Best Soccer Players With Number 17

Best Soccer Players With Number 17: Stars Who Wore the Iconic Jersey

In the world of soccer, jersey numbers often carry a deeper meaning and legacy, with certain numbers becoming iconic due to the legendary players who have worn them. The number 17 is no exception, having been donned by some of the most talented and influential players in soccer history. We crafted a list of the best soccer players with the number 17.

These players have not only excelled individually but have also left an indelible mark on the sport through their achievements and contributions. This list highlights the best soccer players who have proudly worn the number 17 jersey, showcasing their remarkable skills, memorable moments, and lasting legacies in the game.

#11: Cristiano Ronaldo (2001-2004)

Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 187 lbs
Teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr

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Cristiano Ronaldo wore #17 for the Portugal national team early in his career, including during Euro 2004, where he made his international breakthrough. Known for his incredible athleticism, goal-scoring prowess, and work ethic, Ronaldo quickly became one of the world’s best players. 

Although he’s most associated with the number 7, his time wearing #17 for Portugal was crucial to his development into a global superstar. During this period, he showcased his potential and laid the groundwork for his legendary status.

#10: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (2008-Present)

Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 176 lbs
Teams: Saint-Étienne, Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is known for his exceptional speed, finishing, and versatility in the forward positions. Aubameyang wore the #17 during his early days at Saint-Étienne and continued to wear it with Borussia Dortmund, where he gained international recognition. 

At Dortmund, he became one of Europe’s most feared strikers, winning the Bundesliga Golden Boot in 2017. His ability to exploit space behind defenders, combined with his goal-scoring instincts, made him a fan favorite. 

Later, he became captain of Arsenal, continuing his impressive goal-scoring form.

#9: Giovani dos Santos (2006 – Present)

Position: Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 150 lbs
Teams: Barcelona, Tottenham Hotspur, Villarreal, LA Galaxy

Giovani dos Santos has worn the number 17 for both club and country, most notably for Mexico. Known for his technical skills, quick feet, and creativity, dos Santos was instrumental in Mexico’s 2011 Gold Cup victory, scoring one of the most memorable goals in the final against the United States. 

Throughout his club career, Giovani has displayed his flair and ability to operate both as a winger and an attacking midfielder, making him a versatile player on the pitch.

#8: Mark van Bommel (1992 – 2013)

Position: Central Midfielder
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 182 lbs
Teams: PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, AC Milan

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A midfield enforcer with exceptional leadership qualities, Mark van Bommel wore the number 17 during his successful stints at clubs like PSV Eindhoven and Bayern Munich. 

Known for his tactical intelligence, defensive discipline, and ability to control the tempo of a game, van Bommel was a key figure for the Netherlands as well, playing in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final. His aggressive style and ability to link defense with attack made him a pivotal figure in both club and international football.

#7: Tim Cahill (1998 – 2019)

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Forward
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 165 lbs
Teams: Millwall, Everton, New York Red Bulls, Shanghai Shenhua

Tim Cahill, Australia’s all-time leading goal scorer, was known for his aerial ability and knack for scoring crucial goals, often while wearing the number 17. 

Cahill became a fan favorite at Everton, where he scored consistently and helped the club achieve strong Premier League finishes. Internationally, Cahill was the face of Australian soccer for over a decade, scoring in three different World Cups and becoming one of the most iconic players in Socceroos history.

#6: Pedro (2004 – Present)

Position: Winger / Forward
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 150 lbs
Teams: Barcelona, Chelsea, Lazio

Pedro has worn the number 17 shirt throughout his career, notably during his time at Chelsea. A player known for his work ethic, versatility, and finishing ability, Pedro was an integral part of Barcelona’s success, winning numerous La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League trophies. At Chelsea, Pedro continued to shine, helping the team to a Premier League title in 2017. His ability to play on both wings and score crucial goals has made him a valuable asset at every club he’s represented.

#5: Nani (2005 – Present)

Position: Winger
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 150 lbs
Teams: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, Orlando City SC

Nani, known for his flair, agility, and precise crossing, wore the number 17 during his peak years at Manchester United. 

A dynamic winger, Nani helped United secure several Premier League titles naand the UEFA Champions League in 2008. For Portugal, Nani was an essential figure, contributing to the national team’s UEFA Euro 2016 triumph. His combination of speed and technique made him one of the most exciting wingers of his era.

#4: Mario Mandzukic (2004 – 2021)

Position: Striker / Winger
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 190 lbs
Teams: Dinamo Zagreb, VfL Wolfsburg, Bayern Munich, Atlético Madrid, Juventus, AC Milan

Mario Mandzukic was one of the most versatile and hardworking forwards of his generation, excelling as both a striker and winger. Known for his physicality, heading ability, and tireless work ethic, Mandzukic wore the number 17 during his career with Bayern Munich and Croatia. 

He played a crucial role in Bayern Munich’s historic treble-winning season in 2013, where they captured the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal, and UEFA Champions League titles. 

On the international stage, Mandzukic was pivotal in leading Croatia to the 2018 World Cup final, where he scored in both the semifinal and the final. His combination of technical skill, physicality, and tactical intelligence made him one of Europe’s most feared attackers during his prime.

#3: Emmanuel Petit (1988 – 2004)

Position: Defensive Midfielder
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 176 lbs
Teams: Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea

Emmanuel Petit was a midfield powerhouse known for his combative style, passing range, and ability to score important goals. 

Wearing the number 17 for France, Petit played a key role in their golden era, helping the team win the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. In the World Cup final against Brazil, Petit scored the third goal, cementing France’s victory and marking one of the most memorable moments in French football history. 

At the club level, Petit was an integral part of Arsenal’s famous double-winning side in 1998, where he formed a dominant midfield partnership with Patrick Vieira. His mix of physicality, vision, and leadership made him one of the best defensive midfielders of his generation.

#2: David Trezeguet (1994 – 2015)

Position: Striker
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 175 lbs
Teams: Monaco, Juventus, River Plate

David Trezeguet was one of the most clinical finishers in world football during his prime, renowned for his precise headers and powerful shots. 

Wearing the number 17 for France, Trezeguet scored some of the most important goals in French football history, including the golden goal in the final of UEFA Euro 2000, which secured France’s victory. 

He was also a key figure in the French squad that won the 1998 World Cup. At the club level, Trezeguet enjoyed a prolific spell at Juventus, becoming one of the club’s all-time leading scorers and helping them win multiple Serie A titles. His remarkable ability to score in big moments earned him a reputation as one of the deadliest strikers of his generation.

#1: Kevin De Bruyne (2008 – Present)

Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 154 lbs
Teams: Genk, Chelsea, Wolfsburg, Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne has redefined the role of an attacking midfielder with his remarkable vision, passing accuracy, and ability to control the tempo of a game. Wearing the number 17 at Manchester City, De Bruyne has been the driving force behind their domestic and European dominance, winning multiple Premier League titles and being named Premier League Player of the Season twice. 

He is regarded as one of the best playmakers in the world, consistently leading the league in assists and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. 

De Bruyne’s versatility, creativity, and intelligence on the pitch have earned him comparisons to the greatest midfielders in football history. Internationally, De Bruyne has been crucial for Belgium, leading them to a third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup. His technical brilliance and leadership on the field make him a true modern footballing icon.