It’s surprising to learn that in 2022, some of the world’s most famous and daring footballers wore the number 17 jersey, even though research has shown it to be most common among attacking midfielders and wingers. Number 17 is the closest substitute to the revered jersey numbers 10 and 7. Given that most footballers can’t choose these iconic numbers when joining a new team, they often opt for 17. So, it’s no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Pele, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Roberto Baggio, Wayne Rooney, Alessandro Del Piero, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, and Neymar have all donned the number 17 jersey at some point in their careers. Let’s learn about number 17 soccer players with bestsoccertips through the following article.
Let’s delve into the top 10 football players who wore the number 17 jersey:
1. Sadio Mane (Bayern Munich)
Sadio Mané, adored for wearing the number 17 jersey, is a Senegalese forward who recently joined Bayern Munich from Liverpool this summer and has been given the number 17 jersey.
Ranked second in the 2022 Ballon d’Or awards, Sadio Mané is recognized as one of the premier left-wingers in football. Despite missing out on the World Cup due to injury, he’s been remarkably consistent at Bavaria, scoring six goals and providing three assists in the Bundesliga.
Mané’s agility, speed, and goal-scoring prowess have made a significant difference for Bayern Munich since joining the team. With his skill and relentless fighting spirit, Mané is proving himself worthy of the top spot in world football.
2. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
It’s quite surprising to learn that in 2022, some of the world’s most famous and daring footballers wore the number 17 jersey, despite research proving it to be most common among attacking midfielders and wingers.
Number 17 is the closest substitute to the revered jersey numbers 10 and 7. Knowing that most footballers can’t choose numbers 7 and 10, especially when joining a new team, they often opt for 17.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Pele, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, Johan Cruyff, Roberto Baggio, Wayne Rooney, Alessandro Del Piero, Ronaldinho, Zinedine Zidane, and Neymar have all worn the number 17 jersey at some point.
3. Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)
Raheem Sterling has truly showcased his stability and class, making him one of the sought-after players by top clubs. With a stellar career from Liverpool to Manchester City and now Chelsea, Sterling has proven his allure on every stage.
Starting his career at Liverpool, Sterling quickly rose to prominence and caught the attention of Manchester City. At the Etihad Stadium, he has enjoyed much success, winning numerous Premier League titles and even the UEFA Champions League. His versatility and goal-scoring ability have made him one of the top players in both England and Europe.
Moving to Chelsea marks a new chapter in Sterling’s career, but he started the season impressively with 5 goals across all competitions, showcasing his determination and talent. With the number 17 jersey of The Blues, Sterling promises to continue contributing to the success of the new team and bringing joy to Chelsea fans.
4. Lucas Vázquez (Real Madrid)
Lucas Vázquez, the Spanish winger, now 31 years old, is capable of playing as a wing-back and a winger. Although he only earned 9 caps for La Roja from 2016 to 2018, it didn’t diminish his impression in international football.
In La Liga and the UEFA Champions League, Lucas Vázquez has only appeared in 11 matches, but that’s just a small part of his creative career. He’s one of the most versatile players, having played in various positions for Real Madrid. His adaptability and flexibility have helped the Spanish giants achieve significant success in recent years. With his talent and experience, Lucas Vázquez continues to be a crucial figure in Real Madrid’s attack and a reliable teammate for La Roja.
5. Fred (Manchester United)
Frederico Rodrigues de Paula Santos, or Fred, joined Manchester United from Shakhtar Donetsk in 2018, marking a significant transition in his career from his early days at Internacional in Brazil.
Despite an unstable start at Old Trafford, Fred gradually asserted himself and became an indispensable part of the Red Devils’ lineup. With dedication and effort, he overcame challenges and left his mark on Manchester United’s history. With over 100 appearances since joining in 2018, Fred has solidified his position as one of the top box-to-box midfielders, contributing tirelessly both in defense and attack. His stability and performance have been crucial factors in Manchester United’s success in recent seasons.
6. Vitinha (PSG)
Vitinha, a 22-year-old midfielder, currently plays for PSG after joining the French giants from FC Porto in 2022. Previously, he had a notable spell in the Premier League when he joined Wolves on loan from PSG. His versatility and talent have attracted attention from top clubs.
Despite only making 5 appearances for the national team, Vitinha has shown enough maturity and potential to be included in the squad for the World Cup. His creativity on the ball, combined with his ability to create opportunities for teammates, has made him an integral part of the Portuguese national team and a notable talent in world football.
7. Cedric Soares (Arsenal)
Cedric Soares joined Arsenal in 2020, initially on loan from Southampton. Prior to that, the Portuguese player had several other loan spells, including a stint with Inter Milan. With his experience and talent, Cedric has become an integral part of the London club.
Cedric has impressed not only with his stability and performance on the field but also with notable achievements in the colors of the Portuguese national team. He was a crucial member of the Portuguese squad that won the Euro 2016, a historic event that the nation takes pride in for successfully hosting. Cedric Soares is not just a solid player on the field but also a part of the golden memories in the national football history of Portugal.
8. Filip Kostić (Juventus)
Filip Kostić, one of Serbia’s prized football stars, will be an indispensable part of the national team participating in the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. With outstanding qualities in attack, Kostić represents the strength of Europe and is expected to play a crucial role in creating goal-scoring opportunities for teammates like Dusan Tadić, Aleksandar Mitrović, and even club teammate Dusan Vlahović.
With vast experience, Kostić has played 21 matches for Juventus in Serie A and the Champions League, providing 5 assists and scoring 1 goal. His effectiveness is not only shown through statistics but also through how he shapes and controls the game. With excellent personal talent and technique, Kostić is not only a formidable attacking player but also one of the top wing-backs in the world today.
9. Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
Curtis Jones has stepped onto the field in the Liverpool shirt 49 times since officially joining the first team in 2018. At just 21 years old, he has had an impressive career, with achievements that not only dazzle fans but also affirm his potential.
Before achieving success at the highest level, Jones took his first steps in football at various youth teams in England. Although there was interest from national youth teams, his shining performances at Liverpool have raised questions about the national team he will choose in the future.
With Premier League, FA Cup, FIFA Club World Cup titles, and even a community shield in hand, Jones has proven his strength and earned respect from both former teammates and opponents. His versatility, talent, and fighting spirit are qualities that not only Liverpool but also the Three Lions desire in their lineup.
10. Cristian Romero (Tottenham)
Cristian Romero, one of Argentina’s promising young talents, is a new bright spot in the national team and has made a name for himself with success at the Copa America. With his move to Tottenham in the past year, Romero has started his new journey in the Premier League and has made an impact in over 6 matches.
Romero’s character is not only about determination and decisiveness on the field but also about intelligence and wisdom in adjusting his position and tackling. With this ability, he has attracted attention from football fans and received praise from experts. With immense potential, it’s no surprise that many predict Romero could become one of the top center-backs in the world in the near future.
Conclude
The tradition of footballers wearing the number 17 jersey, despite its statistical association with attacking midfielders and wingers, reflects a fascinating aspect of the sport’s culture. This phenomenon underscores the significance of this number as a symbolic alternative to the revered jersey numbers 10 and 7, especially when players cannot choose these iconic numbers upon joining new teams. The illustrious roster of players who have proudly worn the number 17 jersey, including legends like Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Johan Cruyff, highlights its enduring appeal and symbolic importance in the football world. Whether it’s Sadio Mane’s dynamic presence at Bayern Munich or Curtis Jones’ promising career at Liverpool, each player brings their unique talents and contributions to the game while adding to the rich tapestry of football history.
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