Football players seem to be drawn to jersey numbers and then become attached to them; sometimes, it’s because of their position on the field, such as the number 9 for a striker or the number 1 for a goalkeeper. However, some numbers, like 21, might simply be a favorite number that players choose because their idol wore it when they were young. If you think there couldn’t be many players wearing the number 21 jersey, surely not world-class players, then you’ll be quite surprised. Our list of seven football players wearing the number 21 jersey includes quality, world-class players with careers more distinguished than most; let’s get into it. Below are 7 soccer players with number 21 that bestsoccertips has compiled.
Top 10 famous football players with number 21
1. Paulo Dybala – Juventus, Roma & Argentina
World Cup 2022 champion Paulo Dybala has worn the number 21 jersey for most of his career, from Juventus to AS Roma, and even for the Argentina national team. A five-time Serie A champion with Juventus, Dybala is a lightning-fast forward with exceptional intelligence in the game. As expected of a South American footballer, Dybala’s technical skills are superb.
Although not the biggest striker in Serie A, Dybala utilizes his speed and ability to anticipate where the ball will go to evade defenders and score crucial goals. With a style similar to compatriots Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, Dybala is considered one of the most promising forwards Argentina has produced in many years.
2. Philipp Lahm – Bayern Munich & Germany
Former Bayern Munich full-back Philipp Lahm is undoubtedly one of the greatest attacking full-backs of all time. Pep Guardiola described the former Bayern captain and Germany international as the smartest player he has ever coached, and it’s easy to see why; Lahm could do everything and play in almost every position on the field.
Bayern’s number 21 could operate on both wings, deliver excellent crosses, coordinate with teammates, and be an excellent defender. Lahm won every domestic honor at Bayern, including 8 Bundesliga titles, the Champions League, the Super Cup, and the World Club Cup. He also played a crucial role in helping Germany lift the 2014 World Cup trophy and was selected for the tournament’s All-Star team.
3. Frenkie de Jong – Barcelona & Netherlands
The youngest player on our list, former Ajax star and current Barcelona midfielder, Frenkie de Jong’s career has progressed rapidly since joining Ajax’s first team at the age of 19. Just 57 games into his stint with the Amsterdam giants, de Jong was acquired by Barcelona for a whopping €75 million. Barcelona identified de Jong as one of the most promising players in world football, and de Jong fits perfectly into Barcelona’s style.
He holds the ball and wants more, and when he gets it, he knows exactly what to do with it. With most of his career ahead of him, the hefty price tag seems like a bargain. Frenkie de Jong’s style of play has been compared to that of former West German sweeper Franz Beckenbauer, a style that in normal cases is enough to make any player feel pressured. The young Dutch international seems to be giving his all, and Barcelona’s number 21 seems poised for an outstanding career in European football.
4. Zinedine Zidane – Juventus, Real Madrid & France
If Frenkie de Jong represents the future of European football, then Zinedine Zidane is a part of football history, with a career even more illustrious. Arguably France’s greatest footballer ever produced, Zidane was an enigmatic player, with the finesse of a ballet dancer and the power of an NFL linebacker. Zidane is one of the most talented players in history and can exploit even the smallest gaps, and with his size and strength, he is nearly impossible to dispossess.
As a World Cup champion with France in 1998 on home soil, Zidane excelled at Juventus but became a phenomenon at Real Madrid. Although only securing one La Liga and one Champions League title during his time at Madrid, Zidane’s performances week in and week out were extraordinary. With the most sublime skills, Zidane could change a game in an instant. His match-winning goal in the 2002 Champions League final is one of the most astonishing volleys you’ll ever see.
5. Andrea Pirlo – AC Milan, Juventus & Italy
Andrea Pirlo is undoubtedly a staunch fan of the number 21 jersey as he wore it in every season of his 20-year career. Starting at Brescia in 1996, the future Italian legend began his professional football career wearing the number 21 jersey, and two decades later, he retired at New York City FC wearing a similar number. As one of the greatest deep-lying midfielders of all time, Pirlo was a master of free kicks and long passes like no other.
After ten successful seasons with AC Milan, Pirlo was allowed to depart on a free transfer and was quickly snatched up by Juventus. Four titles in four subsequent seasons, with the Azzurri stalwart at the heart of everything the Turin club did. Rarely dispossessed and seldom breaking a sweat, Pirlo did everything calmly, executing 80-yard passes that seemed mundane and making opponents do all the work for him. Having such an intelligent player sitting in front of the defense allowed his teammates to move freely and made Pirlo one of the greatest midfielders in football history.
6. Luis Enrique – Barcelona & Spain
There aren’t many players who have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona and succeeded at each club, but Luis Enrique, the former Spanish midfielder, amassed a total of 364 appearances for the top two Spanish clubs. Enrique even went on to manage Barcelona after retiring before moving on to the Spanish national team. The versatile number 21 had spent 5 seasons with Real Madrid before transferring to their eternal rivals in 1996.
Eight successful seasons with the Catalan club would make Luis Enrique a beloved figure at the club; his 73 goals in 207 appearances were a remarkable return for a player who could play anywhere in midfield or attack. His versatility as well as his skills made him a sought-after player by Barcelona, and while it was a move that disappointed Real Madrid fans, it certainly was a beneficial move for the player. Enrique’s 16-year career saw him score 107 goals, averaging one goal every four matches.
7. David Silva – Manchester City & Spain
When a player’s nickname is “Merlin,” you know you’re about to see something special. Former Valencia academy player, David Silva, crafted his career as the most creative and exciting number 21 in football. After six trophy-laden seasons in Valencia’s midfield, Silva’s skills were bound to take him to the top. In 2010, Manchester City acquired David Silva from Valencia. The World Cup and European Championship-winning midfielder would go on to spend the next decade as one of Europe’s finest attacking players.
Silva is the most dangerous player on the pitch, no matter how much Manchester City has spent; when he plays well, City cannot be contained. There’s a genuine argument to be made that David Silva is the greatest number 21 in history; however, he has won a World Cup and European Championship with Spain, he’s also a four-time Premier League champion, winning five League Cups and two FA Cups.
Conclusion
The legacy of the number 21 in football is one of versatility, brilliance, and enduring impact. From the commanding presence of Zinedine Zidane to the creative flair of David Silva, each player who has worn this jersey has left an indelible mark on the sport. Their ability to dictate play, score crucial goals, and lead their teams to victory has made them icons of the game. As we reflect on their contributions, it’s clear that the number 21 represents more than just a jersey—it symbolizes a tradition of excellence and innovation that continues to inspire players and fans alike.
