Best Soccer Players With Number 21: Stars Who Made This Number Iconic
In the world of soccer, jersey numbers carry a unique significance, often associated with iconic players and memorable moments. The number 21 is no exception, worn by some of the sport’s most talented and influential figures.
From midfield maestros to clinical forwards, players donning the number 21 have made their mark on both club and international stages. This list highlights the best soccer players with number 21 on the back of their jerseys as some point in their careers, celebrating their skills, achievements, and lasting impact on the game.
#10: Nwankwo Kanu (1992 – 2012)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 205 lbs
Teams: Ajax, Inter Milan, Arsenal, Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
Nwankwo Kanu was known for his incredible technical ability, vision, and versatility. The Nigerian forward had a distinguished career, winning major trophies at both the club and international levels. At Arsenal, Kanu became a fan favorite for his flair and important goals, including his famous hat-trick against Chelsea in 1999. His time with Ajax was also notable, as he helped the Dutch side win the UEFA Champions League in 1995. Kanu is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most successful and influential footballers.
Notable Accomplishments:
- UEFA Champions League winner (1995, Ajax)
- 2x Premier League Champion (2002, 2004, Arsenal)
- Olympic Gold Medalist (1996, Nigeria)
#9: Pablo Aimar (1996 – 2015)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 154 lbs
Teams: River Plate, Valencia, Benfica
Pablo Aimar was a magician with the ball, known for his dribbling, vision, and ability to unlock defenses with creative passes. Aimar wore the number 21 during his time at Valencia, where he helped the club to multiple La Liga titles and a UEFA Cup victory. His technical brilliance made him a fan favorite wherever he played, and his influence on the next generation of Argentine players is widely recognized, with Lionel Messi naming Aimar as one of his biggest inspirations.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x La Liga Champion (2002, 2004, Valencia)
- UEFA Cup Winner (2004, Valencia)
#8: Nemanja Matić (2004 – Present)
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 214 lbs
Teams: Chelsea, Benfica, Manchester United, AS Roma
Nemanja Matić has been one of the most consistent and reliable defensive midfielders of the modern era. Wearing the number 21 at both Chelsea and Manchester United, Matić was known for his physicality, tactical awareness, and ability to break up opposition attacks. His second stint at Chelsea was particularly successful, where he helped the team win two Premier League titles.
Notable Accomplishments:
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
- 2x Premier League Champion (2015, 2017, Chelsea)
- PFA Team of the Year (2015)
#7: Edinson Cavani (2005 – Present)
Position: Striker
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 174 lbs
Teams: Palermo, Napoli, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, Valencia
Edinson Cavani is one of the most prolific strikers of his generation, known for his lethal finishing, intelligent movement, and work rate. Cavani wore the number 21 during his time at Palermo and Napoli, where he established himself as one of Serie A’s most dangerous forwards. He became the top scorer for Napoli in multiple seasons, before moving to Paris Saint-Germain, where he became the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Notable Accomplishments:
- All-time top scorer for Paris Saint-Germain (200 goals)
- 6x Ligue 1 Champion (PSG)
- Copa América Winner (2011, Uruguay)
#6: Diego Forlán (1997-2019)
Position: Forward
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 165 lbs
Teams: Independiente, Manchester United, Villarreal, Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan
Diego Forlán is one of Uruguay’s most celebrated footballers, renowned for his scoring ability, vision, and intelligence on the field. Forlán won two Pichichi Trophies as La Liga’s top scorer and was instrumental in leading Atlético Madrid to the Europa League title in 2010.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x Pichichi Trophy Winner
- 2010 FIFA World Cup Golden Ball Winner
- 2010 UEFA Europa League Champion
#5: Luis Enrique (1989-2004)
Position: Midfielder/Forward
Height/Weight: 5’11”, 172 lbs
Teams: Sporting Gijón, Real Madrid, Barcelona
Luis Enrique is a versatile and hardworking Spanish footballer who wore #21 during his time at Barcelona. Enrique represented Spain in three FIFA World Cups and was known for his technical skills and leadership on the pitch.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 2x La Liga Champion
- 2x Copa del Rey Winner
- UEFA Champions League Winner as Manager (2015)
#4: Zinedine Zidane (1988 – 2006)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 6’1″, 176 lbs
Teams: Cannes, Bordeaux, Juventus, Real Madrid
Zinedine Zidane, one of the greatest midfielders in football history, wore the number 21 during his early career at Bordeaux. He was instrumental in helping France win the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, and his volley in the 2002 UEFA Champions League final remains one of the greatest goals in football history.
Notable Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup Winner (1998, France)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2002, Real Madrid)
- 3x FIFA World Player of the Year
#3: Philipp Lahm (2001 – 2017)
Position: Right Back / Defensive Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 148 lbs
Teams: Bayern Munich
Philipp Lahm is widely regarded as one of the best fullbacks and most versatile players in football history. Wearing the number 21 during the early stages of his career at Bayern Munich, Lahm’s leadership and composure were crucial in Bayern Munich’s treble-winning 2013 season.
Notable Accomplishments:
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2014, Germany)
- UEFA Champions League Winner (2013, Bayern Munich)
- 8x Bundesliga Champion
#2: David Silva (2004 – Present)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’7″, 148 lbs
Teams: Valencia, Manchester City, Real Sociedad
David Silva, known as “El Mago” (The Magician), is one of the most intelligent midfielders in modern football. Wearing the number 21 throughout his illustrious career at Manchester City, Silva was the heartbeat of the team’s midfield, helping the club win four Premier League titles.
Notable Accomplishments:
- 4x Premier League Champion (Manchester City)
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2010, Spain)
- 2x UEFA European Championship Winner (2008, 2012, Spain)
#1: Andrea Pirlo (1995 – 2017)
Position: Central Midfielder
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 150 lbs
Teams: Inter Milan, AC Milan, Juventus, New York City FC
Andrea Pirlo is regarded as one of the greatest deep-lying playmakers in football history. Pirlo wore the number 21 for much of his career at AC Milan and Juventus, where his ability to control the tempo of the game, deliver pinpoint passes, and dictate play from midfield became legendary.
Notable Accomplishments:
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2006, Italy)
- 2x UEFA Champions League Winner (2003, 2007, AC Milan)
- 6x Serie A Champion (AC Milan, Juventus)
