Top 8 famous number 9 soccer players today
Number 9 soccer players is a number full of meaning and focus in the world of the king sport. From cult scoring records to historic moments on the pitch, the No. 9 position is not merely a jersey number on a player’s back, but also a symbol of unlimited strength, talent and goalscoring ability. On each football field, the player wearing the number 9 jersey not only plays the role of a player, but also the focus of the expectations, hopes and beliefs of millions of fans. Let’s explore more deeply with Premiumsoccertips about this special place in the world of football, where the No. 9 players have written the heroic history of this king sport.
What is number 9 in football?
The concept of jersey numbers was first introduced in the early 20th century as a means of identification and differentiation among players on the field, and they have persisted ever since. Each position on the field traditionally corresponds to a different number – number 1 for the goalkeeper, number 3 for the left-back, number 8 for the central midfielder, and for the central striker, it’s the iconic Number 9.
In football, the Number 9 traditionally signifies a forward or striker, positioned at the forefront of the attack and relied upon by teammates to score goals. Serving as the focal point in their team’s offensive play, a proficient Number 9 will predominantly occupy the final third of the pitch when their team is in possession, seeking to link up with other attacking players while creating and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
The Number 9 position is generally the most attacking role on the football field, and typically, these players will be the highest goal scorers in their team. However, over the years, this role has evolved and diversified, and today, not all players wearing the Number 9 jersey are mere goal poachers, aiming to penetrate the 18-yard box and slot home.
For example, the role of the Number 9 has evolved in recent years, with players like Firmino taking on deeper, more creative, and less traditional attacking responsibilities. But before delving deeper into discussions about the skills and duties of the Number 9, let’s briefly examine where this role originated from.
Top 8 best number 9 soccer players
1. Alan Shearer
As the all-time leading goal scorer in Premier League history (with a staggering 260 remarkable goals), Alan Shearer embodies the classic Number 9 prototype. The legendary Newcastle striker’s exceptional goal-scoring prowess, physicality, durability, intelligent movement, and selfishness in front of goal, pure in his playing style, made him an absolute force to reckon with.
While his trophy haul in his career equates only to one Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers, his goal-scoring record for both club and country speaks volumes. In fact, his Premier League record for most goals in a single season (34), set in the 1994/95 campaign, was only recently broken by Erling Haaland, who scored 36 goals in the 2022/23 season.
2. Robert Lewandowski
Still performing at the peak of European competition at the age of 35, Polish forward Robert Lewandowski is one of the greatest strikers of the 21st century, and his comprehensive skill set (strong hold-up play, intelligent movement, and exquisite finishing ability) means he could become one of the greatest Number 9s of all time.
As an impressive physical specimen, outmuscling defenders and leading from the front, Lewandowski has scored a remarkable 573 goals in 792 appearances for clubs including Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, and Barcelona. Those are staggering numbers.
3. Ronaldo
The man who led Selecao to victory in the 2002 World Cup has cemented a special place in the hearts of many football fans, especially those who followed his career from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
Ronaldo, hailed as one of the most talented forwards the world has ever known, has left an indelible mark on the history of football. With over 350 goals scored in his career for top clubs like Real Madrid, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, he has entered the pantheon of football legends.
With exquisite technique and pinpoint finishing, Ronaldo is not just a superb player but also an icon, an inspiration to millions around the globe. His thunderous strikes, nimble dribbling, and perfect ball control have captured the hearts of many football lovers.
4. Marco Van Basten
In the 1970s, the Netherlands forever changed European football with the Total Football philosophy led by Johan Cruyff, but it wasn’t until the next decade that the nation produced the finest striker of all time. Marco Van Basten was a consummate Number 9, scoring 24 goals in 58 appearances for the national team and being the focal point of the Netherlands’ Euro 88-winning side. A three-time Ballon d’Or winner and a master of spectacular attacks, intelligent attacking play, and graceful movements, he was dubbed the ‘Swan of Utrecht.
If you want to delve further into the most iconic roles in football, check out our guide on the box-to-box midfielder role. By exploring this football position deeply, you’ll learn more about how legendary players like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard could rise to prominence.
5. Mark Stein
Glenn Hoddle decided to sign Mark Stein during a period when Chelsea was facing a crisis upfront. Stein didn’t disappoint Hoddle, as he scored 14 goals in 24 appearances since leaving Stoke City to join Stamford Bridge.
However, after two seasons, Stein departed Chelsea after managing to score a total of 25 goals. In the 1995-1996 season, he made 9 appearances without finding the net, marking the end of his career at The Blues. Notably, after his debut season, Stein was only then awarded the feared Number 9 jersey.
“I’m pleased to have been part of the journey at the club,” Stein shared about his time at Stamford Bridge. “When I was at Chelsea, the club was gradually building up, and then suddenly everything was completed quickly. Being a part of that history makes me very proud.”
6. Tammy Abraham
After several loan spells, Chelsea academy graduate Tammy Abraham finally got his chance and was handed the Number 9 shirt when Frank Lampard became the manager in 2019.
“I’m very honored to wear the number 9 at Chelsea. I talked to the manager and he asked me if I was ready to take it. I said ‘OK, I’m ready,'” Abraham shared.
“I’m really happy that Frank offered it to me. I’ve heard all the rubbish about the number 9, but I’m here to play and work hard.”
Abraham scored 10 goals in 12 Premier League appearances at the start of the 2019-20 season but couldn’t maintain that blistering form. Nonetheless, the striker netted a total of 30 goals in 82 appearances while wearing the Number 9 jersey.
After falling out of favor under Tuchel, Abraham moved to Jose Mourinho’s Roma for £34 million, with Chelsea reportedly having a buy-back clause worth £78 million.
7. Fernando Torres
After a prolonged interest from chairman Abramovich, Fernando Torres finally joined Chelsea in January 2011 from Liverpool, for a record fee of £50 million.
Despite being considered a failure by many due to the immense pressure on his shoulders, Torres proved his worth on the pitch. He scored a total of 45 goals in 172 appearances for Chelsea. While these numbers may not be as high as initially expected, Torres left an undeniable mark in the club’s history.
However, more importantly, Torres achieved significant success with Chelsea, helping the team lift the Champions League trophy for the first time in its history. He scored the decisive goal against Barcelona in the semi-final, an unforgettable goal, before continuing to contribute in the following season with 9 goals and helping Chelsea win the Europa League. Those were the moments and achievements Torres contributed to Chelsea, creating an indelible part of the club’s glorious journey.
8. Gianluca Vialli
Gianluca Vialli was one of the renowned players of Chelsea in the 1990s. He scored a total of 40 goals in 78 appearances for the club, simultaneously asserting his versatile role by becoming a player-manager just 18 months after joining the club. Vialli’s excellence extended beyond the field, showcased through his significant successes as a manager at Stamford Bridge.
Under Gianluca Vialli’s leadership, Chelsea underwent a period filled with success, entirely deserving of becoming an icon of 1990s football. He became an admired figure at Stamford Bridge, known for his loyalty and passion for the club. Under his guidance, Chelsea secured numerous significant titles, including the FA Cup, League Cup, and Cup Winners’ Cup, gradually affirming its position in English and European football. Gianluca Vialli was not only an outstanding player but also a talented manager, leaving a profound mark in Chelsea’s history and being an indispensable part of the club’s glorious journey.
Conclude
In football, the role of number 9 soccer players does not stop at scoring goals but also carries with it a great responsibility, being the focal point of the attack and creating chances for teammates. From legends like Alan Shearer and Marco Van Basten to phenomena like Robert Lewandowski or Ronaldo, the role of the No. 9 player has always been a special one, where these players not only captivate the fans with their ability to score goals but also with their talent. intelligence and leadership on the pitch. Thank you for your interest in our article!
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