In the world of football, certain jersey numbers become iconic, not just because of the number itself but because of the legends who have worn them. The number 14, often seen as unassuming compared to the more traditional 7, 9, or 10, has been worn by some of the greatest players to ever grace the pitch. This article pays tribute to these footballing giants, highlighting why they made the number 14 special.
Table of Contents
1. Johan Cruyff (Netherlands)
When it comes to the number 14, Johan Cruyff is perhaps the most iconic figure. Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, Cruyff transformed the way the game was played with his intelligence, vision, and technique. His time at Ajax and Barcelona, along with his leadership of the Netherlands national team, changed the landscape of football.
Cruyff’s adoption of the number 14 was almost accidental—he usually wore 9, but during one match at Ajax, his teammate took 9, so Cruyff wore 14. The rest is history. He popularized “Total Football,” a philosophy where players would fluidly change positions on the pitch, and he personified the concept with his skill, creativity, and tactical mind. Cruyff’s influence extends far beyond his playing days, as his ideas continue to shape modern football tactics.
Career Highlights:
- 3-time Ballon d’Or winner (1971, 1973, 1974)
- 8-time Eredivisie champion with Ajax
- European Cup winner (1971, 1972, 1973)
- Manager of Barcelona’s “Dream Team”
2. Thierry Henry (France)
A player synonymous with Arsenal’s golden era, Thierry Henry is one of the best number 14s in football history. Henry wore the iconic number throughout his time at Arsenal, where he became the club’s all-time leading goalscorer with 228 goals. Known for his pace, finishing, and elegance on the ball, Henry terrorized defenses across the Premier League and Europe.
His combination of flair and football intelligence made him not only a prolific striker but also a team player who could create chances for others. Henry’s presence in the Invincibles squad that went unbeaten during the 2003-04 Premier League season remains one of the most celebrated achievements in English football.
Career Highlights:
- 2-time Premier League champion (2002, 2004)
- Arsenal’s all-time top scorer
- FIFA World Cup winner with France (1998)
- UEFA Champions League winner with Barcelona (2009)
3. Xabi Alonso (Spain)
A midfield maestro known for his passing range and intelligence, Xabi Alonso is another player who made the number 14 special. Alonso’s career took him through some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, where he won domestic and European titles.
Alonso was key in Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2005, scoring the equalizing goal in the famous final against AC Milan. His ability to dictate the tempo of the game, his composure under pressure, and his long-range shooting ability made him one of the best central midfielders of his generation.
Career Highlights:
- 2-time UEFA Champions League winner (2005, 2014)
- La Liga champion with Real Madrid (2012)
- Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich (2015, 2016, 2017)
- FIFA World Cup winner with Spain (2010)
4. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon)
A modern forward with blistering pace and clinical finishing, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has become synonymous with the number 14 during his time at Arsenal. Aubameyang quickly established himself as one of the most lethal strikers in Europe, leading Arsenal to victory in the 2020 FA Cup final, where he scored a brace.
Known for his speed and positioning, Aubameyang has consistently been one of the top scorers in whichever league he has played. His influence on Arsenal, particularly during tough times, has been immense, and his contributions in the Premier League have solidified his status as one of the most dangerous forwards of his generation.
Career Highlights:
- Premier League Golden Boot winner (2019)
- DFB-Pokal winner with Borussia Dortmund (2017)
- FA Cup winner with Arsenal (2020)
- African Footballer of the Year (2015)
5. Ivan Perišić (Croatia)
Croatian winger Ivan Perišić has also donned the number 14 throughout his career. Known for his versatility, Perišić can play on either flank, making him a valuable asset to both club and country. Perišić was instrumental in Croatia’s run to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, scoring key goals in crucial matches. His pace, work rate, and ability to score important goals have made him one of Croatia’s top performers over the past decade.
Perišić has enjoyed success in club football as well, winning titles in Germany and Italy with clubs like Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan.
Career Highlights:
- FIFA World Cup runner-up with Croatia (2018)
- Serie A champion with Inter Milan (2021)
- UEFA Champions League winner with Bayern Munich (2020)
- Bundesliga champion with Bayern Munich (2020)
Conclusion: The Legacy of Number 14
While numbers like 7, 10, and 9 often dominate discussions around iconic footballers, the number 14 has been worn by some of the game’s greatest talents. These players, through their performances, have redefined what it means to wear this number. Whether it’s Cruyff’s visionary leadership, Henry’s lethal finishing, or Xabi Alonso’s midfield mastery, the number 14 represents greatness, versatility, and footballing intelligence.
As more players continue to shine with this number on their back, the legacy of the number 14 will continue to grow in football history.