Perhaps you're already familiar with the jersey numbers worn by forwards, midfielders, or goalkeepers. However, the number 19 jersey is quite special in football. Historically, players wearing the number 19 have often been seen as substitute forwards or attacking midfielders. However, many coaches have their tactics to maximize the potential of these players. Some have even risen to stardom over time, becoming key players for their teams. Do you know who Wintips is referring to? Let's take a look at the Top 10 soccer players number 19 right below.
Top 10 soccer players who have worn the number 19 Jersey
1. Gilberto Silva
Gilberto Silva played a crucial role in Arsenal's unbeaten "Invincibles" team during the 2003-04 Premier League season. He controlled the midfield with his tactical awareness, positional sense, and ball-winning abilities, providing solid protection for the defense. After joining Arsenal from Atlético Mineiro in 2002, Gilberto formed a strong midfield partnership with his Brazilian compatriot Edu. During his time at Arsenal, he won two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, cementing his legacy as one of the club's key midfielders.
Gilberto served as a stalwart for the Brazilian national team, earning over 60 caps from 1999 to 2008. He won the World Cup in 2002 and was also a member of Brazil's squad in the 2006 World Cup. Nicknamed the "Invisible Wall" for his defensive prowess and exceptional passing ability, Gilberto disrupted opponents' attacks with ease, making him a formidable force in midfield.
2. Mario Gotze - One of the iconic players to wear the number 19 jersey
When people talk about Mario Götze, they immediately recall the FIFA World Cup 2014 final. Coming off the bench, he helped the German national team clinch the ultimate glory in that tournament. The German football star, born in 1992, wore the iconic number 19 jersey while playing for Bayern Munich from 2013 to 2016.
During his time in the Bundesliga, he made 73 appearances and scored 22 goals for the club. During his time at the Allianz Arena, Mario Götze won several major honors, including three Bundesliga titles, one UEFA Super Cup, two DFB-Pokal titles, and one FIFA Club World Cup.
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3. Santi Cazorla - One of the soccer players number 19
Santi Cazorla earned 81 caps for Spain, featuring in two European Championships and the 2013 Confederations Cup, where Spain finished as runners-up. His vision, precise passing, close ball control, and tactical intelligence made him an invaluable asset for both club and country.
Cazorla surprised everyone when he made a comeback in 2018 after a two-year absence due to a serious Achilles injury. His final season with Villarreal in Spain showcased both his quality and commitment at the highest level. In his first year at Arsenal, he was voted Arsenal's Player of the Season after an outstanding season, recording 13 assists. He played a key role in ending Arsenal's nine-year trophy drought by helping them win the FA Cup.
4. Dwight Yorke
Premier League striker Dwight Yorke excelled while playing for Manchester United and Aston Villa. Born in Trinidad & Tobago in 1971, Yorke joined Aston Villa's youth team. He moved up to Aston Villa's first team in the early 1990s and scored over 30 goals. Yorke joined Manchester United in 1998 and formed a legendary striking partnership with Andy Cole.
In 2010, Yorke briefly came out of retirement to demonstrate that he still possessed a striker’s instincts. Having won the treble and several other honors under Ferguson, Yorke cemented his status as a Manchester United legend. With hard work, Yorke demonstrated that Caribbean players could succeed in English football. He remains one of the greatest players from Trinidad & Tobago.
5. Julian Alvarez - One of the soccer players number 19
Julian Alvarez, a forward for Manchester City, is currently overshadowed by Erling Haaland at the club. However, after his impressive performances in the recent World Cup, he is poised to challenge his Norwegian teammate for a spot in the starting XI. It has been a rapid rise for Alvarez, who joined Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
Before this big-money transfer, Alvarez was establishing himself in his native Argentina with the renowned River Plate, a team that consistently challenged for major honors in South America. At that time, River Plate knew they had a genuine talent on their hands as Alvarez was linked with a move to Real Madrid, a transfer that did not materialize due to his age.
6. Theo Hernandez - One of the soccer players number 19
Now, alongside another Frenchman and one of the last heroes who brought the Scudetto back to San Siro last season, Theo Hernandez continues to shine. The French international began his professional career in Spain with Atletico Madrid. He made several appearances for Atlético Madrid's reserve team in the early years of his career.
After stints with various Spanish clubs, including Real Madrid, Hernandez moved to Italy after falling out of favor at the Bernabeu—a decision the club’s hierarchy likely now regrets. Hernandez received the number 19 jersey and played in most matches for the Italian team during his debut season, establishing himself as an important creative force while also contributing goals for the club.
7. Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci was a key figure in Italy’s victorious Euro 2020 campaign in 2021. It is fair to say that English fans will always remember him and Giorgio Chiellini as defensive nightmares. Bonucci currently wears the number 19 jersey for Juventus. Although he no longer has his long-time defensive partner Chiellini by his side, he continues to be a formidable force against even the best strikers.
For someone with such an impressive record, Bonucci has never truly played football outside his homeland, Italy, although he has played for some of the country's biggest clubs. In the early days of his career, Bonucci had to struggle to earn a starting spot in the first team at clubs such as Inter Milan and Genoa (among others). Eventually, he moved to Juventus in 2010 and became the player he is remembered as today.
8. Raphael Varane - One of the soccer players number 19
Raphael Varane has long been regarded as a rock-solid presence in defense, during which he witnessed numerous domestic and continental honors both with the team and individually before embarking on a challenging journey at Old Trafford.
It is fair to say that Varane, now in his later years, is not the same player he was five years ago. His pace has noticeably declined, and he has struggled with consistency at Manchester United. However, Varane continues to shine for France on the international stage, playing a crucial role in their journey to a second consecutive World Cup final.
9. Franck Kessie
Recognized as one of the most talented midfielders in world football, Franck Kessie has built an impressive career, achieving success with multiple clubs. The Ivorian international plays for Barcelona, a club struggling with financial difficulties. Kessie joined Barcelona from AC Milan in 2022 as one of the club’s notable acquisitions.
This move is peculiar considering Barcelona are struggling to find funds to pay their top players the exorbitant wages they were promised. Part of the reason for this struggle was the departure of former number 19, Lionel Messi, one season earlier than originally planned. However, Kessie was brought in on a free transfer, which made it easier for both parties to agree to the deal.
10. Diego Costa - One of the soccer players number 19
The number 19 jersey has been closely associated with Diego Costa, from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea, and even the Spanish national team. Despite being the top scorer for The Blues and one of the leading scorers in the Premier League, Costa has never complained about his jersey number.
However, Chelsea's "curse of the number 9" might be why the player hesitated to wear the jersey. The Spanish star joined Chelsea in a £32 million transfer. On his debut for the club, he said, "I am delighted to wear the jersey of such a great club as Chelsea. I am ready to face new challenges in England."
Conclusion
Players who wear the number 19 jersey often play crucial roles in their teams, whether as goal scorers, playmakers, or versatile attackers. Their ability to create decisive moments can turn the tide of a match. Some of the greatest footballers in history have worn this number, leaving a lasting impact on the game. You can follow more sports news in the newsletter section of the best bookmaker website, thank you.
See also: Who are the best soccer players with the number 18 in the world?
