Soccer numbering system overview
- First use of numbers on field was in 1911. Originally indicated player and position
- Today just signifies player, does not correlate to position
- As game evolved and numbering system evolved as well and can vary between
countries and leagues.
- There are some typical roles, 1 being keeper, 10 being attacking midfielders/playmakers/
second strikers, think Messi and is one of the most iconic numbers in the sport, Pele and Diego
Maradona's number, 7 being a great winger or second striker, think Ronaldo, 9 usally a center
Forward or striker, think Luis Suarez, Lewandowski, or Zlatan.
- Numbering system starts from the backfield, at the keeper, and moves forward and moves
right to left.
- First time used in association football was on Aug. 25 1928, Arsenal v Chelsea at Stamford
Bridge
- 2-3-5 was formation of team, which no one really runs anymore
-Numbers meaning during game
- 1 Goalkeeper
- 2 Right Fullback (Fullback being defender)
- 3 Left Fullback
- 4 Right Halfback (Halfback being Midfield)
- 5 Center Halfback
- 6 Left Halfback
- 7 Outside right (Right winger)
- 8 Inside right (Attacking midfield)
- 9 Center Forward
- 10 Inside left (Attacking midfield)
- 11 Outside left (Left winger)
- In the past game was way more attacking minded then now
Go into team formations
- what each number means
- typical formations used
- most common seen is 4-4-2
- differentiate between stopper/sweeper and dual center backs (diamond v flat 4)
- Wingers generally considered more attacking then outside midfield but basically the same
thing
- Most of these aren't really used anymore outside of 1,7,9,10
- Each country/region has developed its own numbering system from each other, usually leave above
four alone.
- Brazil, Argentina, Uk, France, Italy, Spain, and US/Canada all have own styles and rules for
numbering players.
- overall the old numbering system is out of date and all that is ever held on to is 1,7,9,10
- famous 7s
- George Best
- David Beckham
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- famous 9s
- Brazilian Ronaldo
- Johan Cruyff
- Luis Suarez
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic
- Mia Hamm
- famous 10s
- Pele, Diego Maradona, Rooney, Zinedane Zidane (probably more famous for headbutt now), Ronaldinho, Messi, Marta
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QJrBuntznqc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7w-ZA1yxYrw
https://the18.com/soccer-learning/soccer-positions-explained-names-numbers-and-roles
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Squad_number_(association_football)