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Throughout the evolution of soccer, the way different positions are played has changed. However, although the style of play might have evolved, the field position for soccer players with the number 3 has not changed much. The number 3 is reserved for defenders.
Some players have rubber-stamped their names while playing with this jersey, with Ashley Cole and Paolo Maldini as iconic examples. In this post, we look into the players who famously represented their clubs with the number 3 soccer jersey. In this case, we look at their:
- Careers
- Accolades
- Titles and trophies
Be ready to be amazed by the achievements and contributions these legends have made and are making to the precious soccer game.
Best Soccer Players To Wear Number 3
The typical position for a number 3 in soccer is the left-sided defender (outside back or full back), although a central defender may use this number. The number 3 is a special one. There have been so many greats to wear this jersey. Here are some amazing players from the past and present. Be sure to watch the highlights. It’s surprising what a number 3 can do!
Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini is a legendary defender. His 25-year career with AC Milan made him a club icon. Maldini won five Champions League and seven Serie A titles with Milan. Milan’s defense relied on his athleticism, timing, and leadership for nearly two decades. Until 2020, Maldini has the most Serie A appearances with 647. He was named UEFA Club Defender of the Year in 2003 after playing 126 European matches.
- Date of Birth: June 26, 1968
- Nationality: Italian
- Teams Played For: AC Milan, Italy national team
- Positions Played: Left-Back, Centre-Back Trophies Won:
- Club:
- Serie A (7 times)
- Coppa Italia (1 time)
- Supercoppa Italiana (5 times)
- UEFA Champions League (5 times)
- UEFA Super Cup (5 times)
- Intercontinental Cup (4 times)
- FIFA Club World Cup (1 time)
- National Team:
- FIFA World Cup (1 time)
- UEFA European Championship (1 time)
- UEFA U-21 European Championship (1 time)
- Other Significant Achievements:
- AC Milan’s all-time appearance record holder with 902 appearances.
- Named in the FIFA 100 list of the greatest living players in 2004.
- Inducted into the Italian Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
Maldini was an elegant and skilled left defender and center back. He launched Milan’s attacks from the backline with good defending and smooth ball abilities. During his four World Cups between 1990 and 2002, Maldini helped Italy win in 2006. Maldini, one of the game’s most brilliant defenders, won almost every major team and individual award, solidifying his standing as Milan’s top player and one of soccer’s best defenders.
At 41, Maldini departed in 2009, leaving Milan with a lasting legacy across three decades. Among only two players to have made over 1,000 games for the same club, he shows uncommon loyalty and consistency at the top levels. Maldini’s class, longevity, and club and national championships established his position in Italian soccer history.
He is currently the co-owner of Miami FC, a USL Championship club.
Pepe
Pepe is believed to be the top defender of his generation. His aggressive, physical style made the Portuguese center back a leader on the pitch throughout his career. Pepe helped Portugal win Euro 2016 with almost 100 appearances. He began his career with Marítimo in his native country before being successful with Porto from 2004-2007, winning the Primeira Liga twice. A high-profile transfer to Real Madrid followed, where he won three La Liga crowns and three Champions Leagues in 10 seasons.
Stats
- Date of birth: Feb 26, 1983
- Nationality: Portugal
- Teams played for:
- FC Porto (2018-present)
- Real Madrid (2007-2017)
- Marítimo (2004-2007)
- Porto B (2003-2004)
- Corinthians Alagoano (Youth career)
- Positions played:
- Centre-Back
- Defensive Midfield
- Trophies won:
- UEFA Champions League (3 times with Real Madrid)
- La Liga (3 times with Real Madrid)
- Copa del Rey (2 times with Real Madrid)
- Supercopa de España (3 times with Real Madrid)
- FIFA Club World Cup (3 times with Real Madrid)
- UEFA Super Cup (2 times with Real Madrid)
- Liga Portugal (2 times with FC Porto)
- Other significant achievements:
- UEFA European Championship winner with Portugal in 2016
- UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal in 2019
- UEFA European Championship runner-up with Portugal in 2004
Pepe and Sergio Ramos were a powerful central defensive duo at Real Madrid. Pepe was an uncompromising defender whose power, timing, and aerial skill terrified strikers, despite controversy over his tackles. Portugal won Euro 2016 in France with two goals from him, including in the final. After leaving Real Madrid in 2017, Pepe continued his success at Besiktas, winning another league title. He plays top-level football for FC Porto in Portugal at 39.
One of his generation’s best center backs is Pepe. He compensated for his lack of technical skill with great placement, anticipation, and physicality. He used these skills and excellent leadership to win several titles and bring Portugal to the top of international soccer. His remarkable career made Pepe a modern defensive great.
Roberto Carlos
Due to his stellar club and international career, Roberto Carlos is considered one of the finest full-backs ever. He helped Brazil win the 2002 World Cup with almost 100 appearances. In 11 seasons at Real Madrid from 1996 to 2007, Carlos earned 4 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League crowns. Carlos transformed the full-back position with his precise crossing and strong set-piece shooting with either foot.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: April 10, 1973
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Teams Played for:
- União São João (1991-1992)
- Palmeiras (1993-1995)
- Inter Milan (1995-1996)
- Real Madrid (1996-2007)
- Fenerbahce (2007-2009)
- Corinthians (2010)
- Delhi Dynamos (2015)
- Positions Played: Left-Back, Defensive Midfield, Left Midfield
- Trophies Won:
- 4 La Liga titles with Real Madrid
- 3 UEFA Champions League titles with Real Madrid
- 2 Intercontinental Cup titles with Real Madrid
- 3 Supercopa de España titles with Real Madrid
- 2 Copa America titles with Brazil (1997, 1999)
- 1 FIFA World Cup title with Brazil (2002)
- Other Significant Achievements: Roberto Carlos was known for his powerful free kicks and long-range shooting ability. He was a key player in the successful Real Madrid side of the early 2000s and is widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in football history.
The side of his foot style allowed him to kick the ball around obstacles at high speeds, making his free kicks his most remarkable. This 1997 free kick against France is still considered one of the best ever. Real Madrid fans loved Carlos’ swashbuckling style and tireless energy down the left wing. His attacking instincts and technical skills were unique for a full-back.
Carlos was successful at Internacional in Brazil before joining Fenerbahçe, Corinthians, and Delhi Dynamos in Europe. He became a Brazilian superstar after helping them win the 2002 World Cup and making the All-Star Team. Roberto Carlos, considered the best left-back ever, inspired generations of players with his brilliance and courage.
Furthermore, he is the second most capped Brazilian player with 125 caps. He played three World Cups with Brazil, reaching the final in 1998 and winning in 2002.
Gerard Pique
One of the best defenders of his generation is Gerard Piqué. At Barcelona and for Spain, the center-back had a distinguished career. Piqué rose through Barcelona’s La Masia youth program to become a first-team regular in the late 2000s. He was part of Barcelona’s golden age under Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, winning 8 La Liga titles and 3 Champions League crowns. Over 600 Barca appearances make Piqué a legend.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: February 2, 1987
- Nationality: Spanish
- Teams Played for:
- Manchester United (2004-2008)
- Barcelona (2008-present)
- Positions Played: Center-Back
- Trophies Won:
- With Manchester United:
- 1 UEFA Champions League (2007-2008)
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup (2008)
- 1 Premier League title (2006-2007)
- 2 League Cups (2005-2006, 2008-2009)
- 1 Community Shield (2007)
- With Barcelona:
- 4 UEFA Champions League titles (2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2014-2015, 2015-2016)
- 8 La Liga titles (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, 2012-2013, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2017-2018, 2018-2019)
- 6 Copa del Rey titles (2008-2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018)
- 3 FIFA Club World Cup titles (2009, 2011, 2015)
- 3 UEFA Super Cup titles (2009, 2011, 2015)
- 3 Supercopa de España titles (2009, 2010, 2011)
- With Manchester United:
- Other Significant Achievements: Gerard Pique is widely regarded as one of the best center-backs of his generation. After returning to Barcelona from Manchester United in 2008, Pique played a key role in the club’s unprecedented success under manager Pep Guardiola, winning multiple domestic and international titles. Pique’s partnership with Carles Puyol in defense was instrumental in Barcelona’s dominance during that era. He is known for his ball-playing ability, composure on the ball, and tactical awareness. Pique has also been a regular starter for the Spanish national team, winning the UEFA European Championship in 2012 and the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
From 2010 to 2018, Piqué played Spain at three World Cups, winning 2010. He helped Spain win Euro 2008 and Euro 2012, solidifying his role as a national team pillar during a golden age. Piqué, Carles Puyol, Sergio Ramos, and Jordi Alba formed an almost invincible Spanish defense for nearly a decade. Despite his hasty tackles, Piqué was known for his game reading and back-passing.
In November 2022, 35-year-old Piqué resigned from playing after nearly a decade with Barcelona. Piqué, one of the best center-backs of his generation, became a Barcelona giant and leader by winning everything with club and country. He was a giant of modern Spanish and Barca success.
Chiellini
Chiellini is one of the best defenders of his generation. The center-back played over 500 times for Juventus since signing in 2005. He helped Juventus win 9 Serie A titles. Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, known for their rugged play, anchored Juventus’ defense for nearly a decade.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: August 14, 1984
- Nationality: Italian
- Teams Played for:
- Livorno (2000-2004)
- Roma (2004-2005)
- Fiorentina (2005-2006)
- Juventus (2005-present)
- Positions Played: Center-Back, Left-Back
- Trophies Won:
- With Juventus:
- 9 Serie A titles (2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020)
- 4 Coppa Italia titles (2014-2015, 2015-2016, 2016-2017, 2017-2018)
- 2 Supercoppa Italiana titles (2012, 2013)
- With Italy:
- 1 FIFA World Cup (2006)
- 1 UEFA European Championship runner-up (2012)
- With Juventus:
- Other Significant Achievements: Giorgio Chiellini is widely regarded as one of the best center-backs of his generation. He has been a stalwart in Juventus’ defense for over a decade, forming a formidable partnership with fellow center-back Leonardo Bonucci. Chiellini is known for his physicality, aggression, and excellent defensive skills. He has consistently been a leader and a reliable presence in the Juventus defense. Chiellini has also represented the Italian national team with distinction, playing a crucial role in their victory at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
Chiellini played 117 times for Italy, a defensive record. He helped Italy win 2006 World Cup and reach Euro 2012 final. Along with Bonucci, Chiellini was Italy’s defense rock and a great leader. Chiellini, 37, won Euro 2020 as captain, capping a stellar international career.
Chiellini joined Los Angeles FC on a short-term basis in 2022 after 17 seasons with Juventus. He got to try a new league and culture before retiring. With his defensive expertise and senior knowledge, Chiellini was vital to LAFC in his late 30s. He retired in November 2022, solidifying his legacy as a legendary Italian defender.
Ashley Cole
Left back Ashley Cole is considered one of the best of his generation. Before a controversial move to Chelsea in 2006, he made over 200 Arsenal games and won three FA Cups. Cole earned 4 more Premier League titles, a Champions League title, and 7 domestic cups at Chelsea. He was England’s first-choice left back for nearly a decade with over 100 caps. Cole was known for his defense, stamina, and flank attack game after game.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: December 20, 1980
- Nationality: English
- Teams Played for:
- Arsenal (1999-2006)
- Chelsea (2006-2014)
- AS Roma (2014-2016)
- LA Galaxy (2016-2019)
- Positions Played: Left-Back
- Trophies Won:
- 2 Premier League titles with Arsenal (2001-2002, 2003-2004)
- 3 FA Cup titles with Arsenal (2001-2002, 2002-2003, 2004-2005)
- 2 Community Shield titles with Arsenal (2002, 2004)
- 1 Premier League title with Chelsea (2009-2010)
- 4 FA Cup titles with Chelsea (2006-2007, 2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2011-2012)
- 1 League Cup title with Chelsea (2006-2007)
- 1 UEFA Champions League title with Chelsea (2011-2012)
- 1 UEFA Europa League title with Chelsea (2012-2013)
- Other Significant Achievements: Ashley Cole was known for his pace, defensive abilities, and overlapping runs from the left-back position. He was a key player for both Arsenal and Chelsea, and he is one of the most decorated English players in history. Cole also represented England at the international level, earning 107 caps and representing his country in several major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
Cole became one of England’s brightest young stars at Arsenal. He could defend well and create chances. His move to Chelsea was controversial because Arsenal fans called him “cashley”. He was successful in West London under Jose Mourinho, forging a strong left-wing tandem with Ashley Young. Cole retired in 2019 after playing for Roma, LA Galaxy, and Derby County.
Cole’s English club career included 4 Premier League titles, 7 FA Cups, a League Cup, Champions League, and Europa League. He represented England at 3 World Cups and Euro 2008. Ashley Cole was one of the best left backs of the Premier League era, both at club and internationally.
He is currently serving as part of the coaching staff for Chelsea’s U15 team.
Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra was one of the best Premier League left backs, especially at Manchester United. In eight seasons with United, the Frenchman won five Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League. Evra was recognized for his constant left-wing energy and tenacity in defense. He and Nemanja Vidic was United’s defensive pillar.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: May 15, 1981
- Nationality: French
- Teams Played for:
- Marsala (1998-1999)
- Monza (1999-2000)
- Nice (2000-2002)
- Monaco (2002-2006)
- Manchester United (2006-2014)
- Juventus (2014-2017)
- Marseille (2017-2018)
- West Ham United (2018-2019)
- Positions Played: Left-Back
- Trophies Won:
- 5 Premier League titles with Manchester United (2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2010-2011, 2012-2013)
- 3 League Cup titles with Manchester United (2005-2006, 2008-2009, 2009-2010)
- 5 Community Shield titles with Manchester United (2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
- 1 UEFA Champions League title with Manchester United (2007-2008)
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup title with Manchester United (2008)
- 2 Serie A titles with Juventus (2014-2015, 2015-2016)
- 2 Coppa Italia titles with Juventus (2014-2015, 2015-2016)
- 1 Supercoppa Italiana title with Juventus (2015)
- Other Significant Achievements: Patrice Evra was known for his attacking prowess as a left-back, combining solid defensive skills with overlapping runs and crossing ability. He was a mainstay in the Manchester United defense during their successful period under Sir Alex Ferguson. Evra also represented the French national team, earning 81 caps and representing his country in major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. Off the field, Evra has been recognized for his charity work and leadership qualities.
Evra played for Monaco and Nice in France before joining United. Two seasons with Juventus, earning two Serie A titles, followed his 2014 Manchester departure. French national team regular Evra has over 80 caps, including three World Cups between 2002 and 2014. He helped France win Euro 2008 by scoring in the final against Italy 1-0.
Evra became one of Europe’s most reliable left backs in England, France, and Italy. He compensated for his technical shortcomings with tireless running, great game reading, and tenacious tackling. For years, Evra was a model of consistency at the top level.
Evra started his career at Marsala, an Italian club then moved to Monza shortly after. He then moved back to France and played for Nice. Later, in 2002, he moved to Monaco, where his performance led to his transfer to the English Premier League club, Manchester United.
![Patrice Evra [Best Skills & Goals]](https://soccerblade.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FhXILShFoxNE%2F0.jpg)
He then had a series of moves moving to Juventus, then Marseille, and lastly to West Ham United. He retired from professional soccer in 2019.
Asamoah Gyan
Gyan is Ghana’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player. The striker played in three World Cups for Ghana between 2006 and 2014. Gyan scored key goals for the Black Stars in 2010 World Cup triumphs over the Czech Republic, USA, and Uruguay in South Africa. Ghana lost on penalties to Uruguay in the quarterfinals, but he scored. Over a long club career, Gyan excelled in Italy, England, UAE, and India.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: November 22, 1985
- Nationality: Ghanaian
- Teams Played for:
- Liberty Professionals (2003-2008)
- Udinese (2003-2008)
- Rennes (2008-2010)
- Sunderland (2010-2011)
- Al-Ain (2011-2015)
- Shanghai SIPG (2015-2017)
- Kayserispor (2017-2019)
- NorthEast United (2019-2020)
- Positions Played: Forward
- Trophies Won:
- 4 UAE Pro-League titles with Al-Ain (2011-2012, 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015)
- 1 UAE President’s Cup with Al-Ain (2013-2014)
- 1 Arabian Gulf Super Cup with Al-Ain (2012)
- 2 Turkish Cup runner-up with Kayserispor (2017-2018, 2018-2019)
- Other Significant Achievements: Asamoah Gyan has been one of the most prolific goal scorers in African football history. He is Ghana’s all-time leading goal scorer, with over 50 goals for the national team. Gyan has represented Ghana in several FIFA World Cup tournaments, including the 2010 World Cup where he became the first African player to score in three consecutive World Cups. He has also been recognized for his individual achievements, winning the BBC African Footballer of the Year award in 2010. Gyan’s career has taken him to various leagues around the world, and he has been known for his goal-scoring ability, speed, and physical presence on the pitch.
Gyan started his career in Ghana in 2003 before playing for Udinese, Modena, and Palermo in Italy from 2003 to 2008. Sunderland signed him in 2008, and he scored almost 20 Premier League goals in his first season. Gyan played for Rennes, Al Ain, Shanghai SIPG, and NorthEast United to finish his career. Between 2003 and 2015, he scored a national record 51 goals in 109 appearances for Ghana, making him a famous striker.
Arguably Ghana’s finest player, Asamoah Gyan was a prolific goalscorer who scored big goals on big occasions. Ghanaian fans will always remember Gyan for his amazing international career spanning over a decade, even if he never advanced past the quarterfinals.
However, his best performance was during the 2013/14 season, where he scored 44 goals in 40 matches.
Marcos Alonso
Veteran left-sided defender Marcos Alonso has played well in Spain and England. The 32-year-old made his Bolton Wanderers debut in 2010 after coming through Real Madrid’s development academy. Alonso became a Premier League player with Sunderland, excelling with his energy, tackling, and wide distribution. After this, he moved to Fiorentina in 2013 and lasted three seasons in Serie A, helping the club qualify for Europe.
Stats:
Certainly! Here are the details for Marcos Alonso:
- Date of Birth: December 28, 1990
- Nationality: Spanish
- Teams Played for:
- Real Madrid (2010-2013)
- Bolton Wanderers (loan, 2010-2011)
- Fiorentina (2013-2016)
- Chelsea (2016-present)
- Positions Played: Left-Back, Left Wing-Back
- Trophies Won:
- 1 Premier League title with Chelsea (2016-2017)
- 1 FA Cup with Chelsea (2017-2018)
- 1 UEFA Europa League with Chelsea (2018-2019)
- Other Significant Achievements: Marcos Alonso has had a successful career as a left-back. He made a name for himself during his time at Fiorentina, where he became known for his attacking contributions and set-piece ability. Alonso’s move to Chelsea in 2016 proved to be a turning point in his career, as he played a crucial role in their Premier League title-winning campaign in his first season. He has been a consistent performer for Chelsea, known for his technical skills, crossing ability, and goal-scoring prowess. Alonso has also been capped for the Spanish national team, representing them in international competitions.
Under Antonio Conte, Alonso thrived at Chelsea after joining in the summer of 2016. Alonso thrived as a wing-back in Conte’s 3-4-3 style, netting important goals in their 2016-17 Premier League title triumph. He played for Chelsea under several managers, scoring 29 goals in six seasons. Since 2014, Alonso has 24 Spain caps and was in the Euro 2016 squad.
Despite criticism for his one-on-one defense, Alonso has had a long career at the highest level due to his hard work and goal-scoring abilities from left wing-back or midfield. After leaving Chelsea in 2022, he joined Barcelona and has been crucial under Xavi.
Dennis Irwin
Dennis Irwin remained devoted to Manchester United during Sir Alex Ferguson’s golden age. After joining United from Oldham Athletic in 1990, the left-back made 529 appearances and won seven Premier League titles and two FA Cups in 13 seasons. When attacking down the flank or in midfield, Irwin was known for his left-foot precision, stamina, and consistency. He played full-back with Paul Parker and Gary Neville for years.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: October 31, 1965
- Nationality: Irish
- Teams Played for:
- Leeds United (1983-1986)
- Oldham Athletic (1986-1990)
- Manchester United (1990-2002)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers (2002-2004)
- Positions Played: Left-Back, Right-Back
- Trophies Won:
- With Manchester United:
- 7 Premier League titles (1992-1993, 1993-1994, 1995-1996, 1996-1997, 1998-1999, 1999-2000, 2000-2001)
- 3 FA Cup titles (1993-1994, 1995-1996, 1998-1999)
- 4 FA Charity/Community Shield titles (1993, 1994, 1996, 1997)
- 1 UEFA Champions League title (1998-1999)
- 1 UEFA Super Cup title (1991)
- 1 Intercontinental Cup title (1999)
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup title (2008)
- With Oldham Athletic:
- 1 Football League Second Division runner-up (1989-1990)
- With Wolverhampton Wanderers:
- 1 Football League First Division runner-up (2002-2003)
- With Manchester United:
- Other Significant Achievements: Denis Irwin is regarded as one of the best full-backs in the history of Manchester United. He was known for his consistent performances, versatility, and excellent defensive and attacking abilities. Irwin played a key role in Manchester United’s success during the 1990s and early 2000s, winning multiple domestic and international trophies. He was also known for his exceptional accuracy in taking penalties and free kicks. Irwin was highly respected for his professionalism, durability, and leadership on and off the field.
Irwin was not a natural athlete, but his footballing intelligence and game knowledge made up for it. He scored numerous crucial goals and assisted from defense in major matches. No player in Premier League history has scored more free-kick goals than Irwin. He helped United win the 1998-99 Treble and other titles under Ferguson.
From 1990 until 2002, Irwin won 33 Republic of Ireland caps. He was one of the country’s most reliable servants and represented them at the 1994 World Cup. Since retiring in 2007, United fans have admired Irwin for his commitment and consistency throughout a golden age. He is a legendary Premier League left-back.
The number 3 jersey has represented defensive greats and attacking heroes. Many of the game’s best defenders have worn the number 3, including Italian legends Maldini and Chiellini. These players have proved that soccer greats can wear the number 3 at center-back coordinating the defense or up the pitch dazzling with the ball at their feet. They defined successful club and national periods with their quality and contributions. The number 3 jersey will always be associated with top soccer players.
Share the post "Soccer Players With The Number 3 (Awesome Defenders)"
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.
