What the Uniform Numbers in Pro Football Mean

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Every NFL football player's uniform bears a number. It's unique for his particular team—no one else can use or wear it. This makes it easier for fans, coaches, announcers, and officials to differentiate between the players on the field.

A jersey-numbering system was initially launched by the National Football League on April 5, 1973. The system assigned certain ranges of numbers to each player position from which a player could choose. Here are the original numbers from 1973. They've changed a little, but not much. 

  • 1 - 19: Quarterbacks , punters, and kickers
  • 20 - 49: Running backs and defensive backs 
  • 50 - 59:  Centers (or 60-79 if this range is taken) 
  • 60 - 79: Defensive linemen and offensive linemen
  • 80 - 89: Receivers and tight ends (or 40-49 if this range is taken)
  • 90 - 99: Defensive linemen and linebackers

Changes Over the Years

The original system stood until 2004, although not without objections from some players. Then the NFL changed it up to allow wide receivers and tight ends a bit more versatility—they, too, could claim numbers between 10 and 19 beginning in 2004.

The first three receivers taken in the draft that year grabbed number 11: Larry Fitzgerald, Roy Williams, and Reggie Williams. Randy Moss promptly changed his number to 18, and Plaxico Burress switched to number 17.

Then, in 2010, a rule was passed to allow defensive linemen to wear numbers 50 through 59. The NFL Competition Committee made another change in 2015, allowing linebackers to use numbers 40 through 49 for the first time.

A lot of great players have worn number 32 over the years, including Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, Franco Harris, and Marcus Allen.

Brown is considered to be one of the greatest, if not the greatest, running back to ever play in the NFL. Simpson achieved notoriety after his career ended, but people should not forget that he was also one of the greatest running backs in the history of the league. Harris helped the Pittsburgh Steelers win four Super Bowl championships, and he earned Most Valuable honors in one of them. Allen also helped his team, the Oakland Raiders, get to the Super Bowl, and he earned Super Bowl MVP honors. He was a six-time Pro Bowler.

This is the most famous and revered number in NFL history for quarterbacks. Several Hall of Famers have worn it through the generations, including Joe Namath, Terry Bradshaw, and Roger Staubach.

Namath, nicknamed "Broadway Joe" for his nightlife escapades off the field, is famous for his cocky prediction that his New York Jets would beat the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III. He backed up his boast by leading New York to a 16-7 win. Bradshaw was the Pittsburgh Steelers' quarterback in those great years of the 1970s, leading them to four Super Bowl titles in six years. Staubach is one of the Dallas Cowboys' all-time greats. He played on five Super Bowl teams and was the starting quarterback in four of them. He also earned Super Bowl MVP honors, becoming the first NFL player ever to win both a Super Bowl MVP award and the Heisman Trophy.

Other past greats to wear the number 12 include Ken Stabler, Jim Kelly, and John Brodie. Stabler, a lefty, was one of the greatest Oakland Raiders quarterbacks ever. Kelly led the Buffalo Bills to four Super Bowls, although they lost them all, and Brodie threw for over 31,000 yards in his illustrious career.

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How Do Football Numbers Work: Your Ultimate Guide to Understanding Player Positions

Ever wonder what’s behind the numbers on football jerseys? It’s not just random digits, there’s an intricate system at play. As a deeply ingrained part of the sport, jersey numbers in football follow certain rules and conventions that can be quite fascinating once you unravel them.

In my exploration of football number systems, I’ve found that they’re more than identifiers; they tell a story about the player’s position on the field. Whether it’s American Football or Soccer (known as Football outside North America), each has its unique approach to assigning these crucial digits.

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While this might seem trivial to casual fans, understanding how football numbers work could give you a new perspective on the game. It enhances your appreciation for the strategy involved and even helps when trying to identify players during fast-paced matches. So let me guide you through this often overlooked aspect of our beloved sport.

Understanding Football Numbers: An Overview

I’m sure we’ve all watched a football game and wondered, “Why does that player have the number 7 on his jersey while another has 99?” Well, there’s more to these numbers than meets the eye. It turns out, they aren’t arbitrary but follow a system established by the National Football League (NFL).

In American football, each position is assigned a specific range of numbers. For instance:

  • Quarterbacks (QBs) and specialists like kickers or punters typically wear numbers between 1 and 19.
  • Running backs (RBs) and defensive backs (DBs) get numbers from 20 through 49.
  • Wide receivers (WRs), for many years, were restricted to wearing numbers in the ’80s. But now they can choose from two ranges: either between 10–19 or within the ’80s.

Let’s break this down further with some historical context.

Football jerseys weren’t always numbered. Back in the early days of the sport, players were identified simply by their positions. However, as football evolved into a spectator sport with expanding audiences in stadiums and at home via TV broadcasts – identifying individuals became necessary.

Initially, numbering was random without any particular system until NFL introduced regulations in 1973. The so-called “Jersey Numbering System” aimed to help fans identify positions played by just glancing at jersey digits.

But it wasn’t set in stone; changes have been made over time according to needs of teams and players. In fact, recently in April 2021, NFL expanded the number pool for several positions – making it easier for players to retain their college jersey numbers when transitioning into professional ranks.

Soccer Positions: A-Step-by-Step Guide about Each Player on a Team

It’s fascinating how much thought goes into something seemingly simple as assigning football jersey numbers! So next time you tune into an NFL game, remember – every number tells a story!

The History and Significance of Football Numbers

Let’s take a step back in time, to when football jerseys were as plain as they come. Back then, identifying players on the field wasn’t as easy as it is today. It wasn’t until the 1920s that numbers started appearing on football jerseys, serving a functional purpose of helping spectators and referees identify individual players.

I bet you’re wondering how these numbers were assigned. Early on in football history, there weren’t any hard and fast rules about jersey numbering systems. However, around the mid-1930s some semblance of order began to appear with specific number ranges being associated with certain positions.

Here are some examples:

This system became widely accepted but it’s not set in stone – different leagues can have their own unique variations.

Football numbers aren’t just practical; they’ve also become symbolic over time. Think about famous footballers like Joe Montana (#16), Barry Sanders (#20), or Jerry Rice (#80). Their numbers have become synonymous with their legacy in the sport.

But did you know that some numbers are so special they’re retired by teams? That’s right! When a player has had an extraordinary impact during their career, teams will retire their number as a mark of respect and honor for their contributions to the sport.

A few remarkable examples include:

  • Denver Broncos retired John Elway’s #7
  • Chicago Bears retired Walter Payton’s #34

The significance of football numbers goes beyond mere identification; it’s deeply woven into the fabric of this beloved sport. From aiding game strategy to honoring legendary players – these digits carry weight both on and off the field.

Decoding the Jersey Numbers in American Football

If you’ve ever found yourself watching an NFL game, chances are you’ve wondered about the significance behind those jersey numbers. I’m here to shed some light on this intriguing aspect of American football, so buckle up and let’s dive in!

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First off, it’s crucial to understand that these numbers aren’t just randomly assigned; they follow a very specific structure set by the NFL. Certain number ranges are designated for particular positions on the field:

  • Quarterbacks, kickers and punters: 1-19
  • Wide receivers: 10–19 and 80-89
  • Running backs and defensive backs: 20–49
  • Centers: 50–59 (or 60–79 if those are taken)
  • Offensive guards and tackles: 60–79
  • Linebackers: 50–59 (or 90–99 if those are taken)
  • Defensive linemen: 60–79 (or 90–99 if those are taken)

This system helps referees quickly identify players’ roles during a game. For instance, when they see someone with a number between one and nineteen throwing the ball, they’ll know it’s either a quarterback or receiver at work.

What’s more fascinating is how players sometimes become synonymous with their jersey numbers. Take Peyton Manning’s iconic number ‘18’ or Jerry Rice’s legendary ‘80’. These numbers have become parts of these athletes’ brands, cementing their place in fans’ hearts.

But don’t think for a second that choosing a jersey number is always straightforward! It can often be quite competitive among teammates as everyone wants to grab their preferred digits first. Sometimes even negotiations happen with players offering money or gifts to obtain their desired jersey number from another player!

In summary, football jersey numbers do much more than just help us keep track of who’s who on the field – they’re part of football lore itself!

Role of Position in Choosing a Player’s Number

Ever wondered how football players get their numbers? It’s not as random as it may seem. The player’s position on the field actually plays a significant role in determining their number. Let me break it down for you.

Traditionally, quarterbacks have worn numbers between 1 and 19. That’s because, under NFL rules, players who handle the ball – like quarterbacks, punters, and kickers – are required to wear numbers from 1 through 19. This rule was put in place to help officials quickly identify players by their positions during game play.

Switching gears to the offensive line – centers, guards and tackles usually sport jerseys numbered between 50 and 79. On defense, you’ll notice that linebackers wear numbers ranging from 40 to 59 or from 90 to 99 whereas defensive backs typically have jersey numbers falling within the range of 20-49.

If we take a look at wide receivers and tight ends, they’ve traditionally worn jerseys with numbers ranging from either between 10-19 or between 80-89. However, due to an increase in the number of receivers on teams over the past few years, this has changed slightly with receivers now allowed to also wear numbers between 10-19.

Here is a quick rundown:

Remember though that these are just general guidelines and there can be exceptions based on individual team policies or player preferences.

While this might seem like an arbitrary system at first glance, it helps create order out of what could otherwise be chaos during fast-paced games. So next time you’re watching your favorite team play, pay attention to those jersey digits—it’s more than just a number!

Regulations Regarding Football Numbers by NFL

Ever wondered why your favorite quarterback always sports number 12, or why the big guys in the line seem to have numbers in the 70s and 90s? It’s all due to regulations set down by the National Football League (NFL).

The NFL initiated specific jersey numbering systems back in 1973. The goal was to establish a clear indicator of each player’s position on the field. Here’s a quick breakdown:

  • Quarterbacks, punters, and kickers: Numbers 1-19
  • Running backs and defensive backs: Numbers 20-49
  • Centers: Number 50-59 (60–79 if those are taken)
  • Offensive guards and tackles: Numbers 60–79
  • Wide receivers: Numbers 10–19 and 80–89
  • Tight ends and H-backs: Numbers 40–49 and 80–89
  • Defensive linemen: Numbers 50–79 and 90–99
  • Linebackers: Numbers 40–59 (90–99 if those are taken)

Remember though, there are exceptions! Some players get grandfathered into their original numbers if they’re established veterans when changes occur.

There’s also an interesting thing about college football. In college games, you’ll often see wider range of numbers for each position. That’s because NCAA rules aren’t as strict.

But let’s circle back to our main focus – NFL. There have been instances where players had to negotiate with team members for their preferred numbers! Can you imagine being so attached to a number that you’d pay a teammate for it? Well, it happens more often than we might think!

In essence, these regulations help organize the game better. They make it easier for officials, players, coaches – even fans like us – to recognize positions quickly. While these may seem like minor details in such an action-packed sport like football, they play a crucial role in maintaining order on the field.

So next time you tune into an NFL game take note of those jersey numbers! Those digits do more than just identify a player; they give us insights into what roles they’re playing on the field.

How Do College and High School Football Numbers Work?

Diving into the world of college and high school football, it’s interesting to note how numbers work. Unlike NFL, in these levels of play, there’s a bit more flexibility when it comes to jersey numbers. Let’s take a closer look.

Firstly, players between positions 1-49 are typically reserved for offensive positions such as running backs, wide receivers, quarterbacks, and tight ends. Meanwhile, defensive players usually wear numbers from 50-99.

Interestingly enough though, there aren’t hard-and-fast rules about this in college or high school football like we see in the NFL. For instance, you might catch a glimpse of a bulky lineman wearing number 11 or perhaps spot a speedy receiver donning the number 86. It all boils down to personal preference and team tradition.

So you may wonder why some teams seem to have duplicate numbers on their roster. Well that’s because NCAA rules allow for more than one player on the same team to wear identical jersey numbers as long as they don’t find themselves on the field at the same time.

Here’s how usually the numbering goes:

  • Quarterbacks: 1-19
  • Running Backs & Defensive Backs: 20-49
  • Offensive Linemen: 50-79
  • Defensive Linemen & Linebackers: 40–59 (Centers), 60–79 (Guards/Tackles), and 90–99

Remember though – these are just general guidelines! The beauty of college and high school football is its unpredictability – including who wears what number. So next time you tune into your favorite game be sure to pay attention to those jersey digits; they’re part of what makes each team unique!

Iconic Players and Their Respective Jersey Numbers

When I think about football, it’s impossible not to conjure images of some legendary players and the jersey numbers they wore. These iconic numbers have become synonymous with the player’s legacy.

Let’s take a peek at some examples:

  • Peyton Manning (#18) : The former Colts and Broncos quarterback is widely regarded as one of the greatest passers in NFL history. His #18 jersey has been retired by both teams he played for, underscoring his immense impact on the field.
  • Joe Montana (#16) : This Hall of Famer led the 49ers to four Super Bowl wins during his career. His number #16 remains a symbol of excellence in San Francisco.
  • Walter Payton (#34) : Known as “Sweetness,” Payton was an outstanding running back for the Chicago Bears, leaving an indelible mark on NFL history wearing his #34 jersey.

Here’s a quick reference table that encapsulates this information:

It isn’t just about these juggernauts though; numerous athletes have left their mark on specific numbers. For instance, if you’re a Dallas Cowboys fan, then “88” likely brings to mind Michael Irvin or Dez Bryant – both were standout receivers who wore that number with pride.

Jersey numbers can be more than just identifiers on a field; they can encapsulate legacies, history, and moments frozen in time. So next time you see those digits emblazoned across a player’s chest or back, remember – there might be more to that number than meets the eye!

Conclusion: The Art of Understanding Football Jersey Numbers

So, I’ve taken you on a bit of a journey. We’ve explored the rich tapestry that is football jersey numbers. By now, it should be clear that there’s more to these digits than meets the eye.

Football jersey numbers aren’t random. They’re steeped in tradition and rules, providing hints about positions, history, and sometimes even the player’s personality. For instance:

  • Quarterbacks usually sport numbers between 1 and 19.
  • Linebackers often have their jerseys adorned with figures from 40 to 59.
  • Wide receivers typically don numbers in the 80s or teens.

These conventions create an invisible language within the game—a secret code if you will—that adds another layer of intrigue and strategy.

And yet, there are exceptions to every rule. That’s what makes this topic so fascinating! Some players buck trends for personal reasons or due to league restrictions. So while understanding football number norms can give you insight into a player’s position at a glance, remember not to take everything at face value!

Finally, let me emphasize how this knowledge can enrich your experience as a fan. Once you get the hang of it, reading those jersey numbers will become second nature—you’ll feel more connected than ever before.

To wrap things up:

  • Remember each number range is associated with specific positions.
  • Keep in mind exceptions do exist!
  • Use your new-found knowledge for deeper appreciation and understanding of football—whether you’re watching from home or cheering from stadium seats!

Football isn’t just about brute strength or speed—it’s also about tradition, strategy and yes—even mathematics! So next time when you tune into a game, pay attention to those jerseys; they’ve got quite the story to tell!

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Football positions and numbers explained

Football positions and numbers explained

Like most team sports, players have different roles in the field. While most fans are familiar with some positions, others have changed, and new terms have been used over the years. This post describes the most common football positions and the jersey numbers usually associated with them.

A football pitch is divided into four main zones: the penalty box, the defensive half, the centre of the field and the attacking zone. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. Each position fulfils different duties in the game and, consequently, requires players of particular characteristics. For example, goalkeepers are usually the tallest player in the team.

The following paragraphs detail each position, as illustrated in the picture above, and its duties.

The only player allowed to touch the ball with their hands is the goalkeeper, but only in the penalty box. Outside the box, the same rules as for other players apply. Therefore, the goalkeeper is the last line of defence and a very specialised player. They don’t change position with other teammates during a game or from game to game. 

Goalkeepers rarely move outside of the penalty box unless tactics like a high line pressure are used. Thus, it is said that the goalkeeper is the most defensive position. Their sole objective is to stop the opposition from scoring goals. So, while the goalkeeper can help start an attack, they are unlikely to be in a position to score or assist a goal.

Because the goalkeeper is the only player that can touch the ball with their hands, they must wear a different jersey from their teammates to help the referee identify them. They also wear gloves and often tracksuit bottoms, but this is not mandatory under FIFA rules .

You can find more about the goalkeeper role in 5 attributes a goalkeeper must have .

The defenders on a football team play in front of the goalkeeper, and their main objective is to frustrate the opposition attacking attempts. Therefore, the defensive line waits on their side of the field. However, occasionally some defenders may move further on the pitch depending on the tactics and the situation. 

Because their primary objective is to stop the opposition, traditionally, the technical skills of defenders are not as good as those playing midfield and forward. So, usually, what characterises defenders are their strength and tackling, while skills such as dribbling are not a priority. However, there are exceptions, and modern defenders are often as good as their colleagues in other parts of the field. 

All defenders sit in front of the goalkeeper and behind the midfielders. However, they fulfil different duties and require various skills depending on what part of the field they play. Furthermore, the roles employed by a team will vary with the formation and tactics chosen. For example, teams with a 3-5-2 formation usually don’t use fullbacks. So their backline consists of three centre-backs or two centre-backs and one sweeper. In a nutshell, these are the most common positions in defence:

Centre-Back (CB)

As the name implies, centre-backs play at the back in the centre of the field. Usually, centre backs are the least gifted players in most teams, but they are strong and often tall players. Check 5 attributes every centre back must have for more details on what makes a good centre back.

Sweeper (SW)

These defenders move behind the defence from side to side to “sweep” any loose ball that passes the defence. Their technical skills and ability to read the game are superior to those of the centre back. This role was prevalent before the introduction of the offside rule, but since then and due to the introduction of other regulations, it is not common to see it. In fact, in modern football, goalkeepers somewhat fulfil the sweeper role.  

Fullbacks – Left Back (LB) and Right Back (RB)

They play on either side of the centre-backs and close to the sideline. Their primary role is to protect against wide players, usually wingers. Traditional fullbacks focus only on defence and don’t adventure beyond the midfield often. Check “ 5 attributes every fullback must have ” for more details on the key characteristics of great fullbacks.

Wingbacks – Lef Wingback (LWB) and Right Wingback (RWB)

The role is a combination of winger and fullback. While fullbacks don’t join the attack very often, wingbacks are defenders with a heavy emphasis on attack. They overlap the attack and send crosses to the box. Because these players run the full length of the field from defence to attack, the role requires exceptional fitness.

Midfielders

As the name implies, midfielders play in the middle of the field between the defence and the attack. They fulfil three k ey roles: keep possession of the ball, break up opposition attacks and create goal-scoring opportunities for the forwards.

Playing as a midfielder requires excellent stamina as they cover huge distances throughout a game and often at speed. Because these players constantly switch from attack into defence and fulfil various duties, the midfield is considered the heart of any team and dictates their speed of play.

Some midfielders are tasked with breaking up opposition attacks, some with creating goal opportunities, and others have an even mix of responsibilities. While central midfielders and attacking midfielders are found in most teams, some may not employ other types of midfield roles. For example, in a 4-3-3 formation, wingers (see forwards) often replace wide midfielders. Then the midfield consists of a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder and an attacking midfielder, or a defensive midfielder and two central midfielders. In summary, depending on their position in the field and their responsibilities, midfielders are often classified in:

Central Midfielder (CM)

As the name implies, these players sit in the middle of the field. Because statistically, most of the 90 minutes are spent in the middle of the pitch, the centre midfielder is the most critical player in the team and has an enormous influence in any game. They lead the team, recover the ball, keep possession of it, and create opportunities for the forwards. Over the years, the centre midfield role evolved into more specialised positions: defensive midfielders, wide midfielders and attacking midfielders.

Defensive Midfielder (DM)

Their name is self-explanatory and indicates the fact that they sit in front of the defence and hold back while the rest of the midfield moves into the attack. The best defensive midfielders dictate the pace of their team and often serve as playmakers. Therefore, the role requires extreme fitness and a balanced set of offensive and defensive skills. To learn more about the position, read “ 5 attributes every defensive midfielder must have “.

Wide Midfielders: Left Midfielder (LM) and Right Midfielder (RM)

These players stay on the left or right of the centre midfielders. The role of a wide midfielder is to provide additional protection on the flanks and stretch the team’s width. The latter is crucial because it gives the centre midfielder and the defence options to progress in the field or to keep possession of the ball. In addition, depending on the player’s characteristics, they may double as wingers (see forwards section) and join the attack. Usually, slow but strong wide midfielders will adopt a more defensive style, while fast and skilful players will emulate wingers.

Attacking Midfielder (AM)

The position has been historically associated with the number 10 jersey. Maradona and Zidane are legendary examples of this role. These players position themselves between the opposition defence and their midfield to conduct the attack. They often have few defensive responsibilities, and their primary duties include assisting forwards, taking free kicks, penalty kicks and scoring goals from play. They are the players with more positional freedom in the team because they have superior vision, pace and dribbling skills. To understand more about the role, read 5 attributes every attacking midfielder must have .

Forwards are the players nearest to the opposition goal and are expected to score. Because they score the most goals, attacking midfielders and forwards are the darlings of the game and their transfer fees astronomical. Most kids dream of being a forward or attacking midfielder.

While the forwards’ primary responsibility is to score goals, they also create chances for other players and are the first line of defence. So, depending on their characteristics and team tactics, some forwards contribute defensively by pressing opposition defenders and goalkeepers when they have the ball.

Physical attributes often dictate where exactly a forward plays. For example, tall and strong forwards usually play between the opposition centre back inside the penalty box and score many goals from headers or close distance shots. On the other hand, small but fast forwards tend to play outside the box and exploit their speed and dribbling abilities to break through the opposition’s defence.

The terms striker and forward are often interchanged, but strikers have different characteristics than other types of forwards. The forward line-up is where you often see the most differences between teams. For example, teams playing a 4-4-2 may use two centre forwards fed by long balls from the midfield, others a combination of a striker and a centre forward. Because of the different characteristics of forwards, they are often classified on:

Centre Forward (CF)

Because they are the closest players to the goal, the centre forward’s sole objective is to score goals. Consequently, their performance is measured exclusively on goals scored regardless of their other contributions to the game. In addition, they are usually strong and tall players because they must wrestle with the opposition’s centre backs. Although it sounds simple, scoring goals is not that easy. Playing centre forwards requires specific skills. Learn more about it in 5 attributes every centre forward must have .

Strikers (ST)

The striker role is often subclassified in other functions such as second striker or support striker (SS), right striker (RS) and left striker (LS). These players differ from the centre forward in that they are not as physically imposing, thus compensating with speed and amazing footwork. While they score plenty of goals, their primary role is to create opportunities for the centre forwards. Because of their dribbling and passing skills, often, these players become midfielders.

Wingers: Left Winger (LW) and Right Winger (RW)

Wingers are forwards that play close to the sidelines, and they are the widest attacking players. The primary function is to beat the opposition fullback and cross the ball into the box, searching for the centre forward. Because they start from behind the line of other forwards and have to face the fullbacks, they are often the fastest players on the field. For more details on the wingers’ characteristics, read 5 attributes every football winger must have .

Football positions and their relation to jersey numbers

The numbers in a football jersey help quickly identify players and their position. For example, it is easier for a referee to identify an offender and take notes. It is also helpful for the spectators and helps clubs and sports gear companies with t-shirt sales. In summary, there are many benefits to having numbers in the jersey, a reason why it is also common in other team sports.

There is no official rule on what numbers football players should use for each position. However, there are unwritten conventions around it. The tradition is that starting players wear jerseys from 1 to 11, while subs jerseys from 12 onwards. However, that is not necessarily the case nowadays in professional football due to marketing reasons. For example, attacking midfielders or playmaker forwards almost always use the iconic number 10. Maradona, Messi, Platini and Zidane used the number 10. But when Messi moved to PSG, he chose to use the number 30 because Mbape was using the number 10.

Numbers 1 and 9 are also very standard. Goalkeepers use the number 1, while goal-scorer forwards use the number 9. However, other numbers vary between countries. Notably, Argentina and Brazil use a different convention than Europe. For example, to identify the defensive midfielder (DM), their teams use the number 5, while in Europe, this number usually identifies a centre back (CB).

This  Wikipedia Post lists in detail the convention differences across regions. As a sample of the differences described in that article, the picture below shows the numbers used in a 4-3-3 formation in the Bundesliga versus Argentina’s convention.

Football numbers - Germany

Which football position is the hardest to play?

This topic is often a reason for debate among football lovers. The answer depends on what we understand as “hard”. In terms of mentally tough and ungrateful roles, nothing beats the goalkeeper position. A single mistake can cost dearly to their team. Then they need to be mentally strong to continue playing. In contrast, if a forward misses a goal, they will have another opportunity to redeem themselves.

But if we talk about the skills, the most challenging position to play in modern football is the defensive midfielder. This role focused purely on defensive skills and stamina in the old days. But nowadays, defensive midfielders are also expected to dribble through players, make precision passes, and perform duties that were often reserved for the attacking midfielder.

Which football position is the easiest to play?

Another question that is difficult to answer. The answer also varies depending on what aspects we use as a reference. But, most fans will agree that the centre Back is the easiest football position to play. The main focus of the centre Back is to keep the ball away, so in theory, they don’t need great control of the ball . They also move in a small area, so the level of stamina required is lower than in other positions. These limited requirements may have been the case in the old days or are still the case in some amateur leagues, but there are no easy positions in truly competitive football.

Now, if we look at it from the point of view of where a limited player will be less detrimental to the team, the answer is usually the wide midfielder. If an average player loses the ball by the midfield sideline, many other players are close and can recover it. Then wide midfielders are not expected to score very often. So it is not a big deal if they don’t score. 

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Pablo Matamoros

I am a software engineer with 25+ years of experience across diverse industries. I've climbed the corporate leader over the years, which has some benefits but means I moved away from my love for tinkering with technology. So, I build the odd website or application to keep learning and stay in touch with technology. FootballTechniques allows me to combine my programming knowledge with my passion for football. To find out more about my professional experience, visit PabloMatamoros.com

Football positions and numbers explained

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Football squad numbers explained

It’s not uncommon for a first-year player with high potential to be given a lower number than an underperforming veteran who has been there longer.

On top of this, some clubs allow their players to choose their own squad numbers; these can fluctuate depending on whether they change teams or are traded across leagues within a single country.

In this case, you might see one player wearing three different numbers over his career: number 8 at the youth level in England, then number 10 during his first stint with Liverpool FC before switching back when he moved abroad again later down south with Manchester United FC!

How are squad numbers assigned to players?

The goalkeeper always wears number 1, as he or she is considered to be the most important player on the pitch. All other players are given their squad numbers based both on their position and seniority within the squad.

Squad numbers are assigned to players at the start of every season, prior to any games being played.

Why do some players have different squad numbers in different competitions?

Squad numbers have their origins in the 19th century when teams started to wear numbers on their shirts for easy identification. They were originally just for the players who weren’t in the starting line-up, but as time went on they became a way of distinguishing between squad members.

Nowadays, it’s common practice to use different squad numbers depending on whatever competition you’re playing in. If a player wears number 25 at home and away during a league season, they might wear number 18 during European games or Cup competitions (although this is not always the case).

The reason for this is simple: rules regarding squad numbering differ between competitions played under UEFA regulations and those that fall under Premier League rules.

In Uefa Champions League matches, players are required to use numbering between one and 25; meanwhile, Football League clubs must assign numbers from one through 50 only if they play against an opponent from another league with rules requiring different numbering arrangements (for example if you have an international friend coming over from abroad.

What happens if two players share the same squad number?

If two players share the same number, the player who has been at the club longer gets to keep it. If one of those players then leaves, whoever is left with that number automatically receives it back.

If this happens and you want to change your squad number (for example, you don’t like your current shirt number), then you have to choose a new one . You can request a change by emailing supporter services.

Why do some clubs use odd numbers for outfield players and even for goalkeepers?

Clubs are free to decide the squad numbering system they will use and whether or not it’s a requirement that shirt numbers increase numerically as you move down the pitch.

The most common is to have even numbers for goalkeepers and odd numbers for outfield players, but there are some exceptions. For example, Manchester City has been known to have their goalkeepers wear even numbers since Peter Schmeichel in the 1990s while Celtic assign their starting goalkeeper an odd number (1).

There are also some clubs that do not assign specific squad numbers at all. Instead, they leave each player free to pick any shirt number from 1–99 that he wants when he comes into the team.

Can a manager change a player’s squad number whenever they want?

Yes, a manager can change a player’s squad number whenever they want. Squad numbers are an important part of a player’s identity, and some players will even choose their own squad number if they feel strongly about it.

Squad numbers are an important part of football.

Squad numbers are an important part of football, so it’s probably best to know what they mean.

In most cases, the number you wear is simply a number within your squad—the first team (the side with all the best players), or maybe even just one of several teams.

But sometimes players will also wear special numbers for specific reasons: to mark their position on the pitch or to celebrate something personal or special in their lives.

Can you wear number 0 soccer?

Did you know that a number 0 soccer player is not allowed to play in the Premier League? That’s right, a number 0 player is only permitted to play as a goalkeeper.

In fact, the vast majority of leagues across the world have strict rules regarding what numbers are available for each position.

Number 1 shirt

The number 1 shirt is only worn by goalkeepers, and it’s usually reserved for the team’s best goalkeeper.

The reason behind this is that the goalkeeper takes on more responsibility than any other player on the pitch. If a goal is conceded, he’s the first person to be blamed, so he needs to be able to handle pressure better than anyone else.

On top of that, if a team has two good keepers, they can decide which one wants to wear number 1—that means there could be more than one number 1 in your club’s squad!

Number 2 shirt

The number 2 shirt is arguably the most coveted position in football. It often belongs to a left-back, with defenders who wear it covering the entire flank of their team’s defense from one end of the pitch to another.

Left backs are expected to be fast and brave on the ball, and should be able to play it out from the back when necessary.

The number 2 shirt has been worn by some of football’s greatest players in history – Paolo Maldini made over 700 appearances for AC Milan wearing this number, while Franco Baresi wore it for over 700 games during his career at club level and international competition as well.

A few other examples include Marcel Desailly (France), Roberto Carlos (Brazil), Cafu (Brazil), Sergio Ramos (Spain), and Jordi Alba (Spain).

Number 3 shirt

The number 3 shirt is usually a defender. It is traditionally worn by left backs, but can also be used by center-backs or right backs.

As such, some players have made it their own—Roberto Carlos and Ashley Cole are two of the most famous examples.

It’s also become synonymous with players like Paolo Maldini and Marcelo who have used this shirt at all stages of their careers and played in multiple positions throughout their playing days.

Number 4 shirt

The number 4 shirt is worn by a variety of players who play in defense. This includes David Luiz, Nemanja Vidic, and Lionel Messi. These players tend to be big men who are good in the air and can tackle well. The number 4 shirt is also often given out as the captain’s armband when a player is not wearing it otherwise

Number 5 shirt

The number five shirt is generally assigned to a defensive player, in particular one who plays in central defense.

The number five is also popular with players who are considered to be good at heading the ball (e.g., David Luiz and Raphael Varane) or long-range shots (e.g., Cyle Larin).

Notable players who have worn this number include:

  • Joe Hart (footballer born 1986) – English football goalkeeper
  • Paolo Maldini – Italian footballer
  • Franz Beckenbauer – German professional footballer

Number 6 shirt

The number 6 shirt is traditionally the number worn by a team’s best defender. Players who have worn it include Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Moore, and Gaetano Scirea.

The number 6 was also worn by Arsenal legend Tony Adams for most of his career at Highbury – although he was more renowned for being a box-to-box midfielder rather than just a center-back.

Number 7 shirt

The number seven shirt is traditionally worn by the right winger or right-sided attacking midfielder. Some of the most famous players to wear it include Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, and Luis Figo.

The number seven shirt has been reserved for wingers and second strikers since its inception, although some players have worn this shirt while playing in other positions.

For example, Brazilian striker Neymar Jr wears number 10 when he plays as a center-forward but wears the less traditional 7 when he plays on the right wing.

Number 8 shirt

The number 8 shirt is usually reserved for a central midfielder, who sits in front of the defensive midfielder and is sometimes referred to as a box-to-box midfielder. They’re required to be strong tacklers, good passers, and good shooters to make sure their team has possession of the ball as much as possible.

Many great players have donned this number over the years including Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool FC), and Paul Scholes (Manchester United).

Number 9 shirt

The number 9 shirt is traditionally worn by a striker or center-forward. Typically, this player will be the team’s main goalscorer and will drop back to help out in defense occasionally.

The number 9 shirt is still often given to the team’s main striker, but it has also become a common sight among veteran players looking to end their careers on a high note.

Number 10 shirt

The number 10 shirt is the most prestigious and legendary shirt to wear in football. It’s been worn by some of the greatest players in the world; from Diego Maradona, George Best, and Franz Beckenbauer to Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, and Mesut Ozil.

However, for many years it was reserved for attacking midfielders or strikers because Serie A rules during this period deemed that only players who scored 20 goals could wear their number on their back.

This meant that if a striker didn’t manage this feat by December 31st they had to relinquish their right to wear it until next season – which led to many teams having two players with identical numbers!

Number 11 shirt

The 11 shirts is traditionally worn by a backup striker in the team, but sometimes it’s given to the team’s most creative player. A few famous examples of this are Ronaldinho and George Best. They both played as playmakers for their respective teams instead of strikers, but they were still used as goalscorers too.

George Best wore number 11 during his whole career with Manchester United, who he joined at age 15 in 1963. He scored 237 goals in 527 appearances for them over 14 years until 1974 when he retired because of injury problems caused by alcohol abuse.

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New York Red Bulls

Soccer positions and numbers: A complete guide

  • 1 1 – Goalkeeper
  • 2 2 & 3 – Right / Left Backs
  • 3 4 & 5 – Sweeper & Central Back
  • 4 6 – Defensive Midfielder
  • 5 7 & 11 – Wingers
  • 6 8 – Central Midfielder
  • 7 9 – Striker
  • 8 10 – Central Attacking Midfielder

Alexander-Arnold vs Haaland

© Markus Berger/Red Bull Content Pool

Soccer Numbers and Positions

1 – goalkeeper.

New York Red Bulls

© Getty Images

2 & 3 – Right / Left Backs

4 & 5 – sweeper & central back, 6 – defensive midfielder, 7 & 11 – wingers, 8 – central midfielder, 9 – striker.

© Marv Watson

10 – Central Attacking Midfielder

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Single-Digit Jerseys Should Be the NFL’s Most Exclusive Club

The league’s loosening of its numbers restrictions on player jerseys was a welcome change, if long overdue. But the changes need to go further—call it a superstar rule for single-digit jerseys.

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how are numbers assigned in football

What’s your favorite number? 41? 87? 93? Of course not. Those are dumb, ugly numbers that nobody could possibly love. But some of the NFL’s best players wear them, because of the long-standing and complex restrictions designating which numbers football players are allowed to wear on their jerseys.

In any other sport, star players get their pick of whatever number they want—and most of the time, they pick small numbers. (You know, like normal people.) But in the NFL, players have long been assigned numbers based on their position groups, eliminating much of the choice they have in the matter. Most NFL stars haven’t been allowed to wear small numbers—until now.

Historically, the overarching logic behind football numbering is that the smallest numbers go to the physically smallest players. Kickers, punters, and quarterbacks have long been assigned nos. 1 through 19, while beefy defensive linemen get 90 through 99. But the logic isn’t perfect—wide receivers historically wore numbers in the 80s, despite being skinny speedsters. And it ensures that the most desirable numbers—those crisp, simple, single-digit uniforms—are restricted to a handful of players. It’s nice that some of those players are quarterbacks, the most famous players in the sport. But logically, most of the guys wearing those single digits are special teamers who rarely get on the field and whose jerseys rarely sell.

But times are changing. The NFL completely overhauled its strict numbering rules for the 2021 season , allowing most players to wear jersey numbers between 1 and 19. (Offensive linemen are still restricted to numbers between 50 and 79; defensive linemen must wear numbers higher than 50, but no number in the 80s.) For the first time in the modern history of the league, star players at positions besides quarterback are able to wear numbers that make them look good. Legendary wide receiver Julio Jones switched to no. 2 upon getting traded to the Titans; All-Pro safety Budda Baker now wears no. 3; All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey now wears no. 5.

Everybody wants to wear smaller numbers. We’ve already seen this trend happen with wide receivers, who started eschewing numbers in the 80s as far back as two decades ago. In the 1990s, Keyshawn Johnson took advantage of a loophole that allowed him to play in no. 19. Soon, the NFL allowed all wide receivers to wear numbers in the teens—and wide receivers almost completely abandoned those bulky 80s en masse , to the point that it’s now harder to find a wideout wearing a traditional receiver number than a sleeker, smaller number. (In 2020, none of the top 15 WRs in receiving yardage wore numbers in the 80s; the top receiver wearing a number in the 80s was the Titans’ second-best receiver, Corey Davis.)

Eventually, NFL fans will get used to it, but the decision allowing for these unusual number choices has alarmed some traditionalists. Tom Brady has spent much of summer railing against this seemingly anodyne tweak, which he calls “very pointless.” He got existential about it: “Why have numbers?” he asked in April, before saying the change would lead to “a lot of bad football.” Last week, he went on his podcast to ask , “Why does anyone wear a jersey? Why does anyone have a jersey number? Just put them out there in white shirts, and we’ll be in blue.” Brady seems to be suggesting that safeties wearing single-digit numbers is a slippery slope to the eventual downfall of society—human sacrifice, cats and dogs living together, quarterbacks having difficulty picking up the Mike linebacker.

But giving small jersey numbers to top players has long been the norm in college football. (Maybe that’s why Brady was a sixth-round draft pick back in the day—perhaps he was mediocre at Michigan because the numbers were too complicated for him.) The NCAA has much looser uniform restrictions—there are no rules on which numbers defensive players can wear. You’ll sometimes see quarterbacks wearing no. 99 , and kickers and punters rarely wear numbers in the single digits. (College players are also allowed to wear no. 0—I urge the NFL to get on board with college football’s beautiful embrace of nothingness.)

Some of the most iconic players in college football history have worn numbers they wouldn’t have been allowed to wear in the NFL until now: Florida State retired Deion Sanders’s no. 2; Reggie Bush tried but failed to keep his no. 5 when he moved from USC to the NFL; Devin Hester was a return god at Miami in no. 4; Larry Fitzgerald nearly won the Heisman as a wide receiver wearing no. 1 at Pitt; Jadeveon Clowney decapitated that poor Michigan running back while wearing no. 7 for South Carolina; Tyrann Mathieu became the ball-seeking Honey Badger in no. 7 for LSU. The more incongruous the pairing, the better: I will forever remember the late Louis Nix III, a 330-pound nose tackle for Notre Dame, clogging up the middle with the skinny no. 1 on his jersey.

The New York Times profiled this trend in 2016 , noting that Temple coach Matt Rhule—now head coach of the Carolina Panthers—had specifically reserved single-digit numbers for his team’s hardest workers, as voted by their peers. “I want everything to be earned,” Rhule said. In 2019, The Washington Post wrote about how top defensive-line recruits were sealing promises from top schools for small numbers before committing.

Unfortunately, NFL teams didn’t get the memo about good players getting good numbers. During the debut of tiny numbers, the Thursday night season opener between the Buccaneers and Cowboys, my eye was immediately drawn to a Cowboys wide receiver wearing no. 1. Had CeeDee Lamb finally gotten out of his boxy 88 jersey and into something sleeker? Had four-time Pro Bowler Amari Cooper asserted his role as the team’s top receiver with the jersey to match? No, the player wearing the most prestigious number on the team was Cedrick Wilson Jr., a reserve with 22 catches in his first two seasons.

You shouldn’t get to wear no. 1 if you’re actually the no. 4 receiver on your team. Here are some other no. 1s from around the league:

  • Jerick McKinnon, the Chiefs’ third-string running back
  • Jaelon Darden, a fourth-round pick in the 2021 draft by the Buccaneers who was inactive for their Week 1 game
  • Lonnie Johnson Jr., the Texans’ backup strong safety

I’m totally on board with the NFL’s relaxation of its numbering policies—if anything, this should’ve happened years ago. But I do have a problem with forgettable players snatching up the prestigious jersey numbers that should belong to the stars. Players look cool in the small numbers, but it immediately becomes uncool when the players wearing those numbers aren’t really worth identifying.

I have a simple proposal for the NFL: Only let the baddest dudes on the field wear the best numbers.

Brady’s criticism of the new numbering rules is not purely cosmetic. He elaborated in an interview with the Tampa Bay Times last week that he feels it will become difficult for quarterbacks and blockers to identify which players they need to block. He’s got a point. Football players have long counted on uniform numbers to identify their opponents. It makes life easier when they’re able to identify their opponents’ roles by simply glancing at their jerseys.

But part of that thinking is outdated. Modern players have been lumped into positional groupings that don’t necessarily reflect the way football is played today. The line between a tight end and a wide receiver is perpetually thinning. Defensive ends and outside linebackers have very similar roles—you’ll often see them grouped together as “edge defenders.” What’s the difference between a box safety and a linebacker? It’s less important to know what league-defined positional grouping a player belongs to and more important to know the tendencies and skills of specific players and how they’re used in their specific schemes.

So I’d like to make Brady’s and all of our lives easier. Let’s make it easy to identify the best players on the field by reserving the best numbers for those players—so that when Brady looks up and sees a guy on defense wearing no. 3, he knows that’s the player he has to worry about.

Here’s my proposal. It actually tightens the current restrictions, but makes sure that the best numbers go to the best players.

  • All uniform number restrictions will revert to the pre-2021 rules … except the nos. 1 through 9 will be available for top players, regardless of what position they play.
  • When a player makes a Pro Bowl or is named to an All-Pro team, they are allowed to wear single digits for the rest of their career. I understand that the Pro Bowl is mainly a popularity contest, and not a great judge of football skill, but as this exercise mainly pertains to “what uniform numbers players are allowed to wear,” I think it’s acceptable.
  • Let’s throw in some more exemptions—if you’ve never made the Pro Bowl, but you win Super Bowl MVP or Rookie of the Year, you also unlock single digits.
  • But let’s not wait around for players to hit these benchmarks! Let the most talented players wear single digits from the moment they enter the league. All players picked in the first round of the draft will get to wear single digits for as long as they’re with the team that drafted them. If they move on to a new team and haven’t satisfied any of the aforementioned criteria, they go back to being a regular player with a regular number. So Josh Rosen would have to wear 10 or higher with the Atlanta Falcons, even though he was a first-round pick with the Cardinals, but Matt Stafford would be allowed to continue wearing no. 9 with the Rams because he made a Pro Bowl with the Lions.
  • This could result in offensive linemen wearing single-digit uniforms, which has never really been allowed at any level of the sport. The rules state that players wearing numbers between 50 and 79 are ineligible to receive passes, which makes it easy for defenses to ignore them. Personally, I think defenses will still realize they don’t need to defend their opponent’s Pro Bowl right guard on pass plays, even if he is wearing the no. 6.
  • Surely, this will lead to teams having more single-digit guys than there are digits available. For example, the current Cleveland Browns would have 12—six of their own first-round picks, five former Pro Bowlers, and one All-Pro. I dunno, guys. You can figure it out among yourselves.

Sure, this would limit the amount of players who will have the opportunity to wear the cool uniform numbers—but everyone wearing them would deserve it. I’m not here to slander Cedrick Wilson Jr.! But if he wants that no. 1, he’s gonna have to earn it.

This will generate a new mystique around uniform numbers. The number a player wears will no longer be a simple, seemingly random assignment made by an equipment manager—they’ll be marks of prestige. Players will spend their entire careers chasing those good numbers, and when they finally earn the right to drop their double digits, it will be a sign they’ve been acknowledged as one of the game’s best players. When they step on the field, everybody will know without thinking that they’re looking at one of the league’s stars.

And it works out for the NFL, too. Surely, when players earn cooler numbers, their jerseys will fly off the shelves as fans proudly celebrate the fact that their team got a good one. Personally, I don’t care about this at all, but I suspect the NFL only makes changes when it realizes it can monetize them, so if anybody actually has the chance to pitch the NFL on this, please lead with this.

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how are numbers assigned in football

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Football Positions Numbers – All Of The Positions On The Pitch

Last modified on December 22nd, 2022 at 3:26 pm

Football Positions Numbers - All Of The Positions On The Pitch

Football is a team sport played by two teams of 11 players each, each assigned to a specific position to help their team succeed.

Each team has one goalkeeper and ten outfield players who are assigned to defensive, midfield and attacking positions.

So, how well do you know the football positions numbers and their roles in the game?

Let’s find out!

Goalkeeper – GK

Goalkeepers play the most defensive position in soccer, making them one of the most important players on a team. Therefore, except for goalkeepers, no other players are allowed to wear a jersey with the number 1. Other goalkeepers’ position numbers in football are 12 or 13.

Goalkeepers’ primary role is to prevent the opponent from scoring a goal, and they are the only players permitted to intervene with their hands, but only in the penalty area.

As players with the best view from the last line, goalies can be extremely helpful in organising and positioning the outfield players.

The sports equipment they wear differs from the other players and the referees. Standards require them to wear gloves and specially designed pants or shorts for their job.

Some of the most famous and successful goalkeepers in the world are Petr Čech, David de Gea, Manuel Neuer, Gianluigi Buffon and Iker Casillas.

Right Full Back – RB

Full-backs are the key players responsible for defending against the opposing wingers in wide areas and protecting the goalie. A right full-back with pace and striking abilities can be an enormous advantage for one team. Therefore, they must be in a peak condition at all times as they sweep back and forth throughout the game, frequently sending crosses into the opposition box.

Right full-back’s duty is to prevent wingers from attacking the defence by supporting the wide midfielder ahead of them. They are also frequently in charge of taking right-side throw-ins.

Right full-backs are usually assigned the number 2. Other football numbers by position of famous players who have mastered this position are César Azpilicueta number 28, Trent Alexander-Arnold number 66, Dani Carvajal number 20, and others.

Left Full Back – LB

Left full-backs typically have the same roles and responsibilities as right full-backs, with the exception that they play on the left side of the pitch. These left-footed athletes, who typically wear number 3, move up and down the field to assist with offensive plays.

As mentioned above, this position requires pace and strength, but it’s more important to play smart and to have a sense of anticipation. Ashley Cole, Gerard Piqué, Paolo Maldini, Patrice Evra, and others are examples of this skill set.

There is also a variation of the full-back position. For example, a wing-back (WB) is a combination of a full-back and a winger who is frequently used in formations with three centre-backs. Most of the time, full-backs stay back to cover the defensive players and the goalkeepers, but you can also see them scoring goals.

Centre-Back – CB

A centre back (also known as a centre-half) is another defensive position whose primary responsibility is to prevent opposing attackers from passing, dribbling, and shooting. These players, who typically wear number 4, are positioned in the middle of the defensive line and specialise in winning aerial duels, but they must also have a leadership mentality and football intelligence.

Centre backs (stoppers) are often known for their height and physical domination, as they possess aggression and tackling ability. Because of their size, centre backs cannot boast much speed, but they are a major threat when it comes to headers due to their jumping ability. 

Some of the best players to ever wear numbers other than 4 in this position include some of the best-retired players such as John Terry (26), and Nemanja Vidić (15 and 26).

The sweeper (also known as libero) position is used in three centre backs formations. He is positioned slightly behind the centre backs, and his role is to clean up any ball that gets through the defence. Sweepers mostly take the shirt with the number 5.

Sweepers need to have a good awareness of the play and passing ability. Above all, a great vision and ability to read the game from deep makes one centre-back complete. As the name libero (meaning “free” in Italian) implies, players in this position lack natural markers, allowing them to move freely throughout the field. However, unlike in the 1900s, this position is rarely used nowadays because it prevents a team from exploiting the offside rule.

We cannot fail to mention Franz Beckenbauer, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Leboeuf, which stand among the greatest centre-backs in the world.

Centre Midfield – CM (Defensive)

Players wearing the number 6 typically play as central defensive midfielders (CDM) in the middle of the field, directly in front of the defence. They are to assist the defenders and mark the opposing attackers in order to defend their team’s goal.

Centre defensive midfielders are to prevent the ball from passing through their zone, intercepting opponent passes, and covering teammates who are attacking. These athletes are tactically minded and use short and long passes to organise and dictate the game. In addition, their high level of fitness and lower body strength enables them to keep up with the attackers throughout the game.

N’Golo Kanté is an example of a complete centre midfielder because he is effective in both defence and creating chances for attackers. Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Rodrigo Cascante, and Carlos Casimiro are among the best defensive midfielders.

Centre Midfield – CM (Box-to-box)

Soccer players assigned to this position are responsible for running from box to box, assisting both defence and attack. They form a line in the centre of the field. These players must be physically fit in order to balance on both sides of the pitch.

They are thought to have the most difficult job because they constantly pass the ball to all the players. Box-to-box midfielders must also have exceptional passing skills. These players are mostly identified by the number 8.

Other famous numbers used by professional athletes who have demonstrated exceptional tactical skills for centre midfielders are some of the best Premier League players such as Frank Lampard 8 and 18, Steven Gerrard 4 and 8 and former Spurs player Luka Modrić 10.

Centre Midfield – CM (Attacking)

Players chosen for this football position by their managers are considered the most creative ones in the team. For example, the attacking midfielder, who usually wears the number 10 , is a playmaker and the conductor of the attacking moves, as well as the creator of goal-scoring chances for the strikers. Some of the players with the most assists in football history are players from this position.

All the successful centre attacking midfielders, such as Kevin De Bruyne (jersey number 7 or 17), David Silva (number 21), and Thomas Müller (number 25), have excellent vision and control of the game, the ability to shoot from long distances, and the ability to pass on both sides.

These players are also known for their agility and acceleration, as well as their ability to read the game and switch between defence and offence. And, of course, because of their 90-minute active participation in the game, centre attacking midfielders must always be in top shape.

Left Midfield – LM

Left midfielders (or left-wingers) have the same responsibilities as right midfielders, but they are positioned on the left side near the touchline. They are quick on their feet and skilled with the ball, and they are in charge of assisting the strikers.

They are not only fast, but they can also outrun defenders and have excellent passing and crossing skills. These left-footed athletes must be good game readers and always have an eye for a goal and are also known as some of the best free-kick t akers. Regaining and keeping possession completes a midfielder.

Football players who are prominent in the left midfield position on the professional field include Ryan Giggs, Franck Ribéry, Lorenzo Insigne, George Best, and many others.

Right Midfield – RM

Also known as right-wingers or right outside midfielders, their role is balanced between the attack and the defence and positioned on the right side, close to the touchline. These right-footed players have great tactical skills and speed to run the whole length of the pitch to cross for their teammates for a goal-scoring opportunity.

You won’t see them playing with the ball so much, but when they have it at their feet, they always find ways to transition it to the attackers. The right midfielder’s fitness level has to be consistently high and to have great one-on-one skills to get past the left-back. 

Riyad Mahrez, who wears number 26, is a left-footed player who plays brilliantly in this position. Ángel Di María is also one of the greatest on the right attacking side, but Christian Pulisic, Adama Traoré and Federico Chiesa are a few of the young football stars that are showing exceptional skills playing in this position.

Striker – ST

Positioned nearest to the opponent’s goal, a striker’s primary role is scoring goals. They are also involved in creating chances for a goal for their teammates and supporting their defence. A good striker must position himself in a way that allows him to receive the ball and hold it until he is joined in the attack. 

Strikers, also known as forwards, have a great pace for outrunning the defenders. Examples of good dribblers and finishers born for this position are Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Robert Lewandowski, and Luis Suárez.

These players are usually the centre of attention during a game and receive full credit for their efforts, as they are frequently the ones who lead their teams to victory. Therefore, they will wear the number 9, but that number is not always fixed for this position.

Bottom Line

These are the most common football team positions, but there are several more, depending on the managers’ formation. Football is all about teamwork, intelligent play and excellent strategy, leaving no room for selfishness.

From the youth field to the professional field, the football position numbers have mainly remained unchanged throughout the years, but there are also players that demand a particular squad number of some significance to them.

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Soccer Blade

Soccer Position Numbers (Each Explained)

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There are reasons behind squad numbers, their origin, and why particular numbers hold a certain prestige.

Here’s a look at where soccer numbering systems originated and their role in organizing soccer positions : their formations and relevance in the modern game.

Understanding all the player’s positions, responsibilities, and roles is essential for every fan, player, and coach – you’ll be glad to know.

Mexico vs. Netherlands international friendly soccer game. Players in position before kick off. ○ Soccer Blade

Soccer numbering systems and positions

History of soccer positions names and numbers.

  • #1 Goalkeeper - Keeper - Stopper (GK)
  • #2 Right Full-Back - #3 Left Full-Back / Wing Back (RB-LB-WB)
  • #4 + #5 Center-Backs (CB)

#6 + #8 Center-Midfield (CM)

  • #7 Right-Midfield - #11 Left-Midfield / Winger (RM-LM/RW-LW)
  • #9 Center-Forward - Striker (CF-ST)

#10 Second Striker / Center-Forward / Attacking Midfield (ST-CF-AM)

Modern soccer numbering systems, soccer numbering related questions, is it mandatory to wear a squad number, are soccer numbering systems used around the world, what soccer numbers can players wear on their jerseys.

  • Goalkeeper – GK
  • Right Full-Back – RB
  • Left Full-Back – LB
  • Center-Back – CB
  • Center Midfield – CM
  • Right Midfield – RM
  • Striker – ST
  • Center Forward – CF
  • Left Midfield – LM

This is the traditional numbering system for soccer’s first eleven players based on a 4-4-2 system. Later on, we’ll look at the many variations of formations.

4-4-2 Traditional - Soccer Formation

A player’s squad number plays a significant role in modern soccer. There can be great esteem held to a number. There are ‘iconic’ numbers that are widely associated with some of the sport’s greatest heroes. 

Teams have a large squad of players, and each is assigned a ‘squad number’. Player squad numbers range from 1 to 99.

In the past, if a player were substituted after replacing a player, they would wear the same number so that the team contains 1 to 11.

First, let’s take a quick look at the history of soccer numbering systems to understand how they’ve developed over the years and where we are today.

Ronaldo wearing number 7 - (soccer numbering systems)

Some franchises have a deep association with specific numbers. Take Manchester United, for example. Throughout their revered history, the number 7 has been brandished by some of the team’s most loved figures:

Cristiano Ronaldo, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, George Best. It’s a great honor to wear the number 7 shirt for Manchester United.

The same can be said for different numbers in other franchises. Generally, the standard-bearers for significant squad numbers are 1, 10, 7, and 9.

Even in kids’ games, players rush for these numbers when the uniforms are being divided. Every young player wants to emulate their hero.

The U.S. Soccer team hosts Canada during the Concacaf Nations League Match at Exploria Stadium in Orlando Florida on Friday November 15 2019. ○ Soccer Blade

When Soccer players started wearing numbers

The first time that numbers were used in European soccer was in 1928, when Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman decided to structure the formation of his team using squad numbers.

The formations of that era are in stark contrast to what we see today – almost opposite in ways.

In the early 1900s, most defenses consisted of 2 players. It wasn’t until the 1950s that it became normal to have 3+ defenders in a backline. 

Herbert Chapman

As you can probably tell, the names of these positions are still used today. However, the literal meaning of the positions makes more sense when referring to the older formation style.

Have you ever wondered why right and left backs are referred to as full-backs? Right, and left-backs were the original center backs – confusing, yeah no wonder they changed it!

Over time, the ‘half-backs’ dropped deeper into defense, pushing the full-backs into wider positions.

Original soccer numbering system

Players would move around a lot within this type of formation. A center half-back (⁤#5) would often slot in as a defender, taking the number 5 with him/her.

The number 5 is widely associated with the modern center-back position, which is still commonly referred to as ‘center-half’. We regularly see defenders and midfielders wearing #4 or #6 . 

  • There is no standard for formations these days but the core positions in the game come from a 4-4-2 style setup.

Although the numbering systems of soccer did not originate from this formation.

We’ve grown accustomed to certain positions being linked to each number. Therefore, this article will cover numbering systems in soccer-based out of the 4-4-2 formation.

4-4-2 number system field infographic

Soccer Numbering Systems: Positions

#1 goalkeeper – keeper – stopper (gk).

This position is often referred to as a goalie or ‘keeper. In Fifa tournaments, the number 1 must be the goalkeeper. 

This is a unique position. A goalkeeper (GK) within the penalty box can touch or hold the ball with their hands/arms. No other player on the team can handle the ball on the field when the ball is in play.

The goalkeeper wears a different color kit to the outfield players. It’s usually padded, offering extra protection.

This is needed, as a GK experiences significant impacts when making saves. He/She also wears gloves for support and grip. 

Real Salt Lake Goalkeeper Zac MacMath #18 watches the ball goes out at Exploria Stadium on Saturday February 29, 2020

Goalkeeper’s Position, Role, and Responsibilities

The main role of a goalkeeper is to stop the opposition from scoring. They use whatever part of their body to block shots from going in.

In most circumstances, a goalkeeper is responsible for taking goal-kicks/kick-outs (when the opposition plays the ball out over the end-line). 

As the last line of defense and with a clear view of the entire field, the goalkeeper plays a pivotal role in the organization and positioning of the outfield players, barking out instructions from their box. 

4-4-2 formation and numbers with second striker

#2 Right Full-Back – #3 Left Full-Back / Wing Back (RB-LB-WB)

The classic formation has full-backs on the left and right-hand sides of the field. The full-back positions are mainly responsible for defending in wide areas.

They mark the opposing winger or a wide forward.

Full-backs also provide essential cover for their central defenders or midfielders if the opposition is overloading on one side or a teammate is out of position. 

Trent Alexander Arnold playing for Liverpool

Full-backs’ Position, Role, and Responsibilities

A full-back has offensive responsibilities too. These responsibilities depend on the player’s abilities and the coach’s tactical instructions.

Full-backs provide support to the attack. They often make overlapping runs wide of the midfielders and supply crosses into the penalty box.

A full-back with good striking ability can be a huge advantage to a team. Currently, Liverpool has two of the game’s most profitable right and left-backs.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson both provide tens of assists and goals in a season. 

A modern full-back must be robust, tenacious, physical, and quick. Strength is always useful on a soccer field but in the full-back positions, it’s more important to be dogged and industrious than strong. 

A variation of this position is a “wing-back” (WB). WBs are used in formations where there are 3 center-backs.

The full-back, in this instance, does not have as many defensive duties and is in a position to attack more than traditional full-backs. 

#4 + #5 Center-Backs (CB)

Most formations will have a center-back (CB) pairing, but it’s not uncommon to see a team playing with 3 CBs.Their main role is to snuff out any central attack by the opposition.

It’s important for a CB to have an aerial presence. They must be strong and physical in order to win battles against the opposing strikers.

Tackles, blocks, headers , marking, and interceptions are CB’s bread and butter.

Carlos Puyol playing for Barcelona

They must be dominant in these areas. Historically, CBs were the poorest outfield player regarding possession-based attributes (passing, dribbling, ball control, etc.).

However, over the past 20 years, a different trend has emerged. More emphasis is being put on ‘ball-playing’ (comfortable in possession) CBs.

Center Backs’ Position, Role and Responsibilities

Nowadays, we often see a CB partnership where one player is gritty and physically dominant, while the other is the more agile and quick of the pair.

Examples of such pairings in the modern era are Puyol and Pique (Barcelona), Ferdinand and Vidic (Manchester United), Sergio Ramos, and Pepe (Real Madrid). 

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Modern CB’s are much more skillful than those of old. Many modern teams have a ‘build from the back’ philosophy. It’s important for their CB’s to be able to pass between the lines and set up attacks.

CB’s do not usually score from general play but for many teams, a CB may be their biggest threat of scoring from set-pieces (corners and free kicks) due to their heading ability. 

Another style of CB is a ‘sweeper’. This type of role was seen more in the days before offsides.

The sweeper sits behind the defensive line, cleaning up through passes, making interceptions, and last-ditch tackles.

What Is A Libero Or Sweeper?

In modern soccer, goalkeepers are often skilled enough in possession that they act as sweepers. Ederson (Manchester City) is a great example of this. 

See the sweeper-keeper Ederson and the role of a sweeper;

Ederson Masterclass! | RISK vs REWARD as a sweeper keeper

Center-midfielders (CMs) are positioned in the middle of the field but tend to cover a huge amount of ground, finding themselves in attacking and defensive positions.

They gain possession of the ball frequently and make a lot of passes. CMs have defensive and offensive duties, but their roles can be vastly different.

Some MFs are the main architects of attack, while others aim to break up the opposition at every opportunity.

Midfielders’ Position, Role and Responsibilities

In the modern game, midfielders are populated by specialist-type players, with either attacking or defensive characteristics .

The classic 4-4-2 formation usually held a midfield pairing of two ‘all-round’ players. Although, there are a few variations of this role:

Soccer numbering system for Swedish standards

Attacking-Midfield (AM)

A purely attacking midfield player would not be very common in a 4-4-2 formation. The #10 is the player who’d fulfill this role.

An attacking MF would be more common in a diamond-shaped midfield. See the #10 role below for more detail on this position.

Defensive-Midfield (DM)

Typically, the defense-minded midfielder would wear the #4 or #6 (depending on what number the defender is wearing).

This player sits in front of and protects the back 4 (defenders). Many defensive midfielders are deployed as ‘hatchet-men’.

They’re rough and tumble tough guys with limited skill, but work tremendously hard for their team. Hard work ethic and aggressiveness are the main ingredients in these players.

Their role is to put in hard tackles, break up attacks, and boss the midfield from a defensive standpoint. In other cases, a quality defensive midfielder is a difficult specialized position.

The best-in-class defensive MFs are some of the most sought-after players in today’s game. They’re astute tactical players with an exceptional talent for reading the game.

Their main roles are marking, tackling, intercepting, and passing. Defensive MFs must be very disciplined and play with a high soccer IQ. 

Two of the best examples of defensive MFs in the world currently play for Barcelona: Sergio Busquets and Frenkie de Jong ;

FRENKIE DE JONG - Welcome to Barcelona - Genius Skills, Passes & Assists - 2018/2019 (HD)

Frenkie De Jong

Box-to-Box Midfielder (CM)

The term box-to-box is a sought-after player that’s highly capable of passing, tackling, and shooting, with the drive and determination to cover the length of the field when needed.

These players work from box to box, defending as well as attacking. The ‘all-rounders’ are a traditional-style MF player.

They’re not very specialized but are competent in a multitude of areas. The player style can be observed in the modern game but the ‘greats’ of this position date to the 90s and early 2000s.

Stamina is a core characteristic of a box-to-box MF player; they lead by example on the field. They can be invaluable to a team and bring great balance to a starting 11. 

Some of the best box-to-box midfielders since the 90s are N’golo Kante , Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Roy Keane, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Arturo Vidal. 

#7 Right-Midfield – #11 Left-Midfield / Winger (RM-LM/RW-LW)

Right, and left midfielders are also known as wingers. They occupy space near either touchline. For many teams, wingers play a significant role in their offensive gameplay. 

Wingers are usually quick and skilled with the ball at their feet.

They rely on their ability to beat a player 1 V 1 to give themselves opportunities to cross the ball or create a goalscoring chance.

A lot of wingers are quality strikers of the ball with the vision and ability to pick out their strikers with crosses or passes from wide areas.

Great wide midfielders tend to chip in with their fair share of goals and assists. 

Wide Midfielders’ Position, Role and Responsibilities

They’ve defensive duties too. Failure to track runs from opposition FBs can lead to goal chances. If a team has a particularly dangerous wide midfielder.

We frequently see the opposition winger being disciplined defensively, doubling up with his/her FB to minimize the threat. 

David Beckham playing for Manchester United

Traditionally, left-sided midfielders were left-footed, while right-sided midfielders were right-footed.

This would make it easier to beat their defenders on the outside and play effective crosses using their strong foot.

These days it’s more common to see ‘ inverted wingers ’ – those who play on their ‘weaker side’, cutting inside rather than playing wide in the channel.

Crossing from wide areas is less common today, so inverted wingers tend to link up with their strikers, cut in and shoot from the wing, or make sharp runs into the penalty area.  

Megan Rapinoe

A popular formation currently is a 4-3-3, with 2 wide forward players.

The wingers in this formation are far more attack-minded than traditional ones and often have minimal defensive duties in their own half.

Although, these players are usually key to a high press – a staple of the modern game. Examples of inverted wingers are Gareth Bale, Arjen Robben, Frank Ribery, Eden Hazard, and Megan Rapinoe. 

Here are some highlights of Bale and Robben;

GARETH BALE'S TOP TEN Real Madrid goals

#9 Center-Forward – Striker (CF-ST)

The center forward is usually the main goalscorer in a team, particularly in a 4-4-2 set-up where they play behind a second striker or attacking midfielder. The role of a CF has never been one-dimensional.

Certain body types , physical attributes, and playing styles suit different roles. Some CFs like to receive the ball with their back to goal, allowing them to hold up possession with a view to turning their defender or linking up with a teammate.

Others prefer to play on the shoulder of a defender, making runs in behind the defense at every opportunity.

‘Target men’ are usually tall, physical players who thrive on crosses into the box and duels with defenders. The elite center-forward can fulfill several of these roles.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney are great examples of this. They can switch up their playing style, depending on what will be most effective. 

In some formations, we see players operating as a ‘false 9’, where they appear as the main striker but actually operate as a playmaking number 10.

Robert Firmino, of Liverpool, is currently the most notable and effective false 9 in the game. 

Two different strikers but effective – Firminio and Ibrahimovic;

Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Highlights 2018/2019 | Skills, Assists & Goals

Playing between the lines of the opposition midfield and defense, this player is expected to create and provide meaningful supply to his/her team’s attack.

This may come in the form of a penetrating pass that sets a striker through on goal, it may come as a dribble that beats a player and sets up a scoring chance, or it may come in the form of a goal itself. 

Attacking MFs are seen as playmakers. They’ve good mobility and balance and provide skill and creativity.

They must have a quality first touch and play with awareness and vision.

The ability to execute in the final third separates the best from the rest . In some teams, the #10 operates as a second striker or center-forward and plays alongside their #9 teammate.  

Soccer numbering system for a 4-1-2-1-2

Nowadays, a player’s squad number does not necessarily signify their position. However, the original numbering system remains relevant as players, coaches, and pundits speak about positions .

This is about the numbers that they were traditionally assigned. We often hear pundits argue whether a striker’s best position is as a #9 or a #10. 

The most popular and sought-after squad numbers still fall within the original 11.

If a player wears a squad number from 1-11, it’ll usually indicate their position somewhat.

There are always exceptions, however. Samuel Eto’o, the striker, famously wore the #5 for Everton in the 14/15 season.  

Can a soccer player pick a Jersey number?

A modern number system, particularly at the team level, does not represent a player’s position. A squad number now holds commercial value. It can become part of a player’s brand or identity on and off the field.

Players often demand a particular squad number when they’re transferred to a new team. A strong association between a player and a squad number can lead to significant uniform and merchandise sales for a franchise.

We’re in an era where player power is at an all-time high. Image rights are extremely valuable when negotiating wages. A recognizable squad number can play a huge role in this. 

Who would have known the significance that squad numbers would have on the game of soccer when Arsenal and Sheffield first wore them in 1928?

Yes. All players must be registered for a competition and assigned a squad number by their franchise. 

At the national and international levels, the standard numbering system is used. Perhaps at the amateur level, there are exceptions to this. 

Squad numbers are from 1 to 99.

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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.

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Can you block in soccer.

You can block a pass, shot, cross, or throw-in. It’s legal to block the ball using any part of the body other than the hands or arm (up to the shoulder). 

Why do players fake injuries? 

Although it’s disrespectful to opponents and fans, some players fake injuries to win a free kick or penalty, sometimes to stop a counter-attack, also to waste time to run the clock down, and they might try to get an opponent booked or sent off. 

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Soccer players hold their mouths when talking for 3 reasons: To keep conversations private from the public, Keep tactical discussions secret, and amplify their voices.

Why do soccer players raise their hands?

This is done to communicate with their teammates during a game for a pass, to say they are in space, plus to let teammates know what routine set-play is going to be taken. Players also raise their hands to celebrate a goal or signal that they are injured.

What are some ways to pass a soccer ball?

+ Inside foot : Using the area above and inside of the big toe. + Outside foot : This creates a spin on the ball to swerve the ball around players + The Laces : A powerful volley can be performed with a straight leg swing. + Spin : If the toes get underneath the ball with some force you create a backspin. + Back heel : Connect the heel with the ball to reverse play. + Header : Often used for clearing and shooting, but can be a creative passing move. + Body : Use any part of the body to deflect the ball into the path you desire.

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  • Soccer Positions →

Soccer Position Numbers Explained (Every Name and Role)

soccer-position-numbers

Numbers worn on the backs of soccer players were first introduced in 1911 by Australian teams, Sydney Leichardt and HMS Powerful .

They used the numbers to help identify and distinguish the players from one another.

In today's game, players can choose to wear almost any number they like, as like as they fit with the rules of the league.

Historically ,  however , certain numbers were also used to  indicate  a player's position on the pitch .

Starting players wore numbers 1 - 11 depending on their role.

Due to this, certain soccer players are now associated with particular numbers.

Young players clamour for the coveted number 10, for example, worn by legends such as Cruyff, Maradona , Pele, and more recently, Zidane and Messi .

To help you get to grips with the traditional soccer position numbers, let's first look at every position, and how the numbering has changed through the years .

Lastly , we'll look at how some common modern soccer formations might line up  in terms of  numbers and player roles.

Let's go!

soccer-position-numbers

Soccer Positions On the Pitch

While the number of starting players varies between age groups and leagues, we'll focus on the regular 11 v 11 full-sized soccer .

Out of the eleven players that take to the field, one is a goalkeeper with the rest being defenders, midfielders, and forwards .

A player's number will vary depending on the formation chosen by the coach.

Their roles also vary depending on the specific position and instructions given to the player .

Position Names:

Goalkeeper (gk).

  • Center-Back / Central Defender (CB)
  • Sweeper (SW)
  • Right and Left Full-Backs (RB/LB)
  • Right and Left Wing-Backs (RWB/LWB)

Midfielders:

  • Defensive Midfielder / Holding Midfielder (DM)
  • Center Mid / Central Midfielder (CM)
  • Attacking Midfielder (AM)
  • Right and Left Midfielder (RM/LM)

Forwards (or Attackers):

  • Center Forward (CF)/ Striker (S)
  • Second Striker / Support Striker (SS)
  • Right and Left Wingers (RW/LW)

Now that we've seen all the different soccer positions, let's take a look at the roles and numbers usually assigned to each .

soccer-position-numbers

Soccer Position Numbers and Roles

When taking to the pitch, each player has their own role and responsibilities.

Some players should keep things simple and help the team keep a clean-sheet.

Others should be aggressive, take risks, and create goalscoring opportunities.

Here is a brief description of each position on the pitch and what coaches usually expect to see from each player in that particular role .

Goalkeeper (1)

The last line of defense, it's the goalkeeper's job to stop the ball from going in the back of the net.

Teams count on them to make saves, command their box, and organise the defenders.

Goalkeepers are the only players on the pitch who can use their hands.

In today's game, goalkeepers are also trained to be good with the ball at their feet and be able to play it out from the back.

Famous goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Manuel Neuer, Iker Casillas

Center-Back / Central Defender (4, 5, or 6)

Center-backs occupy the central space in front of the goalkeeper's box.

Managers ask these backs to keep a clean-sheet and stop opponents from creating scoring opportunities .

Central Defenders are often tall and  physically  imposing.

Their roles are to tackle, block, head the ball away and put their bodies on the line for the team.

They should know how to mark attackers and close down spaces to prevent scoring opportunities for the opponent .

Center-backs should also be decent on the ball and be able to marshal the other defenders around them.

Famous central defenders: Paolo Maldini, Sergio Ramos, Giorgio Chiellini

Sweeper (4)

Although now rarely seen in adult soccer, this  previously  popular position is often still used by youth teams .

Sweepers position themselves between the center defender and goalkeeper.

Their job is to 'sweep' up any loose balls or tackle players that manage to wriggle their way through.

While central defenders challenge attackers, sweepers instead close gaps left by their teammates.

They are also free to push forward with the ball if the opportunity arises.

Famous sweepers: Franz Beckenbauer, Franco Baresi, Ronald Koeman

Right and Left Full-Backs (2, 3)

To either side of the center-backs you have the right and left full-backs .

They usually defend their flank of the pitch and stop the opposition's wingers or forwards from getting past them .

Aside from their defensive duties, they are often also asked to support the team when going forward .

Famous right full-backs: Cafu, Lillian Thuram, Dani Alves

Famous left full-backs: Roberto Carlos, Ashley Cole, Paul Breitner

Right and Left Wing-Backs (2, 3)

More attack-minded than full-backs, wing-backs  are encouraged  to bomb forward and support their team in attack .

Set either side of the central defenders, they are usually only deployed in formations that have three center-backs .

These players need great stamina and be able to tear it up and down the pitch for the whole ninety minutes.

These wings should be quite technical as they need to keep the ball in tight spaces and sometimes dribble around their opponent .

Famous right wing-backs: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Thomas Meunier, Javier Zanetti

Famous left wing-backs: Marcelo, Nilton Sanches, Bixente Lizarazu

Defensive Midfielder / Holding Midfielder (4, 6)

Defensive midfielders' primary task is to sit in front of the defense and stop the opposition from scoring .

These players should have great discipline and sense of positioning.

Holding midfielders should be able cover a lot of ground, tackle, mark players and make interceptions.

This position once used to  simply  be a 'destroyer'.

In the modern game, though, they are  increasingly  asked to start play from deep and distribute the ball to the forward players .

Famous defensive midfielders: Sergio Busquets, Casemiro, Claude Makelele

Center Mid / Central Midfielder (6, 8)

Occupying the center of the pitch, central midfielders help both in attacking and defending .

As such, number 8's need to have great stamina, be good on the ball, and know when to push forward and when to drop back.

Besides being able to tackle and win back the ball, center mids also need to be good at passing, shooting and carrying the ball forward .

It is usually these central players who dictate the tempo of the match and control possession .

Famous center mids: Xavi, Andrea Pirlo, Luka Modric

soccer-position-numbers

Attacking Midfielder (10)

Unlike defensive and center mids, attacking midfielders usually have very few defensive responsibilities.

It is their job to create goalscoring opportunities for the strikers.

Attacking midfielders should have superior technical skills, dribbling abilities and vision.

They must be able to create scoring chances, play through-balls and open up space for the forwards.

Aside from assisting, they are also expected to score goals themselves.

They are often the team's star player and most creative and magical outlet.

As such, the number 10 has  been worn by  some of the biggest names in soccer history.

Famous attacking midfielders: Zinedine Zidane, Kaka, Mesut Ozil

Right and Left Midfielders (7, 11)

To either side of the center mids are the right and left midfielders, who will wear either number 7 or number 11.

Much like the full-backs, they should be effective in both defending and attacking along their flank .

These players should be able to provide the team with width, put in dangerous crosses and dribble past defenders .

In addition  to contributing goals and assists, they need to be able to help defend their side of the pitch as well.

As such, these midfielders need great stamina and speed to get up and down for the whole duration of the match.

Famous right midfielders: David Beckham, Luis Figo, Freddie Ljungberg

Famous left midfielders: Ryan Giggs, David Ginola, Robert Pires

Center Forward / Striker (9)

Up top, you can find the center forward or striker (also known as the number 9) .

Strikers should hunt for goals and tuck away almost all their chances into the back of the net.

To be able to do so, strikers should have the ability to shoot, volley and head with both power and accuracy.

These players are also often expected to be able hold the ball up and bring their teammates into play.

As they will be battling center-backs all day, they need to have good physical strength and speed.

This is key for them to be able to get themselves in the right positions at the right time, over and over again.

Famous center forwards and strikers: Robert Lewandowski, Luis Suarez, Thierry Henry

Second Striker/Support Striker (10)

Playing  just  off of the center forward is the second or support striker.

The role of the support striker is somewhat  similar to  an attacking midfielder  in terms of  the positions they take up .

They are also expected to create chances, make runs and chip in with goals and assists.

As such, they need have to have excellent vision and awareness.

Superior technical skills, dribbling, passing, and shooting, are key for great support strikers.

Famous support strikers: Francesco Totti, Eric Cantona, Gianfranco Zola

Right and Left Wingers (7, 11)

Both right and left wingers are somewhat tricky positions.

They should be able to help with scoring goals, getting assists and tormenting the opposition's full-backs .

These players are often very pacy, have quick fleet footwork,  close ball control and posses exquisite dribbling skills .

As such, they are usually given full license to push forward and pin their opponents back.

As well as providing the team with width, they are also expected to make runs in behind, take up dangerous positions and get off shots where possible .

Famous right wingers: Lionel Messi, Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo

Famous left wingers: Ronaldinho, Franck Ribery, Neymar

soccer-position-numbers

Traditional and Modern Line-Ups and Numbers

While roles and formations have  obviously  evolved over the years.

However , the numbers on the back of the players are still  heavily  associated with certain parts of the pitch .

It's highly unlikely, for instance, that you would see a player wearing the no 10 on their back playing center-back or someone in the number 2 or 3 spearheading the attack (Asamoah Gyan aside of course!).

To give you an idea of where certain numbers (and positions) line up, let's first take a look at one of the most famous soccer formations  out there, the 4-4-2 .

Formation 4-4-2

11 - 8 - 6 - 7

3 - 5 - 4 - 2

Formation 4-3-3

Formation 4-4-2 diamond, formation 3-5-2.

3 - 6 - 8 - 7

Formation 4-2-3-1

11 - 10 - 7

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it...

Everything there is to know about soccer position numbers, their names, and roles.

While in the modern day and age, players can wear almost any number they like, each position is still very much associated with a certain number .

As such, right and left full-backs are usually assigned the no 2 and 3 shirts with strikers and creative attacking mids instead taking the nos . 9 and 10.

Knowing the numbers, names and roles of each position is essential if you want to better understand the beautiful game of soccer .

Further Reading:  11 Soccer Positions Explained (Roles and Responsibilities)

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Soccer Position Numbers, Player Numbers, And Jersey Numbers Explained

Soccer Position Numbers And Player Numbers Explained

Soccer position numbers and player numbers can cause a lot of confusion for soccer fans and soccer coaches alike. This is because when talking about soccer player numbers, one could be talking about the number on the back of a player’s jersey or the player’s position number. These days, more often than not, a soccer player’s position number does not correspond to the player’s jersey number. To help make things clearer, we’ve put together this guide which explains exactly what the soccer player numbers mean , the soccer position numbers , and the roles that these numbers correspond to in different formations . But first, let’s take a look at the meaning of a player’s jersey number in soccer, which is different from a player’s position number.

The Meaning Of Soccer Jersey Numbers

What’s the meaning of a soccer player’s jersey number? Essentially nothing. Although certain professional players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, have built their brand around a certain jersey number (7), in youth soccer a player’s jersey number just corresponds to the squad number they picked at the start of the season.

Although the numbers on the back of soccer players’ jerseys can correlate with their position on the field, they often do not. And so it’s best to think of players’ jersey numbers or squad numbers, as completely separate from position numbers, which we will detail later.

How Are Soccer Jersey Numbers Assigned?

Within a professional soccer squad, everyone is assigned a number which is placed upon the back of the player’s jersey along with their name. Players often get to pick their own number and it usually ranges from 1-99, with most players choosing the lower numbers. Players usually keep their numbers from season to season but can change it if, for example, a new marquee player joins the squad and wants a specific number or someone retires or leaves the team and a new number becomes available. In youth soccer, players usually re-choose their numbers at the start of a new uniform cycle with new players to the squad getting to choose from those numbers leftover.

Soccer Position Numbers

4-3-3 Positions Numbers

Soccer position numbers are numbers that correspond to a particular position on the field. Regardless of the formation played, the position numbers will always be numbers 1 to 11, with each number referring to a player’s position or role on the field. In the most commonly used 4-3-3 formation , the numbers correspond to the following positions:

  • Right Defender
  • Left Defender
  • Central Defender
  • Central Defensive Midfielder
  • Right-Side Forward
  • Central Medfielder
  • Central Attacking Midfielder
  • Left-Side Forward

Soccer Position Numbers In Different Formations

There are, of course, many different formations in soccer and so the positions or roles that these numbers correspond to in different formations can be slightly different. Player positions are still numbered 1 to 11 in different formations, but some of the position numbers change to reflect the different roles players take on in these formations.

The most popular formations currently used by top teams include 4-2-3-1, 3-4-3 , 3-5-2 , and 4-4-2 . Let’s look at each of these formations in turn and which positions each of the player numbers represents.

The 4-2-3-1 Formation

4-2-3-1 Positions Numbers

In this formation, the goalkeeper and the four defenders are represented by the same numbers as they are in the 4-3-3 with things starting to change in midfield. There are two defensive midfielders rather than one, with the (6) and (8) occupying these positions. Ahead of the 2 defensive midfielders are 3 attacking midfielders. The attacking central midfielder is (10), the right attacking midfielder is (7) and the left attacking midfielder is (11). Ahead of them is the lone central striker which is again the number (9). Read The Full 4-2-3-1 Formation guide .

The 3-4-3 Formation

3-4-3 Positions Numbers

In the 3-4-3 formation, there are three central defenders so the (6) drops back to join the (4) and (5) in the middle of the defense. The outside defenders (2) and (3) push up into midfield and are often referred to as wingbacks in this formation. The two central midfielders (8) and (10) make up the rest of the midfield 4 with (7), (11), and (9) occupying the traditional 3 forward positions. Read The Full 3-4-3 Formation Guide.

The 3-5-2 Formation

3-5-2 Positions Numbers

In the 3-5-2 formation the 3 central defenders are numbered (2), (3), and (4). There are 2 attacking wingbacks numbered (7) and (11), and three central midfielders numbered (5), (6), and (8). Quite often the number 8 is the most attacking of the three central midfielders in this formation. There are also two central strikers which are numbered (9) and (10). Read The Full 3-5-2 Formation Guide .

The 4-4-2 Formation

4-4-2 Positions Numbers

Finally, the 4-4-2 formation has the traditional 4 defenders and 2 central midfielders which are the (6) and the (8). The left and right midfielders are (11) and (7) respectively, and there are two central forwards which are (9) and (10). Read The Full 4-4-2 Formation Guide .

Wrapping Up

Thanks for reading. I hope the meaning of the numbers in soccer and the soccer position numbers are now a lot clearer. Before you go, be sure to check out our free soccer drills for activities you can use in your next training session.

how are numbers assigned in football

Kevin Comer is a qualified and experienced soccer coach with a rich 15-year career coaching youth soccer across the United States. Kevin's soccer coaching qualifications include an MA in Exercise and Sport Coaching, a USSF C License, a UEFA C Licence, and a US Soccer Coaches advanced National Diploma.

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Soccer positions explained: names, numbers and roles.

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Have you ever wondered how soccer positions work, how soccer position numbers are traditionally assigned or how the roles and responsibilities of each position are defined? Ever considered the difference between a full-back and a wing-back? Well, you are in luck: The18 introduces you to the ultimate guide to understanding soccer positions.

First things first: let’s take a look at where the most common positions play on the field.

A Map Of Soccer Positions On The Field

Soccer Positions Visual: Where Each Position Goes On The Field

Names And Abbreviations For Key Soccer Positions

- Sweeper (SW)

- Center-back / Center Full-back / Central Defender (CB)

- Right and Left Full-backs (RB/LB)

- Right and Left Wing-backs (RWB/LWB)

Midfielders

- Defensive / Holding Midfielder (DM)

- Center Midfielders (CM)

- Attacking Midfielders (AM)

- Wide Midfielders / Wingers (RW/LW)

- Center Forward (CF)

- Second Forward / Second Striker / Support or Withdrawn Striker (CF or S)

- Striker (S)

As you can see, there are plenty soccer positions and not all of them can play at once. A common question is how numbers get assigned to positions . Below, we outline the traditional numbers for each soccer position. Historically, these numbers were used to indicate position, with the players on the field designated as #1 - 11. In the modern game, jersey numbers vary greatly depending on formation as well as a player's personal preference. Here, we provide an overview of how numbers were traditionally assigned by position.

Let’s take a look at the role of each soccer position and the iconic players who illustrate each role.

Roles And Numbers For Key Soccer Positions

Goalkeeper (gk).

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 1

Every formation features a goalkeeper. The goalie is the only player who can legally use his or her hands to touch the ball on the field. To any other player, touching the ball with anything between your fingernails and shoulders is not permitted. Some of the most famous goalkeepers are Juventus’ Gianluigi Buffon, the USMNT's Tim Howard, Manuel Neuer and former Real Madrid star Iker Casillas. 

Buffon is one of the most famous goalies of all time

Sweeper (SW)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 4

The sweeper position is not commonly used anymore, but it was popular back in the day. The sweeper is the last man in the defense line. He is located between the goalkeeper and the center-backs. He is not normally assigned to personally mark a rival player but rather to close down gaps left by teammates, to anticipate opponents’ moves and to clear loose balls. Perhaps the most well-known sweeper of all time is German legend Franz Beckenbauer, who once played for Germany with a dislocated shoulder.

Franz Beckenbauer: Sweepers are traditionally soccer position number 4

Franz Beckenbauer

Center-back / Center Full-back / Central Defender (CB) 

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 4

In contemporary football, center-backs constitute the last defensive line in the central area of the field. Their responsibility is to block rival forwards and to do anything in their ability to stop them from getting face to face with their goalkeeper. Center-backs are often tall, strong, and have good leadership attributes.

Paolo Maldini, Sergio Ramos, Carles Puyol, Gerard Piqué and Leonardo Bonucci are typical central defenders.

Puyol: Center backs traditionally wear soccer position numbers 2, 3 or 4

Carles Puyol

Full-backs [Right & Left]  (RB/LB)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 6

Full-backs are in charge of blocking the other team’s wingers and wide midfielders and to prevent them from crossing dangerous balls into their box. While full-backs may on occasion venture into more attacking positions, their chief responsibility is to defend and help hold a line with the center-backs.

Full-backs are often lighter than the center-backs and run up and down the field marking rivals. Brazilian stars Roberto Carlos and Cafú are two of the most legendary full-backs of all time.

Roberto Carlos: Full backs traditionally wear soccer position numbers 2, 3 or 6

Roberto Carlos

Wing-backs [Right & Left] (RWB/LWB)

The wing-back position is similar to the full-back in that wing-backs play close and along the sidelines of the field. The main difference is that wing-backs have much more attacking responsibility than full-backs do. Many full-backs have played as wing-backs and wing-backs have played as full-backs.

A wing-back's role depends on the team formation and specific moments of the game. For example, if you have a defensive line of four defenders (two center-backs and two full-backs) and your team is in need of a goal, you will want the full-backs to behave more like wing-backs and attack. If, on the contrary, you are clinging to a narrow advantage, you will want your wing-backs to play more defensively. Also, if you have five defenders (three center-backs and two wing-backs), this allows more liberty for the wing-backs to venture attacking. Remarkable wing-backs are Marcelo, Dani Alves, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba.

Embed from Getty Images

MIDFIELDERS

Defensive/Holding Midfielder (DM)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 5 & 6

The defensive midfielder plays directly in front of the center-backs. His or her job is to collaborate with defense, retrieve as many balls as possible and organize attacking plays from the back. Holding midfielders are usually rugged, strong players capable of physically disputing the ball with opponents.

Sometimes defensive midfielders have a more creative role. While they anticipate rivals’ passes and plays, they also creatively structure attacking plays and contribute with assists. Famous holding midfielders include Sergio Busquets, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Pirlo, N’Golo Kanté and Casemiro.

Andrea Pirlo, "The Architect"

Center Midfielders (CM)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 6 & 8

Center midfielders are the foremost organizers and creative playmakers in the game. Having a strong midfield is key to establish a dominating playing style. When FC Barcelona had Sergio Busquets, Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Hernández as midfielders, they were arguably the best team in history because they handled the ball so well, establishing the so-called “tiki-taka” style that consisted in endless passing of the ball from one side to the other with remarkable accuracy and tempo.

Center midfielders are tasked with linking the defense with the offense and contributing with goals, assists and key decision making. Exemplary center midfielders are aforementioned Xavi Hernández, Andrés Iniesta, Paul Pogba, Luka Modric, Mesut Özil and Arturo Vidal.

Andrés Iniesta: Center midfielders traditionally wear soccer position numbers 6 or 8

Andres Iniesta

Attacking Midfielders (AM)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 10

Their role is similar to that of the center midfielders, but more focused on attacking (shooting, assisting, scoring). Some of soccer’s best players of all time have been attacking midfielders. Exquisite technique and accuracy are a must for this position. Characterized by field vision, ball control and technique, attacking midfielders are often in charge of free-kicks and penalty kicks. Notable examples are Zinedine Zidane, Francesco Totti, Kaká and Ronaldinho.

Zinedine Zidane: Attacking midfielders traditionally wear soccer position number 10

The Frenchman is regarded as one of the most elegant players ever to play the game.

Wide Midfielders/Wingers [Right & Left] (RW/LW)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 7 & 11

Wide Midfielders or Wingers play offensively along the sidelines. They are normally light, fast and extremely fit. This position is one of the most explosive and opportunity generating. Wingers are tasked with attacking and dribbling at full speed, crossing, assisting and scoring. Well known wingers are Ángel di María, Eden Hazard, Neymar, Arjen Robben and Cristiano Ronaldo, particularly when he was younger (and faster).

Cristiano Ronaldo playing as a winger for Real Madrid.

Center Forward (CF)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Number: 9

A center forward is typically a strong player that can win balls in the air, shield the ball from defenders while waiting for backup, perform link up duties and serve as decoy for the striker. Of course, every once in a while you get center forwards who are not as physically strong but compensate with skill, like “Kun” Agüero or Lionel Messi. Moreover, in contemporary football, the center forward has also defensive responsibility. He or she is considered to be the first defender of the team.

Exemplary center forwards are Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi, Harry Kane and recently Cristiano Ronaldo.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic: Center forwards traditionally wear soccer position number 9

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, a fierce center forward.

Striker (S)

Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 10 & 11

As this name suggests, strikers are tasked with the most commonly celebrated thing in football: scoring. While Center Forwards typically have defensive responsibilities, strikers are almost exclusively concerned with attacking. Strikers are quick and unpredictable, profit from defenders’ mistakes and are at times defined as goal poachers.

Excellent examples of natural born strikers are Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Thierry Henry, Ronaldo (Brazilian), Didier Drogba, and Samuel Etoo.

Ronaldo Nazario: Strikers traditionally wear soccer position numbers 10 or 11

Ronaldo Nazario "The Phenomenon"

Those are the basics. There are almost more soccer positions than players allowed on the field. As you can guess, there are a lot different formations in soccer that allow for play and creativity. You can always go for a traditional 4-4-2 (four defenders, four midfielders, and two forwards), opt for a 5-3-2 (3 center-backs and 2 wing-backs, 3 midfielders, 1 center forward and a striker), or join the contemporary trend of 4-3-3 (four defenders, three midfielders, one center forward, and two wingers). The combinations are infinite.

That is an insight into why football managers earn so much and why their job is so fascinating!

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What jersey numbers will Cam Coleman, Walker White and Auburn football’s new faces wear in 2024?

  • Published: Feb. 23, 2024, 1:40 p.m.

Auburn huddle

Auburn huddles during the fourth-quarter light show during its game against Western Kentucky at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, AL on Saturday, Nov 19, 2022. Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers Austin Perryman/Auburn Tigers

With spring camp set to kick off on Tuesday, Auburn football will be pulling its jerseys out of the equipment room for the first time since December.

For the new faces on Auburn’s roster, Tuesday’s spring practice will be the first time they throw on an Auburn practice jersey with their assigned number. And on Friday, Auburn’s roster was updated to reflect which numbers each of Auburn’s new players will be wearing in 2024.

Here’s a look:

  • No. 1 — Jerrin Thompson, defensive back, senior Texas transfer
  • No. 3 — Laquan Robinson, safety, junior JUCO transfer
  • No. 6 — Bryce Cain, wide receiver, freshman
  • No. 8 — Cam Coleman, wide receiver, freshman
  • No. 8 — Antonio Kite, defensive back, sophomore Alabama transfer
  • No. 10 — Amaris Williams, defensive line, freshman
  • No. 11 — Jamonta Waller, edge rusher, freshman
  • No. 11 — Walker White, quarterback, freshman
  • No. 12 — Dorian Mausi Jr., linebacker, senior Duke transfer
  • No. 13 — TJ Lindsey, defensive line, freshman
  • No. 14 — Robert Lewis, wide receiver, senior Georgia State transfer
  • No. 16 — Demarcus Riddick, linebacker, freshman
  • No. 17 — Rico Walker, tight end, sophomore Maryland transfer
  • No. 18 — Kaleb Harris, safety, freshman
  • No. 18 — Sam Jackson V, wide receiver, senior Cal transfer
  • No. 28 — Kensley Louidor-Faustin, safety, freshman
  • No. 31 — Joe Phillips, linebacker, freshman
  • No. 33 — DJ Barber, linebacker, freshman
  • No. 33 — Towns McGough, kicker, freshman
  • No. 36 — Jalyn Crawford, cornerback, freshman
  • No. 47 — Malik Blocton, defensive line, freshman
  • No. 65 — Seth Wilfred, offensive line, sophomore JUCO transfer
  • No. 70 — Favour Edwin, offensive line, freshman
  • No. 73 — Percy Lewis, offensive line, senior Mississippi State transfer
  • No. 89 — Dylan Gentry, wide receiver, freshman
  • No. 92 — Trill Carter, defensive line, senior Texas transfer

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The Independent

Super Bowl squares: How to play, and win, football game

M ost of the action will be on the football field on Super Bowl Sunday, or during the highly anticipated halftime show, but that doesn’t mean viewers of the 2024 game can’t join in on the fun at home as well.

Super Bowl squares, otherwise known as football squares, is a game perfect for Super Bowl parties because it lets people bet on the outcome of America's most-watched game .

With the face-off between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers fast approaching, this is what you need to know about playing, and winning, Super Bowl squares.

How do you play?

To play the game, you start with a 10-by-10 grid, which results in 100 boxes.

The Chiefs are assigned to either the rows or columns, and the 49ers are assigned to the other side.

Players then purchase however many squares they’d like - which all cost the same price.

Then, a number one through nine is randomly assigned to all of the columns, and all of the rows, which will result in each box having two numbers.

Winners of the game are typically identified at the end of the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and end of the football game.

The winner is determined by the last digit in each teams’ score - which will match a box on the grid.

For example, if the final score is Chiefs 23-14, the box belonging to the person who bought Chiefs row three and 49ers column four would win.

How much does each winner get?

Typically, the winners for every quarter get 25 per cent of the pot.

You can also play the game by awarding 20 per cent of the pot to each of the winners of the first three quarters, and the remainder to the final winner.

What boxes are the best?

The game is mostly random, however, The Washington Post suggests zero-zero is the best square to have considering the odds, followed by boxes with combinations of seven and zero.

According to a blog post from the Harvard Sports Analysis Collective, the worst squares are the two-two square and the two-five square, because it typically requires a combination of unusual plays in the game to get a score with those numbers at the end.

Follow live updates from the Super Bowl halftime show here.

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking news brand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded. We have grown a huge, global readership of independently minded individuals, who value our trusted voice and commitment to positive change. Our mission, making change happen, has never been as important as it is today.

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COMMENTS

  1. What the Uniform Numbers in Pro Football Mean

    The system assigned certain ranges of numbers to each player position from which a player could choose. Here are the original numbers from 1973. They've changed a little, but not much. 1 - 19: Quarterbacks, punters, and kickers 20 - 49: Running backs and defensive backs 50 - 59: Centers (or 60-79 if this range is taken)

  2. Uniform number (American football)

    At all levels of football, each player dressed for a game must wear a unique number from 0 to 99. The number 0, long prohibited in American football, has been permitted in college football since 2020 and in the National Football League since the 2023 season .

  3. How Do Football Numbers Work: Your Ultimate Guide To Understanding

    For instance: Quarterbacks (QBs) and specialists like kickers or punters typically wear numbers between 1 and 19. Running backs (RBs) and defensive backs (DBs) get numbers from 20 through 49. Wide receivers (WRs), for many years, were restricted to wearing numbers in the '80s.

  4. NFL Jersey Numbers

    An update to the NFL Rulebook allows defensive backs, tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, fullbacks, H-backs and linebackers to choose from a wider range of available numbers, including...

  5. National Football League uniform numbers

    Players in the National Football League (NFL) wear uniform numbers between 0 and 99, with no two players on a team able to wear the same number outside of the offseason. Rules exist which tie a player's number to a specific range of numbers for their primary position.

  6. NFL jersey number rules, explained: Why these players changed numbers

    With the number brackets relaxed and expanded, it opens up several more position groups outside of QB, punter and kicker to have single-digit numbers: Wide receivers, running backs and tight...

  7. Meaning of Football Jersey Numbers

    Here are the recommended numbers by position in college football. These ranges are required in the NFL (professional) but are only requested in the NCAA (college). Meaning of Football Jersey Numbers by Position: 1-9 Quarter Backs / Kickers / Punters 10-19 Quarter Backs / Wide Receivers /Kickers / Punters 20-29 Running Backs /Corner Backs / Safeties

  8. How numbers are assigned to football players?

    How numbers are assigned to football players? Ask Question Asked 10 years, 3 months ago Modified 10 years, 3 months ago Viewed 4k times 6 Usually you can not see any other player with number 1 except goalkeeper. I've never seen forward with number 2,3,4,5 or 6. So, how numbers are assigned to players?

  9. Football positions and numbers explained

    A football pitch is divided into four main zones: the penalty box, the defensive half, the centre of the field and the attacking zone. Therefore, there are four basic football positions: goalkeeper, defender, midfielder and forward. Each position fulfils different duties in the game and, consequently, requires players of particular characteristics.

  10. Why Do Athletes Wear Numbered Jerseys?

    Today the ways players are assigned their numbers across professional sports leagues have changed; assignments take into account the number's history, the player's position, league-specific traditions, and more. But the reason why athletes wear numbered jerseys at all remains the same: so that their fans can identify them on the field. In ...

  11. Number (sports)

    Squad number, as depicted on an association football jersey. In team sports, the number, often referred to as the uniform number, squad number, jersey number, shirt number, sweater number, or similar (with such naming differences varying by sport and region) is the number worn on a player's uniform, to identify and distinguish each player (and sometimes others, such as coaches and officials ...

  12. Football squad numbers explained

    Squad numbers are assigned to players at the start of every season, prior to any games being played. ... Squad numbers are an important part of football. Squad numbers are an important part of football, so it's probably best to know what they mean. In most cases, the number you wear is simply a number within your squad—the first team (the ...

  13. How Do Footballers Get Their Numbers

    Significance of Specific Numbers in Football In football, the meaning behind a player's number can carry great significance. Historically, starting players were often assigned numbers 1 -11 in football formations. For instance, the goalkeeper typically wore number 1 , while the center-forward donned number 9.

  14. Soccer Positions and Numbers Guide

    By the numbers, soccer is the most popular sport in the world. There are more than 250 million players worldwide, across 200 countries, with players starting to train as young as three. That doesn ...

  15. Single-Digit Jerseys Should Be the NFL's Most Exclusive Club

    Historically, the overarching logic behind football numbering is that the smallest numbers go to the physically smallest players. Kickers, punters, and quarterbacks have long been assigned nos. 1 ...

  16. Football Positions Numbers

    They are also frequently in charge of taking right-side throw-ins. Right full-backs are usually assigned the number 2. Other football numbers by position of famous players who have mastered this position are César Azpilicueta number 28, Trent Alexander-Arnold number 66, Dani Carvajal number 20, and others.

  17. Soccer Position Numbers (Each Explained)

    Soccer Numbering Systems: Positions #1 Goalkeeper - Keeper - Stopper (GK) #2 Right Full-Back - #3 Left Full-Back / Wing Back (RB-LB-WB) #4 + #5 Center-Backs (CB) #6 + #8 Center-Midfield (CM) #7 Right-Midfield - #11 Left-Midfield / Winger (RM-LM/RW-LW) #9 Center-Forward - Striker (CF-ST)

  18. Squad number (association football)

    Numbers very soon became a way to also indicate position, with starting players being assigned numbers 1-11, although in the modern game they are often influenced by the players' favourite numbers and other less technical reasons, as well as using "surrogates" for a number that is already in use.

  19. Relation between jersey numbers and player positions in Football

    Players are assigned shirt numbers based on their roles they play on the pitch. The traditional number system included numbers from 1-11 each having a unique role to describe for themselves. Number 1. Number 1 in football is usually reserved for the first choice goalkeeper in the team.

  20. Soccer Position Numbers Explained (Every Name and Role)

    Defenders: Center-Back / Central Defender (CB) Sweeper (SW) Right and Left Full-Backs (RB/LB) Right and Left Wing-Backs (RWB/LWB) Midfielders: Defensive Midfielder / Holding Midfielder (DM) Center Mid / Central Midfielder (CM) Attacking Midfielder (AM) Right and Left Midfielder (RM/LM) Forwards (or Attackers): Center Forward (CF)/ Striker (S)

  21. Soccer Position Numbers, Player Numbers, And Jersey Numbers Explained

    Regardless of the formation played, the position numbers will always be numbers 1 to 11, with each number referring to a player's position or role on the field. In the most commonly used 4-3-3 formation, the numbers correspond to the following positions: Goalkeeper Right Defender Left Defender Central Defender

  22. How Are Soccer Jersey Numbers Assigned? (FULL GUIDE)

    Yes, soccer jersey numbers can have meaning behind them. Historically, the number 10 has been associated with the team's playmaker or star player. The number 9 is typically assigned to the center forward or striker, while the number 7 is often given to a winger or attacking midfielder. However, these assignments are not set in stone and can ...

  23. Soccer Positions Explained: Names, Numbers And Roles

    Center-back / Center Full-back / Central Defender (CB) Traditionally Assigned Soccer Position Numbers: 2, 3 & 4. In contemporary football, center-backs constitute the last defensive line in the ...

  24. What jersey numbers will Auburn football's new faces wear in 2024?

    And on Friday, Auburn's roster was updated to reflect which numbers each of Auburn's new players will be wearing in 2024. Here's a look: No. 1 — Jerrin Thompson, defensive back, senior ...

  25. Super Bowl squares: How to play, and win, football game

    How do you play? To play the game, you start with a 10-by-10 grid, which results in 100 boxes. The Chiefs are assigned to either the rows or columns, and the 49ers are assigned to the other side.