In football, the player wearing the number 18 jersey is known to possess top-notch talent. Paul Scholes, a revered English midfielder, famously wore this jersey during his time at Manchester United, showcasing remarkable passing skills. Following him is Jordi Alba, the Spanish left-back, who currently wears the number 18 jersey at Inter Miami CF. He consistently demonstrates remarkable defensive and offensive maneuvers. These football stars simply represent the finest, their work on the field adorned with that distinctive number 18 jersey. And bestsoccertips.com will compile a list of the top 10 soccer players with the number 18 through the following article!
List of 10 best soccer players with number 18:
1. Paul Scholes (Manchester United)
Paul Scholes is not just a name in the global football scene; he is also one of the most famous players to wear the number 18 jersey. This English football coach, pundit, and former player has left a memorable mark throughout his playing career with Manchester United.
Having enjoyed two decades of success with the club, Scholes scored over 150 goals in more than 700 appearances from 1993 to 2013. His trophy cabinet boasts 25 accolades, including 11 Premier League titles. Scholes emerged from the Manchester United academy, part of the famous “Fergie’s Fledglings.” Debuting in the 1994–95 season, he made 718 appearances, ranking third in the club’s history.
After a brief retirement in 2011, he returned in 2012, concluding his playing career in 2013. Scholes also represented the England national team from 1997 to 2004, earning 66 caps and participating in FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championships.
His retirement from international play in 2004 was reportedly due to prioritizing his family and club career. Following retirement, Scholes focused on coaching, briefly managing Oldham Athletic in 2019 and holding a temporary role at Salford City in 2020. Today, off the pitch, he continues to contribute to football as a respected coach and pundit.
2. Jordi Alba (Spanish National Football Team, Barcelona, Inter Miami CF)
Jordi Alba Ramos is currently enjoying his playing time at Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, wearing the number 18 jersey. He is widely regarded as one of the finest left-backs of his generation. Alba’s journey began at Barcelona, where he amassed an impressive 16 major trophies, including La Liga titles, Copa del Rey triumphs, and a UEFA Champions League trophy.
He has also excelled on the international stage, earning 23 caps and scoring a goal at youth level upon his debut for the Spanish national team in 2011. Alba was a key figure in the squad that clinched the UEFA Euro 2012 title, and he has represented Spain in numerous FIFA World Cups and UEFA European Championships. He even led the team to victory in the UEFA Nations League 2022–23. In a surprising move in 2023, Alba announced his retirement from international play, closing a notable chapter in his career.
3. Ashley Young (Aston Villa, Manchester United, Everton)
Ashley Young is a professional footballer donning the number 18 jersey, having worn it since his time at Manchester United during the 2011/2012 season. In January 2007, Young moved to Aston Villa for £8 million, where he was awarded the PFA Young Player of the Year in 2009.
His talent subsequently led to a transfer to Manchester United for £17 million in June 2011. At United, he won 5 titles, including the Premier League in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016, and the Europa League in 2017. Young’s leadership qualities were acknowledged when he was appointed club captain in 2019. However, the English winger embarked on a new chapter with Inter Milan in 2020, securing the Serie A title. This made him the third Englishman to achieve this feat. Returning to his roots in 2021, Young led Aston Villa to a commendable 7th-place finish in his second season before moving to Everton in 2023.
4. Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig, Chelsea)
Christopher Nkunku has excelled throughout his journey from RB Leipzig to Chelsea while retaining the number 18 jersey. Joining RB Leipzig in July 2019 for around €13 million, Nkunku quickly showcased his skills. He scored his first goal, debuting in a DFB-Pokal match in the Bundesliga. In a memorable performance against Schalke 04 in February 2020, Nkunku provided 4 assists.
However, his time at RB Leipzig reached new heights in the 2021-22 season, marked by a historic hat-trick in the UEFA Champions League and winning the Bundesliga Player of the Season award in May 2022 after scoring 20 goals and providing 13 assists in 34 league games.
The following season, he shared the league’s top scorer title with 16 goals. In a surprising move, Nkunku joined Premier League giants Chelsea in June 2023 for a reported fee of £52 million. Despite initial setbacks due to a knee injury in preseason, he had a memorable debut in December, scoring a penalty in the EFL Cup shootout win against Newcastle United. His Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers saw him make an impact from the bench with a late goal. Nkunku continued to impress by scoring again against Liverpool in January 2024.
5. Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Aurelien Tchouameni is a professional footballer donning the number 18 jersey. The rising star made headlines on June 11, 2022, when it was revealed that he would don the white jersey of Real Madrid starting from July 1, 2022. The French midfielder signed a hefty six-year contract with a transfer fee of €80 million, potentially rising to €100 million with additional clauses.
His official debut for Real Madrid came on August 10, when he came on as a late substitute in the thrilling 2–0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup. Just a month later, on September 30, 2023, Tchouameni scored his first goal for Los Blancos. His powerful header in the 3–0 victory against Girona also showcased his potential on the field. Tchouameni’s transition to the Spanish giants has been impressive. The impact of this young talent was immediate, helping him secure a vital trophy for the club in his debut match and contributing with a memorable goal in La Liga.
6. Trent Alexander-Arnold (England National Football Team)
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the standout footballers with the number 18 jersey. His journey began representing England at various youth levels, showcasing his skills at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2015 and securing a spot for the England team at the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2017.
Progressing, Alexander-Arnold made his mark in the England senior team, debuting in March 2018 and earning a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the FIFA World Cup 2018. He scored his first international goal against the United States in a friendly match in November 2018. This young talent also contributed to England’s success in the UEFA Nations League in June 2019.
Though named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2020, he faced disappointment due to a thigh injury. However, Alexander-Arnold bounced back, securing his place in England’s 26-man squad for the FIFA World Cup 2022. In the UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers, he once again showcased his class with a notable long-range goal against Malta.
7. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal FC)
Joining the Premier League in 2021, Takehiro Tomiyasu quickly became a notable figure at Arsenal FC. On August 31, he signed a four-year contract with a fifth-year option, with a transfer fee ranging from £15.5 million to £17 million. Arsenal’s manager and technical director, Mikel Arteta and Edu, praised him as a “key member of the team.” Tomiyasu marked his Arsenal debut on September 11, securing a 1–0 victory against Norwich City.
His impact earned him Arsenal’s Player of the Month award for September 2021. In August 2023, he faced both triumph and controversy, starting with a 1–0 win against Crystal Palace but receiving a contentious red card in the 67th minute. The Japanese defender also showcased versatility in the EFL Cup 2023–24, contributing to a clean sheet victory against Brentford in the center-back position.
On October 28, 2023, he scored his first goal for Arsenal in injury time in the 5–0 win against Sheffield United. Fans acknowledged his remarkable contributions, and they voted him as the team’s MVP for October, marking his second accolade since September 2021.
8. Dirk Kuyt (Liverpool FC)
Dirk Kuyt is one of the most renowned footballers to wear the number 18 jersey. Joining the club in 2006, Kuyt’s move from Feyenoord was propelled by the desire to play for a “truly big club,” and Liverpool proved to be just that. He made his debut in a match against West Ham United in 2006, and Kuyt quickly gained recognition for his unique defensive approach in the forward position.
Kuyt possessed determination and exceptional skills. Notably, Kuyt played an integral part in Liverpool’s penalty shootout victory over Chelsea in the 2006–07 Champions League semi-finals, showcasing his tenacity. The following season saw him score crucial goals, contributing to Liverpool’s impressive Champions League campaign.
In the 2008–09 season, Kuyt’s reputation as a “big game player” soared with vital goals in crucial matches. His tally of 15 goals in that season marked his personal best for the club as they finished as Premier League runners-up.
The 2009–10 season demonstrated his versatility as a central striker due to injuries, where he also impressed. Memorable moments include a hat-trick against Manchester United and a late penalty against Arsenal.
9. Gareth Barry (Manchester City, Everton, West Bromwich Albion)
Gareth Barry is a record-breaker and one of the outstanding footballers to wear the number 18 jersey. The former professional midfielder proudly boasts 653 Premier League appearances. Did you know that no other player in the history of the league has matched this record? Barry’s journey began at Aston Villa, where he spent 12 years, captaining the side and making 441 appearances.
In June 2009, Barry moved to Manchester City for £12 million. There, he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title in the following season. A loan spell concluded three years of play for Everton in July 2014. As his contract ended, Barry embraced a new challenge with West Bromwich Albion. On August 27, 2020, he announced his retirement from football.
10. Jermain Defoe (Tottenham Hotspur, Toronto FC, Sunderland AFC, AFC Bournemouth)
Defoe joined Tottenham Hotspur in January 2004 after West Ham was relegated in 2003, spending 4 years with the club before a brief spell at Portsmouth. In 2009, Defoe returned to Tottenham. He also ventured into Major League Soccer (MLS) with Toronto FC in 2014, then returned to England in 2015 to join Sunderland.
In April 2011, he became the 20th player to reach the milestone of 100 goals in the Premier League, also becoming the ninth highest goalscorer in Premier League history and sixth highest in Tottenham’s history. He also holds the record for most goals scored as a substitute, with 24. Defoe’s journey took him to AFC Bournemouth in 2017 and a loan spell with Scotland’s Rangers in 2018, where he played a part in helping the club secure the 2020–21 championship at the age of 38.
Conclude
In conclusion, the number 18 jersey in football has been adorned by remarkable talents throughout the years, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. From legendary figures like Paul Scholes and Dirk Kuyt to rising stars like Aurelien Tchouameni and Trent Alexander-Arnold, these players have exemplified skill, determination, and leadership on the field. Whether it’s through crucial goals, unwavering defensive prowess, or record-breaking appearances, they have etched their names into footballing history. The legacy of these players serves as a testament to the significance of the number 18 and their enduring impact on the beautiful game.
