Soccer Players With The Number 10 (Best Strikers)

The number 10 jersey in soccer is sacred and, notably, one of the most iconic numbers. This jersey number gives prestige, class, and a superior feeling to those who wear it. It is undeniable that most people who wear this number on the field are giants in the game and regarded as the best players of their time.

Creative attackers, who provide assists and score goals, typically wear the number 10. Some players with the number 10 include Lionel Messi, Pele, Maradona, Rivaldo, and Neymar Jr. So, let’s explore the iconic number 10 players, including their:

• Life and talent in soccer,
• Milestones at different clubs and internationally,
• Personal recognition, accolades and much more

Journey with me as we explore the legendary players who have donned the number 10 jersey.

The Best Soccer Players To Wear Number 10

The best attackers in the world of soccer have worn the number 10 jersey. This is the ultimate list of the best-ever goal scorers in the game. These number 10s have amazed the world with their skills; let’s take a look at their achievements and view their highlights.

Lionel Messi

Lionel Andrés Messi is an Argentine who plays as a forward for MLS team Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. Messi spent the most of his career at Barcelona, where he earned a record-breaking six Ballon d’Or honors. Messi helped Barcelona win 10 La Liga crowns and four UEFA Champions Leagues, establishing his place as the club’s all-time best goalscorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances.

Stats:

• Date of birth: June 24, 1987
• Nationality: Argentina
• Teams played for:
  1. Grandoli FC (Youth Club, 1992-1995)
  2. Newell’s Old Boys (Youth Club, 1995-2000)
  3. FC Barcelona (2004-2021)
  4. Paris Saint-Germain (2021-2023)
  5. Inter Miami CF (2023-present)
• Positions played:
  1. Right Winger
  2. Centre-Forward
  3. Second Striker
• Trophies won (selected):
  1. UEFA Champions League: 4 times (2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2014-2015)
  2. La Liga: 10 times (2004-2005, 2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2018–2019)
  3. Copa del Rey: 7 times (2008–2009, 2011–2012, 2014–2015, 2015–2016, 2016–2017, 2017–2018, 2020–2021)
  4. FIFA Club World Cup: 3 times (2009, 2011, 2015)
  5. Ballon d’Or: 7 times (2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2019, 2021)
• Other significant achievements:
  1. Record for most goals scored in a calendar year: 91 goals in 2012
  2. All-time top scorer for FC Barcelona and the Argentina national team
  3. Record for most goals scored in a single season in Europe’s top five leagues: 50 goals in 2011-2012
  4. Most goals scored in a single European club season: 73 goals in 2011-2012
  5. Most goals scored for a single club in official competitions: 672 goals for FC Barcelona
  6. Most goals scored in a calendar year for a single club: 79 goals for FC Barcelona in 2012
  7. Most hat-tricks in La Liga history: 36 hat-tricks
  8. Most assists in La Liga history: 192 assists
  9. Most goals scored in El Clasico matches against Real Madrid: 26 goals

Messi has played in over 160 international matches for Argentina and is the country’s all-time leading goalscorer. He was instrumental in Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory, their first major international title in 28 years, as a creative playmaker and prolific scorer. Messi has continued to shine since joining PSG in 2021, helping the club win the Ligue 1 title last season. Messi, widely regarded as one of the two best players of his time alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, has broken numerous goalscoring records and won over 30 major trophies during his career. He has definitely established himself as a game icon.

After spending the 2021-2022 season with Paris Saint-Germain, Messi, 35, agreed to a surprise free transfer move to Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami CF on June 27, 2023. While still in his peak, Messi cited a desire for a fresh challenge in his career as well as the possibility to assist boost soccer’s appeal in North America as motivating factors for joining David Beckham’s Inter Miami.

Messi became not just the highest paid player in MLS history, but also one of the biggest acquisitions ever for a North American sports league, after signing a mammoth two-year contract worth a rumored $35 million each season. As fans awaited Messi’s arrival in Miami, the profile of both Inter Miami and the MLS skyrocketed.

His elusive tricks and electrifying talent with the ball put him in a class of his own.

Pelé

Pelé, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. Pelé was born in 1940 in Brazil and began playing professionally at the age of 15 for Santos. Pelé helped Brazil win three FIFA World Cups (1958, 1962, 1970), scoring a then-record 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances. Pelé won six Brazilian league titles and two Copa Libertadores cups with Santos, confirming his legacy as a club hero. Pelé scored almost 1,000 goals in his career, a Guinness World Record that still stands today.

Stats:

• Date of birth: October 23, 1940
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Teams played for:
  1. Bauru Atletico Clube (Youth Club, 1952-1956)
  2. FC Santos (Youth Club, 1956-December 1956)
  3. FC Santos (Professional, 1956-1974)
  4. New York Cosmos (Professional, 1975-1977)
• Positions played: Centre-Forward, Second Striker
• Trophies won:
  1. FIFA World Cup (3 times: 1958, 1962, 1970)
  2. Copa Libertadores (2 times: 1962, 1963)
  3. Campeonato Brasileiro Série A (6 times: 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1968)
  4. Intercontinental Cup (2 times: 1962, 1963)
  5. Campeonato Paulista (10 times)
  6. North American Soccer League (1 time: 1977)
• Other significant achievements:
  1. FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1970)
  2. FIFA World Cup Silver Boot (1970)
  3. FIFA World Cup All-Star Team (1958, 1962, 1970)
  4. Ballon d’Or (1961, 1963, 1970)
  5. FIFA Player of the Century (1999)
  6. IFFHS World’s Best Goal Scorer of the Century
  7. Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame

Aside from his on-field achievements, Pelé had a tremendous social and cultural impact in Brazil and around the world. He transcended sports to become a cultural figure in Brazil amid an era of political unrest and economic hardship. Pelé, dubbed “The King of Football,” is still revered and regarded as a symbol of Brazilian identity and pride. He has stayed involved in commercial and charitable initiatives since his retirement.

The International Federation of Football History & Statistics honored Pelé Football Player of the Century in 2000. He has received the Olympic Order, been named UNESCO Man of the Year, and is the only person whose name appears in the Guinness Book of World Records in the category “Football.”

He is among the numerous players who have worn number 10 jerseys and shined with them in arena soccer. He has won three FIFA World Cups during his international career, including in 1958, 1962, and 1970. Pele is the only player to accomplish such a feat in history.

In addition, he is the all-time leading goal scorer for Brazil, with 77 goals in 92 games. Amazingly, he scored 643 goals in 659 games at the club level, averaging a goal per game throughout his career.

His 1279 goals in 1363 games, including friendlies, are recognized as a Guinness World Record.

He is a national hero because of his accomplishments in soccer and is recognized as a humanitarian for supporting policies that improve the social condition of the poor. In addition, he is an inspiration to many for becoming the first black global sporting star.

Diego Maradona

Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine who played as a forward for a number of clubs in Argentina, Spain, and Italy before retiring in 1997. Maradona, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, led Argentina to World Cup success in 1986, winning the Golden Ball as tournament player.

Stats:

• Date of birth: October 30, 1960
• Nationality: Argentina
• Teams played for:
  1. Argentinos Juniors (1976-1981)
  2. Boca Juniors (1981)
  3. Barcelona (1982-1984)
  4. Napoli (1984-1991)
  5. Sevilla (1992-1993)
  6. Newell’s Old Boys (1993-1994)
  7. Boca Juniors (1995-1997)
  8. Argentina National Team (1977-1994)
• Positions played: Attacking Midfield, Second Striker
• Trophies won:
  1. FIFA World Cup (1986) – with Argentina
  2. Copa del Rey (1983) – with Barcelona
  3. Serie A (1986-1987, 1989-1990) – with Napoli
  4. Italian Super Cup (1990) – with Napoli
  5. UEFA Cup (1988-1989) – with Napoli
  6. Copa America (1989) – with Argentina
• Other significant achievements:
  1. FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (1986)
  2. FIFA World Cup Goal of the Century (1986)
  3. FIFA World Cup All-Time Team (1994)
  4. FIFA World Player of the Year (1995)
  5. Ballon d’Or (1986)
  6. FIFA 100 (2004)
  7. FIFA Goal of the Century (2002)
  8. Italian Football Hall of Fame (2013)
  9. South American Footballer of the Year (1979, 1980, 1981, 1986)
  10. Argentine Footballer of the Year (1979, 1980, 1981, 1986)
  11. Golden Foot Legends Award (2018)

He began his career with Boca Juniors and Barcelona before rising to prominence with Italian club Napoli from 1984 and 1991, when he helped the squad win its first Serie A title. Maradona, on the other hand, battled drug and alcohol addiction for many years. He died of heart arrest in 2020, at the age of 60. Wikipedia – Diego Maradona

Aside from his abilities on the field, Maradona created a contentious legacy. He received a 15-month ban after testing positive for cocaine in 1991. Maradona was noted for his technical abilities, vision, ball control, and ability to impact games on his own. In 91 appearances for Argentina, he scored 34 goals, including the legendary “Hand of God” strike against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal.

Maradona, widely regarded as one of the best players of all time, propelled Argentina and Napoli to new heights with his inventive playmaking. Even after retiring, he remained an iconic and divisive figure.

He was also referred to as a free-kick specialist. Due to his talent, he was given the nickname “El Pibe de Oro,” which means the golden boy.

Rivaldo Vitor Boba Ferreira

Rivaldo was a Brazilian who primarily played as an offensive midfielder but also as a forward or winger. He played for various clubs, including Barcelona, Milan, and Olympiacos of Greece. Rivaldo was voted FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999 after helping Brazil win the World Cup.

Stats:

• Date of birth: April 19, 1972
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Teams played for:
  • Santa Cruz (1991-1993)
  • Mogi Mirim (1992-1994)
  • Corinthians (1994-1996)
  • Palmeiras (1996-1997)
  • Barcelona (1997-2002)
  • Milan (2002-2004)
  • Cruzeiro (2004-2005)
  • Olympiacos (2004-2008)
  • AEK Athens (2008-2009)
  • Bunyodkor (2009-2010)
  • São Caetano (2010-2011)
  • Kabuscorp (2012-2013)
  • Mogi Mirim (2013-2015)
• Positions played: Attacking midfielder, left winger, second striker
• Trophies won:
  • FIFA World Cup (2002) – 1 time
  • Copa America (1999) – 1 time
  • UEFA Champions League (2002) – 1 time
  • Spanish La Liga (1998, 1999, 2005) – 3 times
  • Brazilian Serie A (2010) – 1 time
  • Greek Super League (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008) – 4 times
  • Greek Cup (2005, 2006, 2008) – 3 times
  • Greek Super Cup (2007, 2008) – 2 times
  • Brazilian Serie B (2013) – 1 time
• Other significant achievements:
  • FIFA World Player of the Year (1999)
  • Ballon d’Or (1999)
  • UEFA Best Forward of the Year (1999)
  • FIFPro World XI (1999)
  • FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players

Between 1997 and 2002, he enjoyed a hugely successful career at Barcelona, where he won the Ballon d’Or in 1999 and helped the club achieve success both domestically and in Europe. Rivaldo was well-known for his dribbling abilities, strong shooting, and ability to score from long range.

Rivaldo retired from soccer in 2015 following brief appearances with Angola’s Kabuscorp and So Paulo. He has since worked a number of administrative positions in soccer. He was the president of Brazil’s Mogi Mirim Esporte Clube and a worldwide ambassador for the 2020 FIFA World Cup, which was held in Qatar.

Rivaldo’s foundation, which supports educational and social programs in Brazil, is still active in charitable activity. During his stay at Barcelona, he helped establish the club as a force in Spanish and European soccer.

In 1999, Rivaldo won the Ballon d’Or and was named FIFA World Player of the Year. Additionally, in 2004, he was named by Pele on the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.He was famous for his ability to bend free kicks, execute bicycle kicks, and kick a powerful ball from a distance. His ability to score and create goals was outstanding. He was one of the best left-footed specialists but could play either wing and strike the ball with either foot. His fast speed and shooting accuracy mesmerized many.

Neymar Da Silva Junior

Neymar joined Al Hilal from PSG in August 2023. The 31-year-old Brazilian attacker joined Al Hilal as the sixth signing that summer after six seasons with PSG. Neymar chose Al Hilal because it allowed him to continue his club career at a high level and reunite with his compatriot Malcom. El Hilal has announced Neymar, who will attempt to lead the squad to trophies in the 2023-2024 season as he begins his career outside of Europe.

Stats:

• Full name: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
• Date of birth: February 5, 1992
• Nationality: Brazilian
• Teams Played for:
  • Santos FC (2009-2013)
  • FC Barcelona (2013-2017)
  • Paris Saint-Germain (2017-2023)
  • Al-Hilal SFC (since 2023)
• Positions Played:
  • Left Winger
  • Second Striker
  • Attacking Midfielder
• Trophies Won:
  • Santos FC:
    • Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Championship): 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
    • Copa do Brasil (Brazilian Cup): 2010
    • Copa Libertadores (South American Club Championship): 2011
    • Recopa Sudamericana (South American Super Cup): 2012
    • Recopa Sudamericana (South American Super Cup): 2013
  • FC Barcelona:
    • La Liga (Spanish League): 2014-15, 2015-16
    • Copa del Rey (Spanish Cup): 2014-15, 2015-16
    • UEFA Champions League: 2014-15
  • Paris Saint-Germain:
    • Ligue 1 (French League): 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2021-22, 2022-23
    • Coupe de France (French Cup): 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2022-23
    • Coupe de la Ligue (French League Cup): 2017-18, 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22
    • Trophée des Champions (French Super Cup): 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2022
  • Brazil National Team:
    • FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013
    • Olympic Gold Medal: 2016
• Other Significant Achievements:
  • FIFA World Cup Golden Ball (Best Player): 2014
  • South American Footballer of the Year: 2011, 2012, 2015
  • UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2014-15
  • Ligue 1 Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2020
  • Top Scorer in Campeonato Paulista: 2010, 2012, 2013
  • Top Scorer in Copa Libertadores: 2012
  • Top Scorer in Ligue 1: 2017-18, 2021-22
  • Top Scorer in Trophée des Champions: 2018
  • Top Scorer in Copa America: 2019

Please note that the list of trophies and achievements is not exhaustive, but it highlights some of the major ones in Neymar’s career.

Neymar won the La Liga, Copa del Rey, and UEFA Champions League treble in his debut season with Barcelona. When he moved to PSG for €222 million in 2017, he became the most expensive player in history. Neymar has almost 100 caps for Brazil and is the fourth best goalscorer of all time. He was a member of the Brazilian side that won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2013 and advanced to the World Cup semi-finals in 2014.

Neymar earned three Ligue 1 titles with PSG and is one of the game’s most talented dribblers thanks to his agility, close ball control, and feints. He has, however, come under fire for diving and failing to lead PSG to Champions League triumph. Despite an injury-plagued season in 2021-22, Neymar remains an important player for both club and country as he approaches his 30s.

He is sponsored by multiple major corporations and is one of the world’s highest-paid athletes. In his home Brazil, Neymar is regarded as a legend, and he will aim to add a World Cup championship to his resume in Qatar this year.

Named twice as the South American player of the year in 2011 and 2012, he relocated to join Barcelona, where he won the Copa del Ray and the UEFA Championship league and finished third in the FIFA Ballon d’Or in 2015 for his exemplary performance. He then transferred to PSG for a fee of 222 million euros, making him the most expensive player so far. He has scored 70 goals in 116 matches for Brazil.His confidence on the field, excellent body control, quick reflexes, and explosive speed make him stand out.

Creativity has been associated with the number 10 shirt for decades in soccer. From Pelé to Maradona to Messi, some of the game’s greatest have worn 10. Platini, Zidane, and Ronaldinho have delighted fans and frightened opponents with their ball-magic, vision, and goals. Neymar, Dybala, and other number 10s still wow audiences worldwide. While positions and tactics change, the “playmaker” remains important. This genealogy of heroes makes 10 a shirt number for soccer’s most talented artists, those who can manipulate games and raise their teams with magic.

Joel Powel

Soccer Analyst and Publisher at Soccer Blade | Soccer Blade |  + postsBio

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.

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