Who are the best soccer players with the number 18 in the world?

The number 18 is not always a prominent figure in football. In fact, key players on the field are typically assigned jersey numbers 1 through 11. However, some talented players have worn the number 18 throughout their careers, whether for their clubs or national teams. 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

Jurgen Klinsmann is a renowned footballer who has worn the number 18 jersey throughout his football career. He has left a strong impression in football with his talent and remarkable achievements. Klinsmann is an excellent striker known for his creativity, speed, and goal-scoring ability.

He has played for top clubs such as Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, and Bayern Munich. Jurgen Klinsmann has also been part of 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 wear the number 18 jersey and has left a memorable mark in the history of football.

2. Miroslav Klose – Soccer players with the number 18

Klose holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup tournaments. Even though he didn’t wear the number 18 jersey for the national team, this number is still closely associated with his playing career. Miroslav
Klose has had an admirable career with top clubs such as Werder Bremen, Bayern Munich, and Lazio.

He has scored many important goals throughout his career, including his 16th goal in the 2014 World Cup, surpassing Ronaldo’s record and becoming the all-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history. It’s undeniable that Miroslav Klose is one of the players who wore the number 18 jersey and left a profound impression on the hearts of football fans.

3. Paul Scholes – Soccer players with the number 18

Paul Scholes, the midfield maestro, is 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 today. 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 2 UEFA Champions League trophies.

During his playing days, Scholes was consistently among the world’s top midfielders for over a decade. He was highly esteemed by his peers and coaches, and is considered one of the finest players to have worn the number 18 jersey in the history of football.

4. Jordi Alba

Jordi Alba stands out as one of the finest players to have donned the number 18 jersey over the past decade. With Barcelona, he has achieved every top honor and is consistently regarded as the premier player in his position worldwide. Alba has plied his trade for two clubs, Valencia and Barcelona. He is renowned for his attacking prowess, speed, and astute footballing intelligence.

Jordi Alba has made significant contributions to winning major titles, including La Liga and UEFA Champions League championships. Furthermore, Alba has enjoyed success on the international stage, representing the Spanish national team. He was part of the EURO 2012-winning squad and helped Spain secure a second-place finish in the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

5. Dirk Kuyt – Soccer players with the number 18

Dirk Kuyt, a Dutch footballer, has worn the number 18 jersey throughout his career and has left remarkable impressions in the world of football. He is known for his fighting spirit and tremendous dedication on the pitch. Kuyt has played for several top clubs such as Feyenoord, Liverpool, and Fenerbahce. He is a versatile forward, capable of playing in multiple positions in the attacking line.

With his strength, patience, and goal-scoring ability, Kuyt has become a crucial player for the teams he has represented. He is always remembered as a silent performer, giving his all for his team, especially during his time at Liverpool. Despite not winning major titles with the club, he earned the affection of many fans in the city of Liverpool for his hard work and dedication.

6. Roberto Bagggio – Soccer players with the number 18

Roberto Baggio, the footballer with the distinctive ponytailed hairstyle, is a legendary figure in Italian football. His career spanned across various clubs in Italy as well as the national team, and the number 18 jersey was always synonymous with this player. He is indeed one of the most famous players to wear the number 18 in the history of football, leaving a lasting impression.

Baggio was an exceptional forward for Italy and played for top clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, Milan, and Inter Milan. One of the most memorable moments for Baggio was during the 1994 World Cup when he scored 5 goals and led the Italian national team to the final.

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7. Jermain Defoe

Defoe 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. He also moved to Major League Soccer (MLS) with Toronto FC in 2014, before returning 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 sixth-highest in Tottenham’s history. Defoe’s journey took him to AFC Bournemouth in 2017 and a loan spell with Scottish side Rangers in 2018.

8. Ashley Young – Soccer players with the number 18

Ashley Young is a professional footballer who wears the number 18 jersey, a number he has sported since his time at Manchester United during the 2011/2012 season. In January 2007, Young made a move to Aston Villa for £8 million, where he won the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2009.

His talent then led to a transfer to Manchester United for £17 million in June 2011. At United, he won 5 titles, including the Premier League in 2013, the FA Cup in 2016, and the Europa League in 2017. Young’s leadership qualities were recognized when he was appointed club captain in 2019. However, the English winger embarked on a new chapter with Inter Milan in 2020, securing the Serie A title.

9. Gareth Barry – Soccer players with the number 18

Gareth Barry holds the record and is one of the most outstanding players to wear the number 18 jersey. The former professional midfielder boasts an impressive 653 appearances in the Premier League. Did you know that no other player in the history of the league has been able to match this record? Barry’s journey began at Aston Villa, where he spent 12 years, captaining the team and making 441 appearances.

In June 2009, Barry moved to Manchester City for £12 million. There, he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following season. A season-long loan concluded three years of play for Everton in July 2014. Upon the end of his contract, Barry embraced a new challenge with West Bromwich Albion. On August 27, 2020, he announced his retirement from professional football.

10. Aurelien Tchouameni

Aurelien Tchouameni is a professional footballer who wears 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 from 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 came on as a late substitute in the thrilling 2-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Super Cup. Just a month later, on September 30, 2023, Tchouameni scored his first goal for Los Blancos.

Conclude

Here is the list of outstanding footballers who have worn the number 18 jersey and left a lasting impression in the history of world football provided by the betting website. Clearly, it’s not just about wearing a beautiful number that leaves an impression and greatness in football. Hopefully, in the future, we will witness many more renowned football stars wearing 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?