One of the most popular sports in the world, football, sometimes referred to as soccer in various regions, has given rise to numerous legends. The number 10 has frequently served as the centre of inventiveness and flair in the football game. Some of the greatest footballers in history have played at the number 10 position, dominating matches and taking home championships for their clubs and nations. The offensive midfielder who plays directly behind the strikers and is in charge of producing scoring opportunities for the team is historically connected with the number 10 in football.
The player wearing number 10 is frequently the team's most technically skilled player, with outstanding ball control, peripheral vision, and passing skills. Receiving the ball from the defence or other midfielders, the number 10's job is to use their technical prowess and inventiveness to break down the opponent's defence by either dribbling past defenders or delivering a perfectly weighted pass to a teammate in a goal-scoring position. The number 10 is also in charge of directing the midfield and determining the game's tempo. In order to set up their teammates for scoring opportunities, the player must have exceptional awareness of their teammates' movements and the ability to predict their runs. Keeping that in mind, let’s take a look at the best number 10s in the history of the game:
Pele
Most people agree that Pele is one of the best football players to ever play the game. He was a forward for Brazil and had the number 10 jersey. Pele scored a total of 12 goals throughout the World Cup, helping Brazil to three triumphs. He was a great distributor of the ball and a prolific scorer. Pele had remarkable on-field abilities and vision, which contributed to Brazil's victories in the 1958, 1962, and 1970 World Cups. With Santos in Brazil and New York Cosmos in the United States, he won multiple club championships. One of the interesting facts about Pele is that he is the only footballer to be part of three FIFA World Cup winning teams.
Diego Maradona
Diego Maradona, an Argentinean legend, is another renowned player wearing number 10. Maradona's "Hand of God" goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal is his most well-known performance. Yet in the same game, he also scored one of the most memorable goals in World Cup history. Maradona excelled at dribbling and had superb ball control. With Argentina, he won the World Cup in 1986, and football fans all around the world will always remember his contributions to the competition. Maradona won multiple championships and individual honours while playing for some of the top clubs in the world, including Barcelona, Napoli, and Boca Juniors. Do read here to know some interesting facts about Maradona
Zinedine Zidane
One of the most graceful and technically talented players of all time is said to be Zinedine Zidane. He represented France while donning the number 10 jersey, helping them win the 1998 World Cup and go to the 2006 World Cup final. Zidane's best performances also include his breathtaking volley in the 2002 Champions League final for Real Madrid was one of the most famous goals in football history. Zidane also had excellent vision, passing, and ball control. With Juventus and Real Madrid, he won several club championships. He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year award three times.
Lionel Messi
One of the best footballers in history, Lionel Messi wore the number 10 jersey for Barcelona and Argentina. A record seven times, Messi has taken home the Ballon d'Or, which is given to the finest player in the world. With Barcelona, he has amassed almost 700 goals and multiple championships, including ten La Liga crowns and four Champions Leagues. Messi possesses tremendous speed, dribbling ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Over his career, he has also broken countless records. Here is the list of records held by Lionel Messi.
Only a few of the greatest 10s in football history are included above. Some noteworthy athletes include Johan Cruyff, Roberto Baggio, Ronaldinho, Kaka, Michel Platini, and others. The players who have worn the number 10 jersey have lived up to its history of being linked with originality, flair, and brilliance.
