Ranking the 10 Best Number 10s in Football History

The number 10 jersey is iconic in football, often worn by creative midfielders who serve as playmakers and key figures in their team’s attack. However, not every player who dons the number fits the traditional role. For example, defender William Gallas wore the 10 shirt during his time at Arsenal. In some cases, players don’t wear the number because it isn’t available when they join the club, while others may prefer a different number—Johan Cruyff, a perfect fit for the number 10 role, famously made the number 14 his own.

In this list, we focus on the best players known for wearing the number 10 throughout most of their career, either with their club or country. For that reason, players like Cruyff, despite his brilliance, are excluded from this particular ranking.

Ranking Factors:

• Output: Key attacking metrics such as goals and assists.
• Longevity: How long they played and how consistently they performed.
• Legacy: The impact they left for their club and/or country.

10. Roberto Baggio

Career: 1982–2004

Roberto Baggio was a star for multiple Serie A teams during the era when Italian football reigned as the best league in the world. Known for his iconic ponytail, Baggio stood out not just for his appearance, but for his remarkable talent. Though many will remember him for his missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil, his career was much more than that singular moment.

Baggio was named the Ballon d'Or winner in 1993, a testament to his incredible skills. Over a 22-year career, he won Serie A titles with both Juventus and AC Milan, cementing his legacy in Italian football.

A creative, skillful playmaker, Baggio was known for his ability to glide past defenders, create chances for his teammates, and score crucial goals. His finesse on the ball and composure in key moments were hallmarks of his game. He also had a reputation as a set-piece specialist, frequently converting free-kicks with pinpoint precision, adding to his impressive tally of goals and assists. A true artist on the field, Baggio’s impact remains legendary.

9. Wayne Rooney

Career: 2002–2021

Wayne Rooney announced himself to the Premier League with a stunning late winner for Everton against Arsenal in October 2002, just days before his 17th birthday. His rapid rise continued as he scored four goals for England at Euro 2004, which led to a high-profile move to Manchester United later that year.

At United, Rooney cemented his legacy as one of the club's greatest players, becoming their all-time leading scorer with 253 goals. Over the course of his illustrious career at Old Trafford, he won every major trophy, including five Premier League titles and the Champions League. He also set a record for most goals scored for England, a record only surpassed by Harry Kane.

Rooney was not just a prolific scorer but also a versatile and dynamic player. His 139 assists for Manchester United highlighted his vision and playmaking abilities, making him invaluable to Sir Alex Ferguson’s teams. As his career progressed, Rooney adapted his game by dropping deeper into midfield, where his intelligence and passing range continued to influence matches. His powerful presence, combined with technical skill, solidified him as one of the best players of his generation.

8. Dennis Bergkamp

Career: 1986–2006

Dennis Bergkamp, a product of the renowned Ajax academy, began his career with the Dutch giants before making a move to Inter Milan in 1993. However, he found it difficult to adapt to Italian football, where the defensive style clashed with the fluid "Total Football" philosophy he had thrived under at Ajax. His time at Inter was challenging, and Bergkamp didn’t quite fit into the team’s tactical approach.

In 1995, Bergkamp transferred to Arsenal for £7.5 million. Despite his struggles in Italy, he was still considered a generational talent. His start in London was slow—he went goalless in his first seven matches, leading to skepticism in the media about whether he would succeed. However, his fortunes changed after scoring twice against Southampton in his eighth appearance, marking the beginning of a legendary career at Arsenal.

Renowned for his creativity, Bergkamp had exceptional vision, intelligence, and a sublime first touch. These qualities made him a key figure in Arsenal’s success under Arsène Wenger. Over his 11-year tenure with the Gunners, he scored 120 goals and provided 112 assists, becoming one of the most influential playmakers in Premier League history.

7. Ronaldinho

Career: 1998–2015

Ronaldinho was one of football's most exhilarating players, renowned for his electrifying pace, exceptional dribbling skills, and mesmerizing tricks that left defenders helpless. His unique flair and creativity made him a global fan favorite and a constant source of entertainment on the pitch.

The Brazilian superstar joined Barcelona in 2003 after a standout spell at Paris Saint-Germain. At Barcelona, Ronaldinho spent his prime years, playing a pivotal role in reviving the club’s fortunes after a six-year trophy drought. In 2005, he helped Barcelona win their first La Liga title since 1999, a feat they repeated in 2006 alongside clinching the prestigious Champions League title. Ronaldinho was the driving force behind this resurgence, consistently scoring and creating goals for his teammates.

His efforts earned him the Ballon d'Or in 2005, cementing his status as one of the best players in the world. During his time at Barcelona, Ronaldinho was the star of the team, just as a young Lionel Messi was beginning to make his mark in the first team.

6. Zinedine Zidane

Career: 1989–2006

Zinedine Zidane may not have worn the number 10 shirt during his club career, but he proudly donned it for France, where he captivated fans worldwide with his blend of elegance, vision, and technical skill. Zidane's first touch was sublime, and his ability to control the tempo of a game and create opportunities for his teammates was unmatched. He played for some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Juventus and Real Madrid, joining the latter in 2001 for a then-world record transfer fee.

The graceful Frenchman won the Ballon d'Or in 1998, the same year he led France to World Cup glory, famously scoring two headed goals in the final against Brazil. Zidane also etched his name into Champions League history with a stunning volley in the 2002 final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing a 2-1 victory for Real Madrid. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players to ever grace the game, Zidane has also enjoyed a highly successful managerial career, winning multiple La Liga and Champions League titles with Real Madrid.

5. Ferenc Puskas

Career: 1943–1966

Ferenc Puskas was one of the most clinical strikers to ever play the game, forming a formidable partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano at Real Madrid. Their rivalry to outscore each other was highlighted in the 1960 European Cup final, where Real Madrid triumphed 7-3 over Eintracht Frankfurt. Di Stefano netted a hat-trick, but Puskas stole the show with four goals. This incredible scoring feat was a regular occurrence throughout his career—Puskas amassed an astounding 512 goals in just 528 games.

Despite his stocky build and reliance on his left foot, Puskas' goal-scoring prowess was undeniable. His lethal finishing earned him a lasting legacy, including the FIFA Puskas Award, given annually to the player who scores the best goal of the year. In addition to his club success, Puskas helped Hungary reach the 1954 World Cup final, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of his generation. Though he passed away in 2006, Puskas will always be remembered as one of football's finest, forever linked to the iconic number 10 shirt.

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4. Michel Platini

Career: 1972–1987

Michel Platini set the standard for French playmakers, paving the way for future talents like Zinedine Zidane, who was inspired by his compatriot. Both Platini and Zidane share similar career trajectories, having captained France and played for Juventus. Platini was a versatile and tough player, known for his ability to win the ball both in the air and on the ground, while also possessing the vision to deliver perfect passes and a sharp eye for goal.

As France's captain, Platini led his nation to their first major international triumph, scoring an incredible nine goals in five games at Euro 1984. His influence extended to the 1986 World Cup, where he helped France secure a third-place finish. Early in Platini’s international career, France struggled to qualify for tournaments, making this turnaround all the more remarkable. Platini held the record as France’s all-time leading scorer with 41 goals until Thierry Henry surpassed him in 2007. His legacy as one of the greatest playmakers in football history remains undeniable.

3. Diego Maradona

Career: 1976–1997

Diego Maradona is one of football’s most polarizing figures, yet his extraordinary dribbling ability made him a legend. In the 1986 World Cup, after scoring the infamous 'Hand of God' goal against England, Maradona demonstrated his sheer brilliance just minutes later. He embarked on an unforgettable solo run from his own half, weaving past multiple defenders and rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score one of the greatest goals in World Cup history. The two moments—the handball and the dazzling dribble—showcased the contrasting sides of Maradona’s game in a matter of minutes.

Maradona is revered as an icon both in Argentina and Naples, where he spent most of his club career. At Napoli, he led the team to two Serie A titles, a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana, and a UEFA Cup triumph. His legacy in Naples endured for decades, with the club only winning their next league title 33 years later, in 2023. Maradona’s influence on the sport remains unmatched, making him one of football’s all-time greats.

2. Lionel Messi

Career: 2004–Present

The long-standing debate in football has often revolved around who is better, Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo. Fortunately, since Ronaldo has predominantly worn the number seven shirt, we can avoid that discussion here. Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the most complete footballers of all time. His dribbling, as if the ball is glued to his feet, combined with his phenomenal goal-scoring record and exceptional vision and accuracy in passing, sets him apart. At Barcelona, Messi was the centerpiece for many years, leading the club to dominance both domestically and in Europe.

Messi has won nearly every accolade the sport has to offer, including a record-breaking eight Ballon d'Or awards. His dual ability as both a playmaker and a prolific goalscorer places him in a league of his own. With 738 goals and 396 assists to date, Messi has reached unprecedented heights in football.

1. Pele

Before the Ronaldo vs. Messi debate, it was Pele vs. Maradona that captivated the football world. Both legends wore the iconic number 10 shirt, and in many rankings, Pele often takes the top spot, with Messi sitting between the two.

Brazilian football is synonymous with flair and success, and much of that can be attributed to Pele. His dribbling, creativity, and teamwork revolutionized the game. Pele had a unique ability to score from anywhere on the pitch, helping his teams dominate. He played in a much tougher era, when defenders were more aggressive and pitches were far from today’s pristine standards.

Pele burst onto the global stage at just 17, scoring six goals in the 1958 World Cup, leading Brazil to their first-ever triumph. Four years later, despite missing the final due to injury, he was part of the squad that won the World Cup again. In 1970, Pele was at the heart of what is widely considered one of the greatest teams in history as Brazil won their third World Cup. With three World Cup titles to his name, Pele retired from international football in 1971, leaving Brazil to wait another 24 years for their next triumph.