Top 7 best soccer players with number 21

In the world of football, jersey numbers on players’ backs are often a symbol of fame and their personal expression on the pitch. On their journey filled with success and legend, several players have stuck with number 21, making it the soul of their careers and successes. From famous stars at the world’s top clubs to World Cup winners, the number 21 carries with it the special stories of each player. Today, let’s Premiumsoccertips.net check out the top 7 soccer players with number 21!

Top 7 famous football players with number 21

1. Paulo Dybala

Paulo Dybala, the World Cup 2022 champion, has often chosen the number 21 throughout his career, from Juventus to AS Roma, and also for the Argentina national team. With five Serie A titles with Juventus, Dybala is an agile forward with excellent game intelligence. Dybala’s technical abilities are remarkable, as expected from a South American football player.

Paulo Dybala - Soccer players with number 21 — Paulo Dybala – Soccer players with number 21

Despite not being the tallest forward in Serie A, Dybala utilizes his speed and anticipation to get past defenders and score crucial goals. Often likened to Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero in playing style, Dybala is considered one of the top emerging forwards Argentina has produced in recent years.

2. Philipp Lahm

Former Bayern Munich wing-back Philipp Lahm is undoubtedly one of the greatest attacking full-backs of all time. Pep Guardiola described the former Bayern captain and German national team player as the smartest player he has ever coached, and it’s easy to see why; Lahm could do everything and play in almost any position on the field.

Philipp Lahm - Soccer players with number 21 — Philipp Lahm – Soccer players with number 21

Lahm, wearing the number 21 for Bayern, was effective on both flanks, delivered excellent crosses, collaborated well with teammates, and was an outstanding defender. He achieved every domestic honor with Bayern, including 8 Bundesliga titles, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He also played a significant role in helping Germany win the 2014 World Cup and was named to the tournament’s All-Star team.

3. Frenkie de Jong

The youngest player on our list, former Ajax star and current Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong has rapidly ascended since joining Ajax’s first team at just 19 years old. After 57 appearances for the Amsterdam giants, Barcelona acquired de Jong for a massive €75 million.

Frenkie de Jong - Football players with the number 21 — Frenkie de Jong – Football players with the number 21

Barcelona identified de Jong as one of the world’s most promising players, fitting perfectly into Barcelona’s style of play. He is adept at retaining possession and making decisive moves when in possession. With much of his career ahead of him, de Jong’s high price tag appears to be a bargain. His playing style has drawn comparisons to West German sweeper Franz Beckenbauer, a formidable compliment in any context.

4. Zinedine Zidane

If Frenkie de Jong is seen as the future of European football, then Zinedine Zidane is part of the illustrious history of the sport, with an undeniable peak in his career. Considered one of France’s greatest ever players, Zidane was described as a special player, combining the finesse of a ballet dancer with the power of an NFL defender.

Zinedine Zidane - Best soccer players with number 21 — Zinedine Zidane – Best soccer players with number 21

Zidane is one of the most talented players in history, capable of exploiting the smallest gaps. With his size and strength, he was nearly unstoppable. Zidane won the World Cup with the French national team in 1998 on home soil and performed superbly for Juventus before moving to Real Madrid.

While he only won one La Liga and one Champions League title with Madrid, Zidane’s performances were exceptional. With extraordinary skills, Zidane had the ability to change the outcome of matches in an instant. His iconic volley goal in the 2002 Champions League final remains one of the most beautiful strikes in football history.

5. Andrea Pirlo

Andrea Pirlo is undoubtedly a devoted fan of the number 21 jersey, as he wore it in every season of his 20-year career. Starting at Brescia in 1996, the future Italian legend began his professional football journey wearing the number 21 and ended his career at New York City FC with a similar number.

As one of the greatest deep-lying midfielders of all time, Pirlo was a set-piece expert and had unmatched long-passing abilities. After ten successful seasons with AC Milan, Pirlo left on a free transfer and was quickly acquired by Juventus. He won four consecutive titles in the following four seasons, with the Italian national team stalwart at the heart of everything the Turin club achieved.

Andrea Pirlo - Best soccer players with number 21 — Andrea Pirlo – Best soccer players with number 21

Rarely dispossessed and rarely breaking a sweat, Pirlo calmly orchestrated play, executing 80-meter passes that looked ordinary and making opponents do all the work for him.

Having such an intelligent player sitting in front of the defensive line allowed his teammates to move freely, making Pirlo one of the greatest midfielders in football history.

6. Luis Enrique

Few players have played for both Real Madrid and Barcelona and succeeded at both clubs, but Luis Enrique, a former Spanish midfielder, is one of them. He played a total of 364 games for Spain’s top two clubs. Enrique even continued his coaching career at Barcelona after retiring before moving on to manage the Spanish national team.

Luis Enrique - Soccer players with jersey number 21 — Luis Enrique – Soccer players with jersey number 21

Luis Enrique, a versatile number 21, spent five seasons with Real Madrid before moving to their arch-rivals in 1996. He then enjoyed eight successful seasons with Barcelona, where he became a beloved star. With 73 goals in 207 appearances, Enrique proved to be a versatile player capable of playing in midfield or attack.

Enrique’s flexibility and skills caught Barcelona’s attention, and although his move to their rivals disappointed Real Madrid fans, it was a step that greatly benefited his career development.

7. David Silva

Known as “Merlin,” David Silva, a former Valencia academy player, built his career as one of the most creative and exciting players in football. After six impressive seasons at Valencia wearing the number 21, Silva not only reached his peak but also showcased his special abilities in football.

David Silva - Famous football players with number 21 — David Silva – Famous football players with number 21

In 2010, Manchester City acquired David Silva from Valencia. The midfielder, a World Cup and European Championship winner, began the next decade as one of Europe’s leading attacking players. Silva was always a significant threat on the field, and when he played well, Manchester City became extremely dangerous to opponents.

An argument could be made that David Silva is the greatest number 21 in football history. With World Cup and European Championship wins with Spain, he also won four Premier League titles, five League Cups, and two FA Cups.

Conclude

With diverse identities and impressive achievements, soccer players with number 21 has left a deep mark on the history of sports. Through their special talents and qualities, the number 21 shirt is not only a number on the pitch, but also a symbol of the pride and success of those who wear it.