This analysis is based on the market valuations of players.
Celebrated figures like David Beckham, who sported the legendary no.7 for Manchester United and England, and the late Pelé, who made Brazil’s no.10 shirt iconic, have left a lasting imprint on football culture. Zinédine Zidane also transformed the no.5 shirt into a highly coveted item at Real Madrid. For many football enthusiasts, shirt numbers represent more than just a digit; they are synonymous with player positions. Phrases like ‘He’s the best no.6 in the league,’ ‘We need a creative no.10,’ and ‘We can’t win without a true no.9’ echo through pubs and stadiums across the UK.
Certain players defy the norms of traditional shirt numbers. For instance, Asamoah Gyan famously wore the no.3 shirt as a striker, while William Gallas taking the no.10 from Dennis Bergkamp at Arsenal still stirs controversy among fans. Additionally, midfielder Jonathan de Guzmán wearing the no.1 shirt at Chievo raised eyebrows. While some shirt numbers carry more significance than others, which ones are currently favored by the most valuable stars in the Premier League? At Transfermarkt, we’ve assessed the current most valuable shirt numbers in England’s top flight, calculated from the market values of all players wearing those numbers at their respective clubs. Expect some surprising findings.
Currently, the classic no.7 leads the Premier League, with all 20 teams having a player in that number, summing up to a remarkable market value of €771 million. The standout no.7s include Bukayo Saka of Arsenal (€150m), Florian Wirtz of Liverpool (€140m), and Omar Marmoush of Manchester City (€75m). In second place is the iconic no.10, represented by 18 teams, amassing a combined market value of €723m. Chelsea’s Cole Palmer stands out as the most valuable no.10 at €120m. Following closely is the striker’s no.9, with 18 players, including Manchester City’s Erling Haaland (€180m), contributing to a total of €665m.
The no.8 shirt ranks fourth in value, led by Martin Ødegaard (€85m) and totaling €635m. Despite lacking a player over €55m, the no.11 shirt ranks fifth with a combined market value of €510m. The no.6 comes in sixth with €425m in total. Interestingly, the no.24 shirt, which is ranked seventh, boasts a market value of €418m, led by Josko Gvardiol (€75m) and Amadou Onana (€50m). The no.5 shirt rounds out in eighth place with a total worth of €405m, while the no.20 is ninth with a combined value of €393m, and the no.4 completes the top ten.
