What is the number 10 role in football? The number 10 shirt is usually reserved for the most creative and talented players on the pitch, usually deployed as an attacking midfielder or playmaker. This role is vital in linking the midfield with the attack, responsible for creating chances and assisting goalscorers. Traditionally, the number 10 plays centrally, just behind the strikers, in an area known as the “hole” where they can operate freely. With a unique combination of vision, technique and tactical awareness, players in this role are expected to decide matches, unlock defences and influence the outcome of matches. This article from Wintips will help you have a clearer view of the number 10 in football.
What position do number 10s usually play?
The number 10 in football is a shirt number with a special meaning. It is often assigned to the most creative and talented players on the team. The number 10 is associated with the attacking midfielder or playmaker position, responsible for creating chances and providing assists for players to score goals.
The number 10 position is traditionally played in the middle of the pitch, just behind the centre forward. This position is also known as the “hole” or “pocket”, as this is the area on the pitch where the player can receive the ball and operate freely. The number 10 is responsible for linking the midfield and attack, making runs and providing key passes that can unlock defences.
The role of the number 10 has changed over time, with some teams even playing without a traditional centre forward, instead relying on the number 10 to score goals. This has led to some number 10s being referred to as ‘false nines’, as they do not necessarily play as a centre forward, but still have a big impact on the team’s attacking play.
In general, the number 10 position requires exceptional technical ability, vision and creativity. Players who wear the number 10 shirt are expected to be exceptionally talented, with the ability to dribble past defenders, make incisive passes and score goals. They need to have a good understanding of the game, be able to read the game and make quick decisions.
What is the number 10 role in football?
The No. 10 position is one of the most important roles in football, taking on the role of an attacking midfielder or playmaker. The No. 10 is responsible for creating chances and assisting players to score goals, while also linking the midfield and attack. With vision and creativity, they can change the game with breakthrough moves.
The No. 10 is often considered the "brain" of the team, needing to understand tactics, read the movements of teammates and opponents, and make quick decisions. Technique, vision and creativity are indispensable qualities. Sharp passes or deft dribbles help them exploit gaps in the opposition defence.
Good No. 10s are mentally strong, perform well under pressure, and take on a leadership role on the pitch. They guide their teammates, inspire and set the tempo of the game. Legendary players such as Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Pele have made their mark in this position, demonstrating exceptional talent and far-reaching influence.
In addition to creating goals, number 10s also contribute to the goal-scoring effort with decisive shots. To be successful, they need tactical acumen, the ability to read the game and make the right decisions in each situation. This position requires not only skill but also leadership, playing an important role in the success of the team.
Why number 10 is special?
The history of the number 10 shirt in football dates back to the 1950s, when Brazilian legend Pelé first wore the number. Since then, many great names such as Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho and Zinedine Zidane have made this position famous. They set the standard for the playmaker role, contributing greatly to the development of football.
The number 10, often referred to as a "center forward" or "false nine", not only creates but also scores goals. The typical requirements of this position are sharp vision, accurate passing ability, skillful dribbling and powerful long-range shots.
In addition to technique, number 10s need outstanding intelligence and quick decision-making ability. They have to read situations, predict the movements of teammates and opponents to create scoring opportunities. Their leadership role on the pitch makes them an inspiration and role model for the whole team.
For young players, the No. 10 position is a dream position. Developing dribbling, passing, and finishing skills, along with tactical acumen and decisiveness, are the keys to success in this role.
For coaches, identifying and nurturing potential No. 10s is crucial. Giving them the opportunity to develop and encourage creativity will help them reach their full potential and become an important factor for the team.
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Top number 10 football players
1. Pele
Before the Ronaldo vs Messi debate, there was the Pele vs Maradona debate. Both players wore the number 10 shirt, and Pele took the top spot, with Messi sandwiched in between.
Brazilian football was synonymous with flair and success - and that was largely down to Pele. His dribbling, creativity and teamwork changed the game for the better. Pele could score from anywhere and help his team dominate games. He played in an era when tackling was harder and pitches were not up to the standards they are today.
He played in his first World Cup in 1958 at the age of 17 - six goals in the tournament helped him and his country win the trophy for the first time. Four years later, Brazil won it again, although Pele missed the final through injury. In 1970, he was part of the famous Brazilian team that is considered one of the best teams in football history. He won three of the four World Cups he played in - Brazil had to wait another 24 years for their next victory, as Pele retired from international football in 1971.
2. Lionel Messi
The debate in football has been about who is better between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for years. Since Ronaldo has worn the number seven shirt for most of his career, fortunately we don't have to get into that debate here. Messi is one of the most complete footballers ever. He dribbles the ball like it's glued to his foot, his goalscoring record is phenomenal, and his vision and passing accuracy are on par with the best. He was Barcelona's star player for years, as they dominated both Spain and Europe.
Messi has won just about everything there is to win in football - including eight Ballon d'Or awards. His ability as a playmaker and a goalscorer stands out from most. With 738 goals and 396 assists throughout his career so far, Messi has reached unbelievable heights in football.
3. Diego Maradona
One of football's most divisive figures, Diego Maradona will be remembered for his incredible dribbling ability, which could make defenders look foolish. After scoring the controversial 'Hand of God' goal against England at the 1986 World Cup, he showed just how good he was with the ball just four minutes later. He weaved past a swarm of defenders and then goalkeeper Peter Shilton, as he made an incredible solo run from his own half to double Argentina's lead. With his handball for the first goal and his sheer brilliance for the second against England, Maradona showed two different sides to his game in the space of a few minutes.
He is an icon in both his native Argentina and Naples, the city where he played the majority of his club career. With Napoli, Maradona won two Serie A titles, as well as a Coppa Italia, a Supercoppa Italiana and the UEFA Cup. It took Napoli 33 years to win another league title, and they finally did so in 2023.
4. Michel Platini
Michel Platini set the standard for future generations of French playmakers. Zinedine Zidane was inspired by his compatriot, and both had similar career paths, having captained France and played for Juventus. Platini was a tough player, capable of winning the ball in the air or on the ground. He could pick the perfect pass to unlock any defence, and he also had an eye for the future.
The France captain scored nine goals in five games at Euro 1984, as Platini inspired his country to their first international title. With Platini at his peak, France also finished third at the 1986 World Cup. With the country struggling to qualify for tournaments early in Platini's international career, this was a turning point. He was the all-time leading goalscorer for the French national team until his record of 41 goals was broken by Thierry Henry in 2007.
5. Ferenc Puskas
One of the most prolific strikers to ever play the game, Ferenc Puskas formed a brilliant partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano at Real Madrid. The pair often tried to outscore each other, including in the 1960 European Cup final, which ended in a 7-3 win over Eintracht Frankfurt. Di Stefano scored a hat-trick, but Puskas scored four. That led to a lot of goals throughout his career – Puskas scored 512 goals in just 528 games. He was not your typical footballer – he was stocky and could only shoot with his left foot – but his goalscoring record showed how good that left foot had to be.
He scored so many goals during his playing days that FIFA even had an award named after him. The player who scores the best goal of the year wins the Puskas Award. As well as lifting a host of major honours at club level, Puskas was also part of the Hungary team that finished runners-up at the 1954 World Cup. One of the greatest players of his generation, Puskas passed away in 2006, but he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear the number 10 shirt.
Final Thoughts
In summary, understanding what is the number 10 role in football highlights its significance as a creative and strategic position on the field. Often tasked with linking midfield and attack, the number 10 player combines vision, technical skill, and tactical awareness to orchestrate plays and unlock defenses. This role demands more than just talent; it requires leadership, quick decision-making, and adaptability. Over time, the number 10 has evolved, taking on diverse responsibilities depending on team strategies. Despite these changes, the position remains iconic, celebrated for its impact and the legendary players who have mastered it. Whether as a playmaker, a goalscorer, or a team leader, the number 10 continues to embody the artistry and intelligence that define football's most magical moments.
