Few numbers in football hold as much significance or admiration as the number 10. There are other numbers like the iconic number 7, but we will talk about that in the upcoming posts.
Coming back to Number 10, some of the greatest players in history proudly wore the jersey in football. Think legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi – all number 10s. Let’s take a deeper look at the various aspects of the legendary number 10 in football and its significance.
Tactical Role of Number 10 in Football
In Football, players wear numbered jerseys primarily for identification purposes. In past, these would be the numbers from 1 -11, but these days, it can be any number. Coaches assign each player a specific number that corresponds to their position on the field. This numbering system helps managers, referees, teammates, and spectators easily distinguish between players during a match.
Now, why is the number 10 jersey in football so important? It holds great significance in football tactics and formation. In football tactics, the number 10 player often refers to the playmaker or attacking midfielder position. This player is typically the team’s primary creative force, responsible for orchestrating attacks, delivering key passes, and scoring goals. The number 10 position refers to the role of the attacking midfielder, who plays just behind the forwards but ahead of the midfielders. This position is crucial for linking the midfield and the attack, as the number 10 is responsible for creating scoring opportunities and dictating the pace of the game. Now, here’s where it gets interesting: while we often hear people talking about the “number 10” during a match, the player they’re referring to might not actually be wearing the number 10 jersey. In fact, the player in the number 10 position could be wearing any number on their back. What matters is their role on the field, not the number on their jersey. So, next time you hear someone mention the “number 10,” remember that they’re talking about the player in the attacking midfielder position, regardless of the jersey number they’re wearing at the time, and the story of number 10 in football revolves around it.
Importance of Jersey Number 10 in Football
As we already discussed the key role of a player wearing a number 10 in football. Let’s now see its history and its significance. The story of jersey number 10 in football traces its roots to the 1950s when the legendary Brazilian player Pelé proudly wore the iconic shirt. Following in his footsteps, a succession of footballing greats have donned the number 10 jersey, among them Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Zinedine Zidane. They are renowned for their extraordinary playmaking abilities. These players have left an enduring legacy on the game, shaping its history with their remarkable contributions.
In earlier times, teams usually assigned the number 10 to a central striker or goalscorer. However, with the evolution of the game’s tactics, the role has transformed into one requiring versatility. Nowadays, the number 10 often belongs to a player who can operate across both midfield and attacking positions, offering a dynamic presence on the field. In contemporary football, the number 10 is typically bestowed upon a player possessing exceptional vision, passing prowess, and technical abilities. They are tasked with being the creative spark behind their team’s offensive maneuvers, adept at unlocking opposing defenses through incisive passes, skillful dribbling, and accurate crosses.
Some Iconic Players who wore Number 10 in football
Lionel Andreas Messi: Arguably the most iconic modern-day number 10, Messi has redefined the role with his exceptional talent. With FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team, Messi has showcased unparalleled skill, scoring prowess, and playmaking ability. He has won numerous domestic and international titles, cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Diego Maradona: The Argentine maestro is another legendary figure who left an indelible mark while wearing the number 10 jersey. Maradona’s mesmerizing dribbling ability, vision, and leadership captivated audiences around the world. He famously led Argentina to victory in the 1986 FIFA World Cup, and people revere him as one of the greatest players in history.
Pelé (Edson Arantes do Nascimento): Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Pelé epitomized the number 10 role during his illustrious career with Brazil and Santos FC. Known for his incredible skill, athleticism, and goal-scoring prowess. Pelé won three FIFA World Cups with Brazil and remains a global icon of the sport.