Why Soccer’s #10 Jersey Is the Ultimate Badge of Honor

The number 10 jersey in soccer represents the sport’s most creative and skilled players, serving as both a position and a symbol of excellence that has defined the beautiful game for generations.

The Creative Genius Behind the Number

Think of the #10 like a chess grandmaster in cleats. These players don’t just participate in the game – they orchestrate it.

While some might argue that modern soccer has moved away from traditional positions, I’d say the spirit of the #10 is more alive than ever, just in different forms.

Traditional Position for Number 10

The number 10 typically occupies these key positions:

• Attacking Midfielder (CAM): The most common position, sitting between midfield and forwards. These players control the tempo and create attacking opportunities through the center of the field.
• Second Striker: Sometimes plays as a withdrawn forward, dropping between the midfield and main striker to link play and find scoring positions.
• False 9: A modern interpretation where the number 10 starts as a forward but frequently drops deep into midfield, creating confusion for defenders. I’ve seen this become increasingly popular as teams look for more tactical flexibility.

What Makes a Great #10?

You know that friend who always seems to be three steps ahead of everyone else? That’s your typical #10 on the soccer field. These players combine incredible technical skills with an almost supernatural ability to read the game.

In my view, today’s most successful tens have added physical prowess to their toolkit, making them even more dangerous than their predecessors. We’re seeing players who can both create magic and sprint back to defend – something that wasn’t always expected of this position.

The Evolution of the Role

The modern game has transformed the #10 position dramatically.

While traditionalists might mourn the decline of the classic “enganche” (the Argentine term for a pure playmaker), I believe we’re actually seeing the role expand rather than disappear.

Notable #10s Across Eras

The Legends

• Pelé redefined what was possible with a soccer ball
• Maradona showed how one player could carry an entire team
• Zidane brought ballet-like grace to the position

Today’s Stars

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami & Argentina)
• Neymar (Al-Hilal & Brazil)
• Luka Modrić (Real Madrid & Croatia)
• Christian Pulisic (AC Milan & USA)
• Paulo Dybala (AS Roma & Argentina)
• Phil Foden (Manchester City)
• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid & England)
• Lautaro Martínez (Inter Milan & Argentina)
• James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur & England)
• Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan & France)

Current Female Players Wearing #10

• Alex Morgan (recently retired from San Diego Wave & USA)
• Lindsey Horan (Lyon & USA)
• Marta (Orlando Pride & Brazil)
• Caroline Graham Hansen (Barcelona & Norway)
• Ji So-Yun (Suwon FC & South Korea)
• Fridolina Rolfö (Barcelona & Sweden)
• Sam Kerr (Chelsea & Australia) (has worn #10 for Australia but usually wears #20)
• Tessa Wullaert (Fortuna Sittard & Belgium)

The Future of the #10

While some claim the traditional #10 role is dying, I’d adamantly argue it’s simply evolving.

Today’s soccer demands versatility, but the core qualities that made the position special – creativity, vision, and technical excellence – remain as vital as ever.

The number 10 jersey isn’t just a number – it’s a responsibility, a legacy, and for many young players, a dream worth chasing!

Whether you’re a fan or player, understanding the significance of this number helps appreciate soccer’s rich tactical evolution and the artists who’ve worn it with pride.