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In soccer, the number 17 jersey may not be as glamorous as the number 10 or number 7. However, some great soccer players wear (or wore) the number 17 jersey for club and country. We’ll look at ten soccer stars past and present who made the number 17 jersey famous in its own right. Some famous players on our list today are:
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Nani
- Alexis Sanchez
The number 17 jersey often flies under the radar, but some excellent players have donned it.
10 Soccer stars with number 17
Check out our list of 10 players with the number 17 jersey. Some are still playing, while others have retired.
1. Kevin De Bruyne
Kevin De Bruyne is largely regarded as one of the most talented midfielders of his time. He has won four Premier League titles since joining Manchester City in 2015. His playmaking ability from midfield is world-class, with outstanding ball control, passing range, and ability to pick out teammates with accurate crosses and through balls.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: June 28, 1991
- Nationality: Belgian
- Positions Played: Midfielder
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Genk (2005-2008)
- Chelsea (2012-2014)
- Wolfsburg (2014-2015)
- Manchester City (2015-present)
- Trophies Won:
- Premier League: 4 times with Manchester City
- FA Cup: 1 time with Manchester City
- Football League Cup: 4 times with Manchester City
- UEFA Europa Champions League: 1 time with Manchester City
- Other Significant Achievements:
- Premier League Playmaker of the Season: 2019-2020
- PFA Team of the Year: 2017-2018, 2019-2020
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017-2018, 2019-2020
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2014-2015
- Manchester City Player of the Season: 2015–2016, 2017–2018, 2019–2020
Offensively, De Bruyne is a constant threat to score, frequently finding the net from long range. With 20 assists season 2020-21, he broke the Premier League assist record. Internationally, De Bruyne captains Belgium and helped them attain a record number one FIFA ranking in 2018.
While injuries have periodically hampered his seasons, De Bruyne’s quality and consistency while healthy is unrivaled. He is the driving force behind Manchester City’s aggressive style and Pep Guardiola’s inventive gameplan. De Bruyne, who is still only 31, continues to improve and is eager to add to his collection of awards.
He is a role model for young athletes because of his humility and work ethic. De Bruyne is already regarded as a Premier League legend, and if he maintains his world-class form in the coming years, he might seal his position as one of the division’s all-time top playmakers.
- De Bruyne is best known for his creative style of play.
So, that’s the kind of company De Bruyne is keeping. It’s no wonder he’s making the number 17 jersey of Manchester City famous. If you’re a De Bruyne and City fan, you might want his jersey:
Alternatives Available
2. Nani
Between 2007 and 2015, Nani made over 200 games for Manchester United, helping the team win four Premier League titles and a Champions League, among other accolades. From the right flank, the pacy winger supplied width, tricks, and goals, creating a solid understanding with colleagues like Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: November 17, 1986
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Positions Played: Attacking Midfielder, Winger
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Sporting CP (2005-2007)
- Manchester United (2007-2015)
- Fenerbahçe (2015-2018)
- Valencia (2016-2017, loan)
- Lazio (2018-2019)
- Orlando City (2019-2021)
- Sporting CP (2021-2022)
- Positions Played: Winger
- Trophies Won:
- Primeira Liga: 1 time with Sporting CP
- Taca de Portugal: 1 time with Sporting CP, 3 times with Manchester United
- Football League Cup: 2 times with Manchester United
- Premier League: 4 times with Manchester United
- UEFA Champions League: 1 time with Manchester United
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1 time with Manchester United
- Turkish Cup: 1 time with Fenerbahçe
- Other Significant Achievements:
- UEFA European Championship: Winner with Portugal in 2016
- UEFA European Under-21 Championship: Runner-up with Portugal in 2007
- Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year: 2010-2011
- Fenerbahçe Player of the Year: 2015-2016
- Orlando City Player of the Year: 2019
Nani, despite being erratic at times, played admirably on the biggest stages and scored critical goals. Since leaving United, he has enjoyed successful spells with Sporting CP and Valencia in Portugal, as well as representing Orlando City in MLS. Nani was a crucial player of Portugal’s Euro 2016 title team, which he started in the final.
Nani, now in his mid-30s, continues to play professional football for Melbourne Victory in Australia. While some questioned aspects of his playing, Manchester United fans will remember Nani fondly for his significant contributions during one of the club’s most successful periods.
He paired excellent dribbling and close control abilities with goal-scoring instincts, allowing him to thrive as an offensive wide winger at the top levels of the game. Nani established himself as a key participant in Portugal’s first major international victory at Euro 2016.
He’s shown he can still produce the goods in the twilight of his career. Check out this rocket he scored recently for Orlando City:
3. David Trezeguet
David Trezeguet had a tremendously successful career in Italy’s Serie A, most notably with Juventus. At club level, the French striker scored over 200 goals and was known for his precision finishing and ability in the penalty area. Trezeguet led Juventus to six Serie A wins and a Champions League title, forging a lethal relationship with Del Piero.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: October 15, 1977
- Nationality: French-Argentine
- Positions Played: Striker
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Platense (1993-1995)
- Monaco (1995-2000)
- Juventus (2000-2010)
- Hércules (2010-2011)
- Baniyas (2011-2014)
- River Plate (2014-2015)
- Pune City (2014)
- Newell’s Old Boys (2016)
- Pune City (2017)
- Positions Played: Striker
- Trophies Won:
- Ligue 1: 1 time with Monaco
- Serie A: 2 times with Juventus
- Supercoppa Italiana: 1 time with Juventus
- FIFA World Cup: 1 time with France
- UEFA European Championship: 1 time with France
- UEFA Champions League: 1 time with Juventus
- UEFA Super Cup: 1 time with Juventus
- Intercontinental Cup: 1 time with Juventus
- Other Significant Achievements:
- FIFA World Cup Best Young Player: 1998
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2006
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2000
- Serie A Foreign Footballer of the Year: 2001, 2002
- Juventus Player of the Year: 2001, 2002
At the start of his career, he also played for Monaco and River Plate in Argentina. Trezeguet scored in both the 1998 World Cup and the Euro 2000 finals to help France win the World Cup and Euro 2000. He is still the joint third highest goalscorer in French history.
Trezeguet’s later years were less productive due to injury, but his legacy as one of France’s and Juventus’ best ever forwards is guaranteed. Trezeguet was a dangerous presence in the opposition box, blessed with outstanding technique, composure in front of goal, and an eye for the spectacular.
He combined goal-scoring ability with great link-up play to become the ultimate modern forward. Trezeguet was much appreciated in Italy and will be remembered for his crucial contributions to some of the country’s finest teams as well as France’s most successful national team era at the turn of the century.
4. Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez had a successful career in Europe’s top divisions, most notably with Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United. The Chilean winger/forward was known for his speed, dribbling ability, work rate, and ability to score goals. Sanchez had his most productive seasons at Arsenal under Arsene Wenger, topping the scoring charts many times and helping the club win the FA Cup.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: December 19, 1988
- Nationality: Chilean
- Positions Played: Forward, Left Winger, Right Winger
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Cobreloa (2005-2006)
- Udinese (2006-2011)
- Barcelona (2011-2014)
- Arsenal (2014-2018)
- Manchester United (2018-2020)
- Inter Milan (2019-present)
- Trophies Won:
- Serie A: 1 time with Inter Milan
- Copa America: 2 times with Chile
- FA Cup: 2 times with Arsenal
- Community Shield: 1 time with Arsenal
- EFL Cup: 1 time with Manchester United
- Other Significant Achievements:
- Copa America Golden Ball: 2016
- Premier League Player of the Month: 3 times
- PFA Team of the Year: 2 times
While injuries limited his later United years, Sanchez remained an important international player for Chile, helping them reach back-to-back Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. In the twilight of his career, he now plays in Serie A with Inter Milan, where he continues to showcase his talents.
Sanchez provided persistence, flair, and goals throughout his club career, whether on the right wing or through the middle as a striker. Even in his late 30s, he has maintained excellent fitness levels. Sanchez was the talisman for Chile’s golden age and is often regarded as the country’s greatest player.
Sanchez, well regarded for his dedication, created a lasting effect on Arsenal fans in England and attained glory while representing his country with distinction. He has established himself as one of Chile’s all-time greats and one of South America’s best strikers of his generation.
5. Emmanuel Petit
Former French player Emmanuel Petit wore the number 17 jersey for his country. Also, he wore it at club level for Barcelona, Arsenal, and Chelsea. Petit scored the 3rd goal for France in the 1998 World Cup final, which they won 3-0. He also won the 2000 European Championship at the international level. With Arsenal, he won the Premier League, the FA Cup, and the FA Charity Shield.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: September 22, 1970
- Nationality: French
- Positions Played: Defensive Midfield, Centre-Back, Left-Back, Left Midfield, Centre-Back, Right Midfield
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Monaco (1988-1997)
- Arsenal (1997-2000)
- Barcelona (2000-2001)
- Chelsea (2001-2004)
- Trophies Won:
- Premier League: 1 time with Arsenal
- FA Cup: 2 times with Arsenal
- FIFA World Cup: 1 time with France
- UEFA European Championship: 1 time with France
- Other Significant Achievements:
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1998
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2000
- Petit was known as a complete midfielder.
His work rate was off the charts, and he was strong in tackles. He could pick out a pass, shoot, and also score goals.
6. Mario Mandzukic
Mario Mandzukic played for Croatia at the international level, wearing number 17. Like Trezeguet, Mandzukic also wore the number 17 jersey for Juventus. A highly decorated player, his honors include the Champions League, which he won with Bayern Munich in the 2012/13 season.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: May 21, 1986
- Nationality: Croatian
- Positions Played: Striker
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Marsonia (2004-2005)
- NK Zagreb (2005-2007)
- Dinamo Zagreb (2007-2010)
- VfL Wolfsburg (2010-2012)
- Bayern Munich (2012-2014)
- Atletico Madrid (2014-2015)
- Juventus (2015-2019)
- Al-Duhail (2019-2020)
- AC Milan (2021)
- Trophies Won:
- Bundesliga: 1 time with Bayern Munich
- DFB-Pokal: 1 time with Bayern Munich
- Serie A: 4 times with Juventus
- Coppa Italia: 2 times with Juventus
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2 times with Juventus
- Other Significant Achievements:
- UEFA European Championship Runner-up: 2012
- FIFA World Cup Runner-up: 2018
- UEFA Champions League Runner-up: 2013, 2015
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
- Mandzukic was a striker known for his strength and stamina.
He was a nightmare for defenders to handle. And he scored goals in every league he played in.
7. Tim Cahill
Tim Cahill is arguably Australia’s best player of all time. With 50 international goals, he is their all-time leading goal scorer. Cahill made his name playing for Everton in the Premier League. In 7 seasons there, he wore the number 17 jersey.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: December 6, 1979
- Nationality: Australian
- Positions Played: Attacking Midfielder, Forward
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Millwall (1998-2004)
- Everton (2004-2012)
- New York Red Bulls (2012-2015)
- Shanghai Shenhua (2015-2016)
- Hangzhou Greentown (2016)
- Melbourne City (2016-2017)
- Jamshedpur (2018-2019)
- Trophies Won:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup: Australia National Team
- Other Significant Achievements:
- 2006 FIFA World Cup Man of the Match: Australia National Team
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Man of the Match: Australia National Team
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Goals: 4 for Australia National Team
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Assists: 2 for Australia National Team
- 2018 FIFA World Cup Assists: 2 for Australia National Team
- He’s known for his unique goal celebration, where he goes to the corner flag and boxes it.
However, he can strike a soccer ball, too, and he scored some awesome goals. Check out his goal and celebration for Australia against the Netherlands in the 2014 World Cup.
8. Pedro
Pedro is a Spanish soccer player. He wore number 17 for 4 seasons with Barcelona and 1 season with Chelsea. A decorated player, he’s won many titles. These include the World Cup and European Championship with Spain, as well as 3 Champions Leagues with Barcelona. He also won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League with Chelsea.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: July 28, 1987
- Nationality: Spanish
- Positions Played: Winger
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Barcelona (2000-2014)
- Chelsea (2014-2017)
- Arsenal (2017-2018)
- Lazio (2018-2019)
- Trophies Won:
- La Liga: 4 times with Barcelona
- Copa del Rey: 3 times with Barcelona
- Supercopa de España: 3 times with Barcelona
- UEFA Champions League: 3 times with Barcelona
- UEFA Super Cup: 2 times with Barcelona
- FIFA Club World Cup: 1 time with Spain
- UEFA European Championship: 1 time with Spain
- Other Significant Achievements:
- 2010 FIFA World Cup: Spain National Team
- 2014 FIFA World Cup: Spain National Team
- 2016 UEFA European Championship: Spain National Team
Pedro plays as a forward, usually on the left side. He likes to cut inside and shoot on goal. He’s known for his speed, technique, and dribbling ability. These attributes allowed him to play at the highest level. They made him another star who wore the number 17 jersey.
9. Steve McManaman
Steve McManaman is a retired English soccer player. He played for Liverpool, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. Also, he represented England at the international level. He wore the number 17 jersey at Liverpool for 3 seasons. With Liverpool, he won the FA Cup and League Cup. He joined Real Madrid in 1999, winning 2 La Liga titles and 2 Champions Leagues.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: February 11, 1972
- Nationality: English
- Positions Played: Winger
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Liverpool (1990-1999)
- Real Madrid (1999-2003)
- Manchester City (2003-2005)
- Trophies Won:
- FA Cup: 1 time with Liverpool
- Football League Cup: 1 time with Liverpool
- UEFA Champions League: 2 times with Real Madrid
- Other Significant Achievements:
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1996
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 2002
McManaman played as a midfielder, usually on the wing. However, he preferred to play as a creative, attacking midfielder.
- He was known for his excellent dribbling ability and could score with both feet.
Check out the video to see for yourself (quality isn’t the best).
10. Lucas Vazquez
Last but not least, we have Spanish soccer player Lucas Vazquez. He plays for Real Madrid and has worn number 17 for the past 6 seasons. Also, he plays for Spain at the international level. Among his honors are 2 La Liga titles and 3 Champions Leagues with Real Madrid.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: July 1, 1991
- Nationality: Spanish
- Positions Played: Right-back, Winger
- Teams Played for and Years:
- Real Madrid C (2010-2011)
- Real Madrid B (2011-2015)
- Espanyol (loan, 2014-2015)
- Real Madrid (2015-present)
- Trophies Won:
- La Liga: 2 times with Real Madrid
- Copa del Rey: 2 times with Real Madrid
- Supercopa de España: 2 times with Real Madrid
- UEFA Champions League: 3 times with Real Madrid
- UEFA Super Cup: 3 times with Real Madrid
- FIFA Club World Cup: 4 times with Real Madrid
- Other Significant Achievements:
- UEFA European Championship: Runner-up with Spain in 2021
- FIFA World Cup: Quarter-finalist with Spain in 2018
- Vazquez can play as a right-winger or right-back.
He’s made 245 appearances for Real Madrid, scoring 26 goals.
That’s our list of 10 soccer stars with the number 17 jersey. You’ve likely already heard about some of them, while others may be new. But all of them are outstanding soccer players in their own right.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.