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Squad number (association football)


Squad numbers are used in association football to identify and distinguish players that are on the field. Numbers were originally used to also indicate position, with starting players being assigned numbers 1–11. Although these numbers often bear little or no significance in the modern game other than the players' favorite numbers and the numbers available. However, numbers 1–11 are often still worn by players of the previously associated position.

As national leagues adopted squad numbers and game tactics evolved over the decades, numbering systems evolved separately in each football scene, and so different countries have different conventions. Still, there are some numbers that are universally agreed upon being used for a particular position, because they are quintessentially associated with that role.

1 is frequently used by the starting goalkeeper, for instance, as the goalkeeper is the first player in a line-up.

10 is one of the most emblematic squad numbers in football, due to the sheer number of football legends that used the number 10 shirt; playmakers, second strikers and attacking midfielders usually wear this number.

7 is often associated with effective and profitable wingers or second strikers.

9 is usually worn by centre forwards or strikers, who hold the most advanced offensive positions on the pitch, and are often the highest scorers in the team.

A particular squad number can be affixed to a certain player of a team, it can become synonymous with them and comparisons can often be drawn for anyone who is since assigned that number.

The first documented instance of numbers being used in association football was on 30 March 1924 when the Fall River Marksmen played St. Louis Vesper Buick during the 1923–24 National Challenge Cup.

The first time numbers were used in association football in Europe was 25 August 1928 when Sheffield Wednesday played Arsenal and Chelsea hosted Swansea Town at Stamford Bridge. Numbers were assigned by field location:


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