World Cup Trivia: How are jersey numbers assigned?

Jersey numbers are assigned from 1 to 11 for the starting team. This practice was first implemented in the 1954 World Cup (Now who hosted the 1954 World Cup? Find your answers here). Traditionally speaking, each number represents the position the player fills.

1 – Goalkeeper

2 – Right defender

3 – Left defender

4 – Center defender

5 – Center defender

6 – Defending midfielder

7 – Right midfielder

8 – Central midfielder

9 – Striker

10 – Attacking midfielder

11 – Left midfielder

12 and above- substitutes

But hey, soccer is about having fun and creative plays. Did you expect every country to follow this guideline? No chance!

Argentina was known for allocating jersey numbers based on the alphabetical order of their players. But it seems fated that Maradona got the prestigious number 10.

The respective leagues in various countries have also stopped following the 1-11 traditional numbers. Rather than the number representing the position, players are tied to a specific number which follows them throughout their time in the club.

Up next on World Cup Trivia: They say birds of the same feather flock together. How very true in terms of jersey numbers. I’ll take you through the famous players that wear the same number on their backs! Stay tuned.

EUFASS