The number 18 is not always a highly regarded number in football. In fact, key players are typically assigned numbers 1 to 11. However, some talented players have worn the number 18 throughout their careers at both club and international levels. This article by Wintips will compile for you the top 10 outstanding soccer players with the number 18 in the world. Let's see who they are.
Top 10 soccer players with the number 18 ever
1. Jurgen Klinsmann
Jürgen Klinsmann was a renowned footballer who wore the number 18 jersey throughout his football career. He left a strong impression on football with his talent and remarkable achievements. Klinsmann was an excellent striker known for his creativity, speed, and goal-scoring ability.
He has played for elite clubs such as Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich. Jurgen Klinsmann was also a key player for the German national team and achieved great success in his international career. With his accomplishments and influence, Jurgen Klinsmann is one of the most famous players to have worn the number 18 jersey and made a lasting impact on football history.
2. Miroslav Klose - One of the soccer players with the number 18
Klose is the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history. Even though he didn’t wear the number 18 jersey for the national team, the number 18 remains strongly linked to his career. Miroslav Klose enjoyed a remarkable career with elite clubs such as Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Lazio.
He scored many crucial goals throughout his career, including his record-breaking 16th goal during the 2014 World Cup, surpassing Ronaldo's record and becoming the all-time top scorer in the World Cup. It's undeniable that Miroslav Klose was one of the players who wore the number 18 jersey and left a lasting impression on football fans.
3. Paul Scholes - One of the soccer players with the number 18
Paul Scholes, the midfield maestro, was widely regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation. He, alongside Manchester United, conquered Europe and served as an inspiration for many players in the modern era. Scholes spent his entire career at Manchester United, where he became a symbol of the club. He amassed numerous major honors with Manchester United, including 11 Premier League titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
During his playing days, Scholes was consistently among the world's top midfielders for more than a decade. He was widely respected by his peers and coaches and is considered one of the finest players to have worn the number 18 jersey in football history.
4. Jordi Alba
Jordi Alba stands out as one of the finest players to wear the number 18 jersey in the last decade. With Barcelona, he has won every major trophy and is consistently regarded as one of the best players in his position worldwide. Alba has played for two clubs, Valencia and Barcelona. He is renowned for his attacking prowess, speed, and tactical awareness.
Jordi Alba has made significant contributions to his teams' success in major competitions, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. Furthermore, Alba has enjoyed success on the international stage as a key player for the Spanish national team. He was part of the EURO 2012-winning squad and played a crucial role in Spain's historic triumph in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
5. Dirk Kuyt - One of the soccer players with the number 18
Dirk Kuyt, a Dutch footballer, wore the number 18 jersey throughout his career and made a lasting impact on the world of football. He was known for his fighting spirit and tremendous dedication on the pitch. Kuyt played for several top clubs such as Feyenoord, Liverpool, and Fenerbahce. He was a versatile forward, capable of playing across various attacking positions.
With his strength, patience, and goal-scoring ability, Kuyt became a crucial player for the teams he represented. He will always be remembered as a silent performer, giving his all to his team, especially during his time at Liverpool. Although he did not win major titles with the club, he earned the affection of many Liverpool fans for his hard work and dedication.
6. Roberto Bagggio - One of the greatest players to wear the number 18
Roberto Baggio, the footballer with an iconic ponytail, is a legendary figure in Italian football. His career spanned various clubs in Italy as well as the national team, and the number 18 jersey became closely associated with him. He was indeed one of the most famous players to wear the number 18 in football history, leaving a lasting impression.
Baggio was an exceptional forward for Italy and played for top clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. One of Baggio's most memorable moments came in the 1994 World Cup when he scored five goals and led the Italian national team to the final.
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7. Jermain Defoe
Defoe first joined Tottenham Hotspur in January 2004 after West Ham's relegation in 2003, spending four years with the club before a brief spell at Portsmouth. In 2009, Defoe returned to Tottenham. In 2014, he moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Toronto FC, but made his way back to England in 2015 to join Sunderland.
In April 2011, he became the 20th player to score 100 Premier League goals, which also made him the ninth-highest goal-scorer in Premier League history and the sixth-highest goal-scorer in Tottenham’s history. Defoe's journey took him to AFC Bournemouth in 2017 and a loan spell at the Scottish side Rangers in 2018.
8. Ashley Young - Among the soccer players with the number 18
Ashley Young is a professional footballer who has worn the number 18 jersey since joining Manchester United in the 2011/12 season. In January 2007, Young moved to Aston Villa for £8 million, winning the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2009.
His talent led to a £17 million transfer to Manchester United in June 2011. At United, he won multiple titles, including the Premier League in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016, and the Europa League in 2017. Young's leadership qualities were recognized upon being appointed club captain in 2019. However, the English winger embarked on a new chapter with Inter Milan in 2020, playing a role in their Serie A-winning campaign.
9. Gareth Barry - One of the soccer players with the number 18
Gareth Barry holds the record for the most Premier League appearances and is regarded as one of the most outstanding players to wear the number 18 jersey. The former professional midfielder holds an impressive record of 653 appearances in the Premier League. Did you know that no other player in Premier League history has matched this record? Barry's journey began at Aston Villa, where he spent 12 years, served as captain, and made 441 appearances.
In June 2009, Barry moved to Manchester City for £12 million. During his time at the club, he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following season. In July 2014, after three seasons with Manchester City, Barry joined Everton on a season-long loan. After his contract expired, Barry embraced a new challenge with West Bromwich Albion. On August 27, 2020, he officially announced his retirement from professional football.
10. Aurelien Tchouameni
Aurelien Tchouameni is a professional footballer who has worn the number 18 jersey. The rising star made headlines on June 11, 2022, when it was revealed that he would don the white jersey of Real Madrid starting July 1, 2022. The French midfielder signed a lucrative six-year contract with a transfer fee of €80 million, potentially rising to €100 million with add-ons.
His official debut for Real Madrid took place on August 10, when he made a late substitute appearance in the thrilling 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup. On September 30, 2023, just a month after his debut, Tchouameni scored his first goal for Los Blancos.
Conclusion
This list highlights outstanding footballers who have worn the number 18 jersey and left a lasting impression in world football, as compiled by the betting website. Wearing a specific jersey number alone does not define greatness in football. Hopefully, in the future, we will see more renowned football stars donning the number 18 jersey. Thank you for your interest, and I hope to see you in other sports articles.
See also: The best number 17 soccer players in the world - Who are they?
