There are many iconic jersey numbers that football players can wear, mainly ranging from number 1 to number 11. It’s often said that many great players have chosen alternative jersey numbers over the years. Today, we’ll explore one such number, specifically number 20. We’ll look into some of the greatest players who have donned the number 20 jersey over the years and discover what makes them deserving of a spot on this list. Here are the 7 most famous soccer players with number 20 that bestsoccertips has compiled.
Top 7 famous soccer players with number 20
7. Sergi Roberto
If this list encompassed the finest players to ever wear the number 20 jersey, Barcelona wing-back Sergi Roberto might not have made the cut. He would almost certainly not be on this list if it weren’t for the events of March 8, 2017. In a match dubbed ‘La Remontada,’ Roberto scored a crucial goal to complete one of the greatest comebacks in sports history as Barcelona overcame Paris Saint-Germain to advance in the UEFA Champions League.
Roberto’s goal seemed deceptively simple, just tapping in with his outstretched foot after Neymar’s pass. In reality, the pressure was immense on the Spanish player’s shoulders. Apart from this goal, Roberto has been a steady, if not spectacular, player for his club and country and perhaps hasn’t received the deserved accolades for contributing to Barcelona’s successes in recent years. These days, he’s somewhat out of favor and seems poised to leave Camp Nou.
6. Dani Alves
One of the finest full-backs in football history, Dani Alves is a legend of both Barcelona and Brazil, having worn many jerseys during his time at the Nou Camp. Alves joined the Catalan giants in 2008 after a successful spell with Sevilla, a club he held dear and shed tears upon departing.
While donning the Barcelona jersey, Alves was assigned the number 20 and wore it throughout his first season with the club. At that time, expectations were high as the Brazilian was one of the most expensive defenders in the world. The fiery right-back was never one to shy away from tackles and received many yellow cards in his career. Alves missed the UEFA Champions League final victory over Manchester United after picking up a double yellow in the semifinal.
5. Deco
Another talented attacking midfielder, Deco, born in Brazil, wore the number 20 jersey twice in his career, for both Porto and Barcelona. Despite being born and raised in Brazil, Deco chose to play for the Portuguese national team professionally, leading to a stable international career that might not have been as successful if he had represented Brazil. After transferring from Porto in 2004, Deco played for a formidable Barcelona side that was becoming a powerhouse in the late 2000s.
In his first season with the Catalan giants, Deco won the La Liga title and was subsequently awarded the Player of the Year accolade. He was later honored by UEFA as the best midfielder in Europe following Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2007. As a player, Deco wasn’t known for his goal-scoring prowess, tallying just 11 goals for Barcelona in his 4 seasons with the club. The Portuguese midfielder was a pure creator and was highly appreciated by fans during his time.
4. Dele Alli
A player who once had the world at his feet, Dele Alli is one of the most talented English midfielders of his generation. After a bright start to his career with MK Dons and then Tottenham Hotspur, Alli moved to several clubs across Europe and is currently playing for Besiktas in Turkey, although he remains an Everton player at the time of writing.
Alli wore the number 20 jersey during his days at Tottenham Hotspur and dazzled fans at the old White Hart Lane for 7 years. He was a fan favorite for his ability to score from almost any position on the field and his innate passing skills. The English midfielder was part of the Spurs team that reached the famous UEFA Champions League final in 2019. Alli’s career has faltered almost overnight, and he seems destined to play outside the Premier League for the remainder of his career. Perhaps Everton will give this troubled midfielder another chance.
3. Gary Neville
Considered one of the greatest defenders in Premier League history, English legend Gary Neville wore the number 20 jersey for Manchester United in the 1990s before switching to number 2 later in his career. Neville rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system alongside many other promising players, forming the legendary ‘Class of ’92’ that would secure a treble in 1999. Neville became a stalwart figure of stability in the United lineup, becoming a remarkably reliable defender under the leadership of Sir Alex Ferguson.
In his nearly 20-year playing career, Neville made 400 appearances for Manchester United and was a player who epitomized everything that made United formidable in that era. After retiring in 2011, Neville transitioned into television broadcasting and has since worked for the UK-based media company Sky Sports. Alongside Jamie Carragher, Neville has become one of the nation’s most beloved pundits. He also owns a stake in Salford City FC, a team currently playing in League Two.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
A player who somewhat tarnished his legacy at Old Trafford during a disappointing stint as the club’s manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wore the number 20 jersey during his days as a super-sub for Manchester United. While playing for the Premier League giants, the Norwegian striker, nicknamed the ‘baby-faced assassin,’ scored some of his finest goals coming off the bench. However, none had a greater impact than the goal that sealed the UEFA Champions League victory over Bayern Munich in 1999.
Almost every Red Devils fan will steadfastly believe that this was the greatest ending to any major European final of all time, but I’ll leave that for you to decide. Of course, he returned to the club as a manager and failed to restore the club to its former glory. He was replaced in 2021 after a dismal start to the season.
1. Robin van Persie
While he might be more famous for wearing a different number, the ‘Flying Dutchman’ wore the number 20 jersey in what is considered his greatest season to date. Robin van Persie joined Manchester United ahead of the 2012–13 Premier League season with the aim of winning this title for the first time in his career. Already one of Europe’s top strikers, van Persie quickly adapted to life at Old Trafford and scored plenty of goals to help United towards their 20th national championship.
During his time at Manchester, van Persie scored some truly remarkable goals. Most notably, his volley against Aston Villa will forever be remembered by club fans as an iconic moment of the season. After Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure, van Persie stayed at the club during David Moyes’s tenure. He helped the club reach the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals at a time when it was considered a miracle due to poor domestic performances. Van Persie scored a total of 48 goals in 3 seasons at United before leaving for Turkey in 2015.
Conclusion
The number 20 jersey has been adorned by some of football’s most iconic figures, each leaving their own indelible mark on the sport. From super-subs like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, whose crucial goals secured legendary victories, to prolific strikers like Robin van Persie, whose skill and finesse dazzled fans around the world, these players have cemented their place in football history. Whether it’s moments of sheer brilliance on the pitch or enduring legacies off it, the legacy of these players will continue to inspire future generations of footballers and fans alike.
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