Currently, some well-known footballers wear iconic numbers on the back of their shirts. A closer look shows that the number 25 is particularly popular among defensive midfielders and defenders. However, some attacking players also wear the number 25 shirt for their clubs. For a closer look at the standout players of this type, here are the top 10 football players with number 25 in football in 2024. Let's find out with Wintips!
Top 10 football players with number 25
1. Thomas Muller (Bayern Munich)
Although defenders often dominate this list, we begin with an attacking player who is one of the most outstanding names here. Thomas Müller is a German footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Bayern Munich and the German national team.
A World Cup winner in 2014, Müller has worn the number 25 jersey since making his debut for Bayern Munich in the 2008/09 season. With his versatile playing style, he not only contributes to the attack but also supports the defense when needed. Müller's achievements extend beyond club football, as he has also shined on the international stage, cementing his status as a football legend.
The German player, renowned as one of football’s premier playmakers today, also stands out as one of the top athletes wearing the number 25 jersey. Müller's exceptional awareness, intelligent movement, and precise technique have made him indispensable to Bayern Munich. Beyond being just an attacking midfielder, Müller consistently provides goals, assists, and decisive plays, playing a crucial role in his team's success in winning major titles. Consequently, Müller remains a symbol of resilience and exceptional talent in the global football landscape.
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2. Mohmed Elneny (Arsenal)
The 30-year-old midfielder, a key player for both Arsenal and the Egyptian national team, plays a crucial role as a defensive midfielder. He has won both the FA Cup and the Community Shield as an Arsenal player. Throughout his time at the club, he has consistently displayed stability and resilience, significantly strengthening the team's defense. His ability to control the midfield and disrupt opponents' attacks has cemented his role as a key player in Mikel Arteta's squad.
Additionally, he has reached the AFCON final twice, in both 2017 and 2022, with the Egyptian national team. Even though Egypt did not win either final, his excellence on the field helped the team progress far in the tournament. He wore number 35 in his early seasons at the club and temporarily wore number 4. However, since returning to the club in 2020 after a loan spell with Besiktas, he has worn number 25. This marked the beginning of a new phase in his career at Arsenal, where he has continued to contribute and maintain consistent form, becoming one of the team's key players.
3. Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)
Manchester United midfielder Jadon Sancho joined the club from Borussia Dortmund in 2021. Sancho is renowned for his speed, technique, and playmaking ability, making him one of Europe's most sought-after young talents.
Before joining Manchester United, he had an impressive spell at Dortmund, where he wore number 7 and netted numerous crucial goals. Upon moving to Man United, he was assigned the number 25 shirt, a significant number marking his new journey in the Premier League.
Before rising to fame at Borussia Dortmund, Sancho was part of Manchester City's youth academy. He won the U-17 World Cup in 2017 with England, showcasing his talent and potential from an early age. His experiences and successes at the youth level helped him quickly adapt and excel in major competitions, from the Bundesliga to the Premier League.
4. Japhet Tanganga (Tottenham)
Tanganga is an English defender who plays for Tottenham. A product of Tottenham's academy, he made his first-team debut in 2019. Since making his debut, he has made 23 appearances for the London club. Tanganga is known for his strong defensive skills and versatility in defense, playing across the defensive line, including center-back and full-back.
At 23, he still has a long journey ahead to secure a regular starting position. Despite his immense potential and impressive performances, Tanganga needs to work even harder to earn consistent playing time in Tottenham's competitive squad.
Currently, he wears the number 25 shirt and has expressed a desire to change his number to assert his position and role in the team. Changing his shirt number could symbolize a new chapter in Tanganga's career as he strives to achieve greater goals in the future.
5. Manuel Akanji (Manchester City)
Manuel Akanji, 27, moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in the summer transfer window, becoming one of Pep Guardiola's key signings. Known for his solid defensive abilities and strong ball-playing ability, Akanji has quickly adapted to his new surroundings at the Etihad.
He was assigned the number 25 jersey in his first season, though this may change in the coming years depending on his role within the team. With Akanji's arrival, Manchester City's defense has been greatly reinforced, and he is expected to play a crucial role in the team's future campaigns.
Currently, Akanji is competing in the FIFA World Cup in Qatar with the Swiss national team. His participation in the world’s biggest football tournament is a testament to his talent and influence, not only at the club level but also on the international stage. His World Cup experience and performances will undoubtedly further develop Akanji's skills and increase his value when he returns to play for Manchester City.
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6. Niklas Sule (Borussia Dortmund)
Following Manuel Akanji’s move from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City, Niklas Süle made a move from Bayern Munich to Dortmund. Coincidentally, he was also given the number 25 jersey at Dortmund. Niklas Süle, a central defender for the German national team, spent five successful seasons at Bayern Munich, where he secured multiple major titles and established his reputation.
Süle has been a part of the German Bundesliga for over a decade, solidifying his status as one of the league's top defenders. His wealth of experience and reliable defensive skills have made Süle a valuable asset to Dortmund's backline. At Dortmund, he remains in top form, bringing stability and reliability to the defense.
With this transfer, both Dortmund and Manchester City are counting on stellar performances from their new signings to achieve major goals this season and beyond.
7. Nuno Mendes (PSG)
Nuno Alexandre Tavares Mendes is another number 25, but this time with PSG in France. Mendes, a 20-year-old Portuguese left-back, initially joined PSG on loan from Sporting CP. After several impressive performances, the club made his move permanent. The long-term contract with Nuno Mendes reflects PSG's confidence in his talent and future growth.
Nuno Mendes is a diligent, versatile left-back with outstanding offensive prowess. He stands out for his quick pace, exquisite technique, and strong tactical awareness. The combination of speed, skill, and solid defensive attributes has quickly cemented Mendes' place in PSG's lineup. Mendes excels defensively while also contributing in attack, creating numerous scoring opportunities for his teammates.
He is highly regarded not only at Paris Saint-Germain but also in the Portuguese national team. Mendes has shown promise and remarkable development from a young age and is considered one of the best young full-backs in football today. With continuous potential and development, he promises to become a major star shortly, continuing to make significant contributions and achieve success for both PSG and the national team.
8. Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid) - Famous number 25 in football
Jesús Vallejo, a 25-year-old Spanish defender, joined Real Madrid in 2015, but over the years, he has undergone several loan spells at various clubs both domestically and abroad. Vallejo's career has seen its share of ups and downs while seeking regular playing opportunities and accumulating experience in different competitions.
Last season, he was loaned to Granada, where he had more playing time and continued to develop his defensive skills. Before that, Vallejo had a loan spell at Wolves in the Premier League, facing the tough challenges of England's top-flight competition. Additionally, he played in the Bundesliga with Frankfurt, which helped him adapt to different styles of play. Before returning to Real Madrid, he was also loaned to Real Zaragoza, the club where he began his professional career.
This season at Real Madrid, Vallejo has featured in just one match in the UEFA Champions League. This highlights the intense competition within Los Blancos' star-studded squad, restricting his playing time. Despite limited game time, Vallejo remains professional and ready to contribute whenever called upon. He stays committed to training, hoping to earn the trust of the coaching staff and secure more playing time in the future.
9. Alessandro Florenzi (AC Milan)
Alessandro Florenzi, though not physically imposing, has left a lasting mark on the Italian national team as part of Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 squad. Despite his stature, Florenzi's versatility, dynamism, and technical prowess made him an essential part of Italy's championship campaign.
This full-back currently represents AC Milan, having joined the club this season from AS Roma. Before moving to Milan, Florenzi enjoyed an impressive career at Roma, where he played over 200 matches and became a club icon. In the past, Florenzi also had notable loan spells, including a stint at PSG. These experiences have broadened Florenzi's perspective and shaped his playing style.
With his versatility and strong attacking ability, Florenzi is a formidable full-back both offensively and defensively. He can contribute to attacks and create dangerous opportunities for teammates while maintaining his defensive responsibilities. The combination of talent and experience has helped Florenzi become one of the top full-backs in both Italy and Europe. At AC Milan, he continues to demonstrate stability and make important contributions to the team's success.
10. Emmanuel Dennis (Nottingham Forest) - Best number 25 in football
Emmanuel Dennis is a Nigerian forward currently playing for Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. He previously joined Watford from Club Brugge in the summer of 2021.
In the 2020–21 season, Watford regained promotion to the Premier League from the Championship, marking a significant milestone in Dennis's career. Before moving to Watford, Dennis had an impressive season at Club Brugge, scoring numerous goals and earning high praise for his talent and potential. However, since joining the Premier League with Watford, Dennis's form has fallen short of expectations, and he has not replicated his impressive performances from his time at Club Brugge.
Like many players, Dennis faces the challenge of adapting to the intense competition in the Premier League. However, with talent and determination, Dennis can work on improving his form and contribute significantly to Watford in the upcoming season. A player's adaptation and development depend not only on technical abilities but also on personal determination and focus. With support from teammates and the coaching staff, Dennis can overcome challenges and return to his best form shortly.
Conclusion
Football players with number 25 in football often bring diversity and specialty to the pitch. From promising young talents to seasoned veterans with remarkable achievements, this shirt number becomes a symbol of uniqueness and a distinct identity for each player. Each wearer of the number 25 jersey has their way of contributing to the team's success and leaving their mark in football history. Thank you for your interest in our article!
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