In football, the number 17 jersey is a common choice for players, especially when they join a new club. Many believe that the number 17 jersey blends the prestige of the legendary number 7 and number 10 jerseys. Players wearing the number 17 jersey on the field are often seen as a second number 10, responsible for orchestrating the team's play. In the article below, let's join Wintips in reviewing the Top 10 number 17 football players bets of the 21st century.
Top 10 best number 17 soccer players in history
1. Kevin De Bruyne - One of the footballers with number 17
Kevin De Bruyne is universally recognized as one of the most talented midfielders of his generation. He has won multiple Premier League titles since joining Manchester City in 2015. His playmaking ability in midfield is world-class, featuring exceptional ball control, precise passing, and an uncanny vision to find teammates with pinpoint crosses.
Offensively, De Bruyne is a constant goal threat, often scoring from long range. With 20 assists in the 2020-21 season, he equaled the Premier League assist record. On the international stage, De Bruyne captains the Belgian national team and helped them reach the number one spot in the FIFA rankings in 2018.
2. Eden Hazard - One of the number 17 soccer players
Since joining Chelsea in the summer of 2012, Eden Hazard has been closely associated with the number 17 jersey. With his undeniable talent, the number 17 jersey became iconic at Stamford Bridge. However, from the 2014-15 season onward, the Belgian midfielder no longer wore this familiar number.
Chelsea has officially confirmed this information on their website. Specifically, Eden Hazard will switch to the number 10 jersey, which was vacated by Juan Mata when he transferred to Manchester United in January 2014. While donning the number 10 jersey, Hazard truly shone and became a cornerstone of The Blues for multiple seasons in a row.
3. Luis Nani - One of the famous number 17 football players
From 2007 to 2015, Nani played over 200 matches for Manchester United, contributing to their triumph in four Premier League titles, one Champions League trophy, and numerous other accolades. Operating from the right wing, this agile winger brought width, creativity, and goals, developing great chemistry with teammates like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
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Though Nani had his ups and downs, he delivered admirable performances on the biggest stages and scored crucial goals. Since leaving United, he has enjoyed successful spells with Sporting CP in Portugal, Valencia in Spain, and Orlando City in the MLS. Nani was a pivotal player in Portugal’s triumph at Euro 2016, starting in the final.
4. Alexis Sánchez - Among the footballers who wear 17
Alexis Sánchez has had a successful career in top European leagues, most notably with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United. The Chilean versatile forward is known for his speed, dribbling ability, work rate, and goal-scoring prowess. Sánchez had his most prolific season at Arsenal under Arsène Wenger, playing a key role in the club's FA Cup triumphs.
Sanchez has demonstrated perseverance, finesse, and goal-scoring prowess throughout his club career, whether deployed on the right flank or as a central forward. Even in his late 30s, he has maintained his remarkable fitness levels. Sanchez has been a talisman for Chile during the country's golden era and is often regarded as one of the greatest players in its history.
5. Mario Mandzukic - One of the number 17 players in football
Mario Mandzukic is a towering figure in Croatian football, known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and instinct for goal-scoring. Throughout his career, he has donned the number 17 jersey, both for Croatia at the international level and for Juventus during his club career.
His journey to becoming a football icon began with his impactful performances for the Croatia national team. Mandzukic has been a vital figure for the Croatia national team, demonstrating his goal-scoring prowess and leadership on multiple occasions. Notably, he was instrumental in Croatia’s remarkable journey to the 2018 FIFA World Cup final, where his crucial goals helped secure their runner-up finish.
6. Lucas Vázquez - Among the best number 17 soccer players
Lucas Vázquez, renowned for his versatility and tireless work ethic, has been a key figure for Real Madrid, proudly wearing the number 17 jersey for several seasons. Beyond his impact at the club level, Vázquez has also earned caps for Spain on the international stage.
During his time at Real Madrid, Vazquez enjoyed considerable success, winning two La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver in crucial moments made him a valuable asset for the team. With 245 appearances for Real Madrid and 26 goals to his name, Vazquez proved himself to be a reliable performer, capable of making significant contributions in various phases of play.
7. David Trezeguet
David Trezeguet had an extremely successful career in Italy's Serie A, most notably with Juventus. At the club level, the French striker scored over 200 goals and was renowned for his precise finishing and prowess inside the box. Trezeguet led Juventus to six Serie A titles and several domestic and international honors, forging a deadly partnership with Del Piero.
At the beginning of his career, he played for Monaco and River Plate in Argentina. Trezeguet played a key role in France's triumphs at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, scoring the decisive golden goal in the latter final. As of today, he remains the third-highest goal scorer in the history of French football.
8. Emmanuel Petit - One of the number 17 soccer players
Former French international Emmanuel Petit was well known for wearing the number 17 jersey for the national team. He also wore this number while playing for Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Petit scored France's third goal in the 1998 World Cup final as they secured a 3–0 victory.
He was also part of the French squad that won the European Championship in 2000. During his time at Arsenal, he won the Premier League, FA Cup, and FA Charity Shield. He was known for his exceptional work rate and strong tackling ability. He had excellent passing, shooting, and goal-scoring abilities.
9. Steve McManaman - One of the best number 17 soccer players
Steve McManaman was a retired English footballer who played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. He also represented England internationally. McManaman wore the number 17 jersey for Liverpool for three seasons.
During his time at Liverpool, he won the FA Cup and the League Cup. He joined Real Madrid in 1999, winning two La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies. McManaman primarily played as a midfielder, often operating on the wings. However, he preferred a more central attacking midfield role, where he could fully showcase his creativity.
10. Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is widely regarded as Australia's greatest footballer of all time. With 50 international goals, he remains Australia's all-time leading goal scorer. Cahill rose to fame during his time at Everton in the Premier League. During his seven seasons at the club, he wore the number 17 jersey.
Cahill is renowned for his unique goal celebrations, often running to the corner flag and punching it. However, throughout his career, he has also been capable of scoring some fantastic goals. Take, for example, his stunning goal and iconic celebration for Australia against the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.
Conclusion
The number 17 jersey may not be as revered as the number 10 or even the number 7, but players still work hard to earn the privilege of wearing it. Could it replace the number 10 someday? Let's wait and see how things evolve. Above, the trader bookmaker website has compiled a list of the top 10 most outstanding players who have worn the number 17 jersey in history. Hopefully, it will bring you more valuable sports knowledge. Thank you.
See also: The best soccer players with number 6 of the 21st century
