The number 17 may not always be the first choice when it comes to iconic football shirt numbers, but throughout the years, it has been worn by some of the best players to ever grace the pitch. From world-class midfield maestros to lethal goal scorers, players wearing the number 17 have showcased incredible talent, skill, and determination.
In this article, we’ll dive into the stories and achievements of the greatest soccer players who wore this number, highlighting their contributions to the game and their unforgettable moments on the field. Whether it’s the precision of Kevin De Bruyne or the flair of Nani, the number 17 has certainly earned its place among the best in football history.
While the footballers with number 17 jersey may not be as iconic as numbers like 10 or 7, it has been donned by some extraordinary players throughout history. From top-tier club legends to international stars, the number 17 has seen some great talents. Below are ten notable players who have worn this jersey and made it their own.
1. Kevin De Bruyne Widely regarded as one of the finest midfielders of his generation, Kevin De Bruyne has been a key player for Manchester City since 2015. His vision, passing, and playmaking abilities have made him one of the best in the world. With multiple Premier League titles and numerous individual awards, De Bruyne’s influence on the pitch is undeniable.
Birthdate: June 28, 1991
Nationality: Belgian
Clubs: Genk, Chelsea, Wolfsburg, Manchester City
Key Achievements:
4x Premier League Champion
UEFA Champions League Winner with Manchester City
2020-21 Premier League Assist Record
2. Nani A dazzling winger who played for Manchester United from 2007 to 2015, Nani was known for his pace, flair, and ability to score goals. He formed an excellent partnership with Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney. Nani also played a significant role in Portugal’s Euro 2016 triumph, scoring crucial goals in the tournament.
Birthdate: November 17, 1986
Nationality: Portuguese
Clubs: Sporting CP, Manchester United, Fenerbahçe, Orlando City
Key Achievements:
UEFA Champions League Winner with Manchester United
4x Premier League Champion
Euro 2016 Champion with Portugal
3. David Trezeguet A clinical striker, David Trezeguet enjoyed a successful career, most notably with Juventus in Italy. His finishing ability made him one of the top forwards of his era, and his partnership with Alessandro Del Piero was lethal. Trezeguet was part of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning squad and Euro 2000 champions.
Birthdate: October 15, 1977
Nationality: French-Argentine
Clubs: Monaco, Juventus, River Plate
Key Achievements:
FIFA World Cup Winner (1998)
UEFA European Championship Winner (2000)
2x Serie A Champion with Juventus
4. Alexis Sanchez Known for his work ethic, dribbling, and versatility, Alexis Sanchez had a successful club career with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United. He helped Arsenal win multiple FA Cups and played a key role in Chile’s historic Copa America wins. His ability to score goals and his relentless attitude made him a fan favorite.
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Birthdate: December 19, 1988
Nationality: Chilean
Clubs: Cobreloa, Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, Manchester United, Inter Milan
Key Achievements:
Copa America Winner with Chile (2015, 2016)
2x FA Cup Winner with Arsenal
Serie A Champion with Inter Milan
5. Emmanuel Petit Petit was a crucial part of France’s 1998 World Cup-winning team and their 2000 European Championship victory. His versatility in midfield and his ability to score key goals, such as his strike in the 1998 World Cup final, earned him a spot in the hearts of French football fans.
Birthdate: September 22, 1970
Nationality: French
Clubs: Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, Chelsea
Key Achievements:
FIFA World Cup Winner (1998)
UEFA European Championship Winner (2000)
Premier League Champion with Arsenal
6. Mario Mandzukic A striker with an eye for crucial goals, Mandzukic made his mark both with Croatia and at club level, particularly at Juventus. He was known for his aerial ability, physical presence, and knack for scoring in big moments. Mandzukic was a key figure in Croatia’s historic 2018 World Cup run.
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Birthdate: May 21, 1986
Nationality: Croatian
Clubs: Dinamo Zagreb, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Atletico Madrid
Key Achievements:
2018 FIFA World Cup Runner-Up with Croatia
4x Bundesliga Champion with Bayern Munich
Serie A Champion with Juventus
These players have shown that the number 17 can be worn with pride, with each of them contributing to their teams in unique and memorable ways. Whether through creativity, precision, or leadership, these stars have made their mark in football history.
Conclusion:
The number 17 in football may not be as iconic as the number 10 or number 7, but it’s undeniable that players wearing this number have been notable stars, with impressive achievements.
From Kevin De Bruyne, who has led Manchester City to numerous major titles, to Nani, whose contributions to Manchester United and the Portugal national team are unforgettable, each player has left their own unique mark. Despite challenges in their careers, players like David Trezeguet, Alexis Sanchez, and Emmanuel Petit remain prominent figures in football history, with memorable moments and significant contributions to their respective teams. Therefore, the number 17 is more than just a number; it symbolizes talent, resilience, and great victories.
