Ranking the 10 Greatest Number 10s in Football History

September 4, 2025 Aksel Kryhlmand

In football, no shirt carries quite as much mystique and meaning as the number 10. Traditionally worn by the team's most creative force—its playmaker, maestro, or magician—the number 10 is more than just a position. It's a statement of artistry, vision, and responsibility.

Over the decades, some of the sport's most revered names have worn the number 10 on their backs, shaping games, winning trophies, and leaving legacies that stretch far beyond the pitch. From World Cup winners to Champions League legends, the players on this list defined what it means to be the heartbeat of a team.

In this countdown, we rank the 10 greatest number 10s in football history based on their skill, influence, consistency, and overall legacy—both for club and country.

10. Roberto Baggio

Baggio was the epitome of Italian elegance and creativity. Known for his trademark ponytail and calm demeanor, he dazzled in Serie A with clubs like Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina. Though many remember him for his missed penalty in the 1994 World Cup final, Baggio’s career was rich with honors, including a Ballon d’Or in 1993. His dribbling, free-kicks, and playmaking made him one of Italy’s all-time greats.

9. Wayne Rooney

Rooney may not be a traditional number 10, but his output and influence were immense. Bursting onto the scene at 16, he went on to become Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals. He also briefly held England’s top scorer record. Known for his power, versatility, and fierce drive, Rooney blended creativity with goals, contributing 139 assists during his United career.

8. Dennis Bergkamp

After a tough stint at Inter Milan, Bergkamp found his stride at Arsenal. Known for his intelligence, vision, and immaculate first touch, he became the creative heartbeat of Arsène Wenger’s side. In 11 years with the Gunners, he scored 120 goals and provided 112 assists, helping the club to three Premier League titles, including the famous Invincibles season in 2003–04.

7. Ronaldinho

Ronaldinho brought flair, fun, and fantasy to the number 10 shirt. At Barcelona, he revived the club’s fortunes, winning La Liga twice and the Champions League in 2006. His creativity, dribbling, and trickery mesmerized fans and opponents alike. In 2005, he won the Ballon d’Or and played a key role in the early development of a young Lionel Messi.

6. Zinedine Zidane

Zidane didn't always wear the number 10 at club level, but for France, it was his signature. With sublime technique, an effortless first touch, and remarkable vision, he led France to World Cup victory in 1998 and was named Ballon d’Or winner the same year. Zidane also shone at club level with Juventus and Real Madrid, where he scored one of the most memorable Champions League final goals in 2002.

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5. Ferenc Puskas

Though often listed as a striker, Puskas wore the number 10 at times and possessed all the qualities of a classic playmaker. With 512 goals in 528 career games, he was deadly in front of goal—especially with his left foot. His partnership with Alfredo Di Stefano at Real Madrid helped the club dominate Europe in the 1960s. Puskas remains so iconic that FIFA named its Goal of the Year award after him.

4. Michel Platini

Platini set the standard for French playmakers long before Zidane. A key figure in France’s Euro 1984 triumph, he scored nine goals in just five games. Platini was known for his vision, passing, and goal-scoring instincts, attributes that earned him 41 international goals and legendary status at clubs like Saint-Etienne and Juventus. His leadership and skill reshaped France’s footballing reputation during the 1980s.

3. Diego Maradona

Few players inspired as much awe—and debate—as Diego Maradona. The Argentine magician lit up the 1986 World Cup with two iconic goals against England: the infamous 'Hand of God' and a solo masterpiece. At Napoli, Maradona led the club to two Serie A titles, forever etching his name into football folklore. Though controversial, his talent was undeniable, and his number 10 shirt at Napoli was retired in his honor.

2. Lionel Messi

Messi redefined what it means to wear the number 10. With extraordinary vision, precise passing, and record-breaking goal tallies, the Argentine maestro dominated world football for over two decades. At Barcelona, he scored 672 goals and provided 303 assists in 778 games, guiding the club to 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. Winner of eight Ballon d’Ors, Messi continues to add to his legacy in what is arguably the greatest career of all time.

1. Pele

Before Messi and Ronaldo, the football world debated Pele vs Maradona. Wearing Brazil’s iconic number 10, Pele transformed the game with his creativity, teamwork, and clinical finishing. At just 17, he helped Brazil win their first World Cup in 1958, and went on to lift the trophy two more times, in 1962 and 1970. Known for his flair, intelligence, and eye for goal, Pele remains the only player to win three World Cups, making him a true legend of the game.