Uncovering the Mystery: Why Is Number 10 Special in Soccer and Its Legendary Legacy

I still remember the first time I truly understood the magic of the number 10 in soccer. It was during the 1994 World Cup when Roberto Baggio, despite his heartbreaking penalty miss, demonstrated what it means to wear that legendary digit. The number 10 isn't just a jersey number—it's a symbol of excellence, creativity, and legacy that has fascinated me throughout my decades covering this beautiful game.

When we trace back through soccer history, the number 10's significance began crystallizing in the 1950s with players like Pelé, who transformed it into something mythical. What many don't realize is that before the 1958 World Cup, numbers were simply assigned based on positions. But when 17-year-old Pelé received number 10 somewhat randomly and then proceeded to score 6 goals in 4 games, including that unforgettable hat-trick against France in the semifinal, the number suddenly gained its legendary status. I've always found it fascinating how chance moments can create lasting traditions in sports. The Brazilian magician didn't just win tournaments—he scored 77 goals in 92 appearances for Brazil, numbers that still feel almost supernatural when you consider the quality of defenders he faced.

Throughout my career analyzing soccer, I've noticed how the number 10 role has evolved while maintaining its core identity. In the 1970s, players like Michel Platini and Diego Maradona elevated the position to an art form. Maradona's 1986 World Cup performance, where he created 10 assists and scored 5 goals including the "Goal of the Century," represents what I consider the absolute peak of number 10 dominance. I'll admit I'm biased toward creative players who can change games single-handedly, and Maradona's ability to do exactly that made him the prototype for generations of attacking midfielders who followed.

The modern game has seen some fascinating adaptations of the number 10 role. Lionel Messi, with his 91 goals in a single calendar year during 2012, redefined what we thought possible for a player in that position. Yet what intrigues me most is how contemporary managers have both challenged and preserved the number 10 tradition. Pep Guardiola's positional play system, for instance, seemed to threaten the classic number 10, yet Kevin De Bruyne has managed to maintain that creative essence while adapting to modern tactical demands. I've always believed that true genius adapts without losing its soul, and watching De Bruyne's 20 assists in the 2019-20 Premier League season confirmed this belief.

Then there's the fascinating phenomenon of female players embracing and transforming the number 10 legacy. The reference about "blazing her own trail of history as a champion and rookie-MVP" perfectly captures what players like Marta have achieved. When she won her record sixth FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2018, she wasn't just following tradition—she was expanding what the number 10 could represent. Having watched her career develop, I'm convinced she brought something entirely new to the position: a combination of technical brilliance and relentless determination that inspired an entire generation of female players.

What often gets overlooked in discussions about number 10s is the psychological burden that comes with the shirt. In my conversations with former players who wore it, many described feeling both privileged and pressured. The expectation to perform magic every match, to be the difference-maker—that weight can either crush players or elevate them to greatness. I've seen promising talents crumble under that pressure, while others like Zinedine Zidane seemed to thrive on it, producing moments like his volley in the 2002 Champions League final that still gives me chills when I rewatch it.

The commercial aspect of the number 10 has also evolved dramatically. When Neymar transferred to PSG for €222 million in 2017, part of what they were buying was the marketing power associated with that number. Throughout my research into soccer economics, I've found that number 10 jerseys consistently rank among the top sellers globally, with Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 being one of the few that can compete in commercial appeal. This commercial reality creates an interesting tension between tradition and business that modern clubs must navigate.

As I look at the current landscape, I worry that the classic number 10 might be disappearing from top-level soccer. The rise of gegenpressing and structured defensive systems has made it increasingly difficult for traditional playmakers to find space. Yet every time I see players like Bruno Fernandes creating 95 chances in a single Premier League season or James Maddison dictating play for Tottenham, I'm reminded that the number 10 spirit endures. The role may be evolving, but the essence—that creative spark, that game-changing vision—remains as vital as ever.

The true legacy of the number 10, in my view, extends beyond statistics and trophies. It's about inspiring the next generation of players to attempt the extraordinary. When I visit youth academies today, I still see countless children requesting number 10, dreaming of becoming the next Messi or Marta. That enduring appeal, that magical connection between a number and our imagination, is what makes soccer so special. The number 10 isn't just part of soccer history—it continues to shape soccer's future, one creative genius at a time.