The Athletic FC Podcast Do shirt numbers still matter?
Jul 30, 2025
Jack Lang, Stuart James, and Pol Ballus dive into the fascinating world of shirt numbers in football. They discuss how squad numbers have become symbols of player identity and legacy, with special emphasis on the iconic number 10 worn by talents like Lamine Yamal. The conversation touches on cultural superstitions surrounding numbers, their branding significance, and the emotional connections they foster among fans. Anecdotes about legendary players add depth to the exploration of how these digits influence modern football dynamics.
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Complex Meaning of Shirt Numbers
- Shirt numbers carry layers of meaning including superstition, status, ego, and branding.
- Players often become attached to numbers from a young age and the numbers have different meanings at different clubs.
Ego and Aesthetics Influence Numbers
- Big player egos often lead them to request specific numbers.
- Some numbers are inherently "sexy" and attractive while others are not, affecting player choice and perception.
Stuart James’s Shirt Number Stories
- Stuart James wore the number 10 shirt while playing wingback, which was an inappropriate match for position and number.
- He also kept the number 37 from Swindon as his lottery number though it never brought luck.