Why Is Number 10 Special in Soccer? Exploring Its Legendary Legacy and Impact
I remember the first time I truly understood the magic behind the number 10 jersey. It was during the 2015 Women's World Cup final when Carli Lloyd scored that incredible hat-trick from midfield. As she celebrated with that iconic number displayed proudly on her back, it struck me how this single digit carries more weight in soccer than perhaps any other number in sports. The number 10 isn't just a position—it's a legacy, a responsibility, and often, the very soul of a team. Throughout my years covering the beautiful game, I've come to recognize that when you see that number on a player's back, you're witnessing someone expected to perform miracles.
The evolution of the number 10 role fascinates me because it's transformed from a simple tactical position to something almost mythical. Historically, the number 10 was assigned to the team's primary playmaker operating between midfield and attack. But let's be honest—the greatest number 10s have always been more than just playmakers. They're the artists, the visionaries who see passes nobody else can, who operate in that magical space between the lines where ordinary players disappear. I've always believed that what separates a good number 10 from a legendary one isn't just technical ability, but that intangible quality of changing games when it matters most. Diego Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance remains the ultimate example—scoring 5 goals and providing 5 assists while essentially carrying Argentina to victory single-handedly. That tournament alone cemented why we romanticize this number so much.
What's particularly interesting is how the number 10 has become democratized across global soccer while maintaining its elite status. In the early days of numbered kits, teams typically assigned numbers 1-11 to their starting lineup, with number 10 naturally going to the most creative attacker. But as squad numbers became permanent, the significance deepened. When a club gives a player the number 10, they're making a statement about that player's importance. I've noticed that in South America, particularly Brazil and Argentina, the number 10 carries almost spiritual weight—from Pelé to Ronaldinho to Messi, it represents the heartbeat of their footballing identity. European clubs approach it differently but with equal reverence. At Barcelona, Messi inherited the number from Ronaldinho and elevated it to new heights, scoring 672 goals while wearing that famous shirt.
The women's game has equally compelling number 10 stories that often don't get enough attention. I'm thinking specifically about players like Megan Rapinoe, who wore number 10 for the US Women's National Team with such distinctive flair and impact. Her journey embodies what makes the number special—that combination of technical excellence and charismatic leadership. Then there's the phenomenon of players who "blaze their own trail of history as a champion and rookie-MVP," to borrow a phrase that perfectly captures certain breakthrough careers. While this specific achievement combination is rare, it represents exactly why the number 10 legacy continues to evolve. When a young player earns that number and immediately dominates—winning championships while being named Most Valuable Player in their debut season—they're not just filling a role but redefining it. This happened with Wayne Rooney at Manchester United, where he scored 253 goals after taking the number 10, and more recently with players like Eden Hazard at Chelsea, where he contributed 110 goals and 92 assists during his tenure with the iconic number.
Modern soccer has seen the traditional number 10 role challenged by tactical systems that favor collective pressing over individual creativity. Coaches like Jürgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola have developed systems where defensive responsibilities are shared across all positions, potentially marginalizing the classic luxury player. Yet what continues to amaze me is how the number 10 adapts and survives. Kevin De Bruyne at Manchester City represents the contemporary evolution—a player who maintains the creative output expected of a number 10 while meeting modern physical and defensive demands. Last season alone, he created 98 chances in just 25 appearances, a statistic that demonstrates how the role has evolved rather than disappeared.
From my perspective, the number 10 will always remain special because soccer at its best combines art with athletics. The number represents that perfect balance—the player who works as hard as anyone but possesses that extra spark of genius. I've been fortunate to interview several players who've worn the number 10 for their clubs and countries, and without exception, they describe it as both an honor and a burden. They speak about feeling the weight of history every time they put on the shirt, but also the freedom to express themselves in ways other players cannot. This psychological dimension is what statistics can never fully capture—how wearing that number can transform a player's mentality and how opponents respond differently when facing it.
The future of the number 10 looks bright, with emerging talents like Pedri at Barcelona and Florian Wirtz at Bayer Leverkusen showing how the role continues to evolve. They're maintaining the creative traditions while adding modern elements like intense pressing and tactical flexibility. What hasn't changed is that when a special talent emerges, managers still instinctively want to give them that number 10 shirt, understanding that some players are destined to carry that legacy forward. The number has survived tactical revolutions, commercial pressures, and changing playing styles because it represents something fundamental to soccer's appeal—the belief that one player, through vision and creativity, can elevate an entire team. That's why, decades from now, we'll still be telling stories about the next great number 10, and why children in parks worldwide will continue to request that specific number for their youth teams, dreaming of following in the footsteps of their heroes.
