Barnet in 2008, French striker Thierry Henry wore the number 1/2. It was a light-hearted gesture to entertain the fans and showcase his playful side.
15. Number 10+1
Argentinian forward Gabriel Batistuta wore the number 10+1 during his time at Fiorentina. The number choice was a tribute to his strike partner, Francesco Baiano, who wore the number 10.
16. Number 1.618
Known for his mathematical approach to the game, Romanian midfielder Gheorghe Hagi wore the number 1.618 during his time at Galatasaray. The number represents the golden ratio, which is often associated with beauty and harmony.
17. Number 1001
During his testimonial match for Barcelona, Spanish midfielder Xavi Hernandez wore the number 1001. It was a symbolic choice to celebrate his long and successful career at the club.
18. Number 0.5
When Dutch forward Robin van Persie joined Feyenoord in 2018, he chose the number 0.5. It was a playful nod to his half-season contract and a way to show his commitment to the club.
19. Number 20 1/2
During his time at Manchester United, English midfielder Paul Scholes wore the number 20 1/2. The number choice was a light-hearted way to acknowledge his long-standing partnership with fellow midfielder Nicky Butt, who wore the number 20.
20. Number 111
Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o wore the number 111 during his time at Anzhi Makhachkala. The number choice was a reflection of his desire to always give 111% on the field.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
