The Top 10 Greatest Footballers to Ever Wear the Iconic No. 10 Shirt

The No. 10 jersey is more than just a number—it’s a symbol of creativity, brilliance, and leadership on the pitch. Traditionally worn by the team’s most skillful and influential player, it has become synonymous with legends who redefine football. Here’s a look at the top 10 players who made history wearing this revered shirt number.

10. Mesut Özil

Mesut Özil was one of football’s most prolific playmakers of his generation. He dazzled at Real Madrid before moving to the Premier League, where he often lacked teammates of his caliber. Despite his polarizing career, Özil’s sublime vision, technique, and creativity made him a quintessential No. 10 for club and country, earning him multiple German Player of the Year awards.

9. Juan Román Riquelme

A magician with the ball, Juan Román Riquelme is considered one of the most enigmatic footballers of all time. His spellbinding performances for Boca Juniors earned him a revered status in Argentina, even surpassing Maradona in some fans' hearts. His unmatched close control, visionary passing, and languid genius defined the No. 10 role.

8. Francesco Totti

The ultimate one-club man, Francesco Totti epitomized loyalty and class at AS Roma. His sublime technique, playmaking prowess, and eye for goal made him one of Italy’s finest No. 10s. Totti’s influence extended beyond Rome, inspiring generations of players to don the No. 10 with pride.

7. Michel Platini

Michel Platini was a maestro in midfield long before his controversial tenure as UEFA president. A three-time Ballon d'Or winner in the 1980s, his pinpoint passing, set-piece mastery, and creative brilliance made him one of the finest to ever wear the No. 10.

6. Dennis Bergkamp

Dennis Bergkamp’s elegance on the ball and extraordinary vision set him apart. Known as the "non-flying Dutchman," he dazzled at Arsenal, where Thierry Henry famously declared him the best player he ever played alongside. Bergkamp redefined the No. 10 role with his flair and intelligence.

5. Ronaldinho

With a flair that bordered on art, Ronaldinho made football joyful. He mesmerized fans with his samba skills, impossible flicks, and dazzling tricks. Wearing the No. 10 for Barcelona and Brazil, Ronaldinho combined entertainment with deadly effectiveness, making him a true legend.

4. Zinedine Zidane

Zinedine Zidane’s brilliance in the No. 10 role is legendary. While he wore No. 5 at Real Madrid, his career-defining moments with France, including winning the World Cup and European Championship, solidified his reputation as one of football’s greatest ever playmakers.

3. Diego Maradona

Few players embodied the No. 10 like Diego Maradona. His dazzling dribbling, vision, and audacity made him a one-man highlight reel. From his "Hand of God" to his "Goal of the Century," Maradona defined the mystique of the No. 10 with unparalleled charisma and talent.

2. Pelé

Pelé is the original No. 10, revolutionizing football with his dynamic play and goal-scoring prowess. The only player to win three World Cups, Pelé’s legacy in the No. 10 shirt inspired generations. His genius made the number synonymous with creativity, skill, and success.

1. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi is the ultimate No. 10, blending the best attributes of playmaker, goal-scorer, and magician. With a record-breaking seven Ballon d'Or awards and countless unforgettable moments, Messi redefined what it means to wear the No. 10. He is widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time.

These players transformed the No. 10 shirt into a badge of brilliance, forever shaping its legacy as the number for football’s finest.