In the world of football, number 11 football players hold a special place as the dynamic icons of the left wing. Representing speed, skill, and creativity, these players captivate audiences with their electrifying performances. From weaving past defenders to delivering pinpoint crosses, football players with the number 11 play a crucial role in shaping the game’s history and exciting its fans. In this article, CUPFC delves into the fascinating realm of number 11 football players, exploring their significance, impact, and the legendary figures who have donned this iconic number.
A List of 15 Most Famous Number 11 Football Players in History
Throughout the history of football, the number 11 shirt has been worn by numerous exceptional players. Here are some of the most famous ones:
Ryan Giggs
Born in 1973, Ryan Giggs is a football legend. His journey is a testament to brilliance. For decades, he adorned the No. 11 jersey at Manchester United, crafting a legacy beyond compare. A mesmerizing winger, his dribbles painted masterpieces on the field. Over 900 appearances, 34 major trophies, a career painted with elegance. From debut to retirement, Giggs, the eternal No. 11, remains an icon of the beautiful game.
Rivaldo
Another Brazilian legend who wore the number 11 shirt was Rivaldo. Born in 1972, this Brazilian wizard left us all in awe. His journey with the No. 11. He was a versatile attacker who could play on either wing, as a second striker, or as a central midfielder. He was known for his skill, vision, and powerful shots. He played for Deportivo La Coruna, Barcelona, AC Milan, and Olympiacos. He won the World Cup in 2002 and was named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1999.
Romario
Romario was born in 1966. He scored over 700 goals in his career, including 55 for Brazil in 70 caps. He won the World Cup in 1994, where he was also named as the tournament’s best player. He played for clubs such as PSV Eindhoven, Barcelona, and Flamengo. He wore the number 11 shirt for most of his career, except for a brief spell at Valencia, where he wore number 10.
Francisco Gento
Francisco Gento was born in 1933. He played for Real Madrid for 18 seasons, where he won 12 La Liga titles and six European Cups. He was a speedy and skilful left winger who was part of the famous Real Madrid team of the 1950s and 1960s that, included Alfredo Di Stefano, Ferenc Puskas, and Raymond Kopa. He wore the number 11 shirt for Real Madrid and Spain.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba was borned in 1978. He played for Chelsea for eight seasons, where he won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, and one Champions League trophy. He scored 164 goals for Chelsea in all competitions, including a crucial equalizer and a decisive penalty in the Champions League final against Bayern Munich in 2012. He wore the number 11 shirt throughout his Chelsea career.
Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah, born in 1992, is one of the best players in the world right now. He plays for Liverpool, where he has won the Premier League, the Champions League, the UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has scored over 150 goals for Liverpool in less than 250 games, breaking several records. He has also scored over 40 goals for Egypt in over 70 caps. He wears the number 11 shirt for Liverpool and Egypt.
Miroslav Klose
Miroslav Klose, born in 1978 and the German striker, is widely regarded as one of the greatest goal-scorers in football history. Klose’s journey is a testament to goal-scoring excellence. Adorning the iconic No. 11 jersey, Klose propelled Germany to World Cup glory in 2006, showcasing his indomitable spirit and innate goal-scoring acumen. With 71 international goals, he etched his name as the all-time top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, leaving an indelible mark.
Marco Reus
Meet Marco Reus, born in 1989, a footballer whose journey has been nothing short of intriguing. He plays for Borussia Dortmund, where he has won three DFB-Pokals and three DFL-Supercups. He has scored over 150 goals for Dortmund in over 300 games, becoming one of their all-time top scorers. He has also scored over 30 goals for Germany in over 40 caps. He wears the number 11 shirt for Dortmund and Germany.
Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale, born in 1989, is a name that has overwhelmed the footballing world. He plays for Real Madrid, where he has won four Champions League trophies, two La Liga titles, one Copa del Rey, three UEFA Super Cups, and four FIFA Club World Cups. He has scored over 100 goals for Real Madrid in over 250 games, including a stunning bicycle kick against Liverpool in the Champions League final in 2018. He has also scored over 30 goals for Wales in over 90 caps, leading them to their first-ever European Championship semifinal in 2016. He wears the number 11 shirt for Real Madrid and Wales.
Angel Di Maria
Angel Di Maria, born in 1988, is a footballer whose journey has taken us over the moon. He’s dazzled the pitch wearing the number 11 jersey, leaving fans in awe. Di Maria’s remarkable career has seen him grace clubs like Real Madrid, Manchester United, and PSG. His dribbling skills and precision crosses have left opponents over the moon, struggling to keep up with his pace and finesse. Di Maria’s journey, marked by unforgettable moments, showcases his determination and talent. With each match, he continues to soar over the moon, leaving us all captivated by his skill and grace.
Roberto Baggio
Roberto Baggio, born in 1967, a football legend whose journey has left us overjoyed. He played for clubs such as Fiorentina, Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan. He won two Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, and one UEFA Cup. He scored over 300 goals in his club career and 27 goals for Italy in 56 caps. He was named the FIFA World Player of the Year in 1993 and the Ballon d’Or winner in 1994. He wore the number 11 shirt for most of his career, except for a brief spell at Brescia, where he wore number 10.
George Best
Born in 1946, George Best remains a true football icon. His. He played for Manchester United, where he won two Premier League titles and one European Cup. He scored 179 goals for Manchester United in 470 games, including a stunning solo goal against Benfica in the European Cup final in 1968. He was named the European Footballer of the Year in 1968 and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 1968 and 1971. He wore the number 11 shirt for Manchester United and Northern Ireland.
Ryan Babel
Born in 1987, Ryan Babel has navigated the football world with a sense of ease. He has played for clubs such as Ajax, Liverpool, Hoffenheim, Kasimpasa, Deportivo La Coruna, Besiktas, Fulham, Galatasaray, Ajax again, and now Alanyaspor. He has won four Eredivisie titles, one KNVB Cup, one Turkish Super Lig title, and one Turkish Cup. He has also scored over 10 goals for the Netherlands in over 60 caps. He wears the number 11 shirt for Alanyaspor and Netherlands.
Alexis Sanchez
Alexis Sanchez, born in 1988, is a name that carries the weight of determination and intensity. He plays for Inter Milan, where he has won one Serie A title and one Coppa Italia. He has also played for clubs such as Udinese, Barcelona, Arsenal, and Manchester United. He has scored over 250 goals in his club career and over 40 goals for Chile in over 130 caps. He has won two Copa America titles with Chile, being named the best player in the tournament in both editions. He wears the number 11 shirt for Inter Milan and Chile.
Oscar
Enter Oscar, born in 1991, a name that might not be the first to cross your mind when talking about football stars, but his journey has been full of surprises. Starting his career in Brazil, he leapt to Europe by joining Chelsea in 2012. He wore the number 11 jersey and showcased his versatile skills as a midfielder. He plays for Shanghai SIPG, where he has won one Chinese Super League title and one Chinese FA Super Cup. He has also played for Internacional, Chelsea, and Sao Paulo clubs. He has scored over 150 goals in his club career and over 10 goals for Brazil.
Related: Famous Soccer Players with Number 19
Other Famous Football Players With Number 11
| Hirving Lozano | Samir Nasri |
| Robin van Persie | Robinho |
| Mohammed Salah | Miroslav Klose |
| Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Carlos Tevez |
| Wilfred Zaha | Didier Drogba |
| Marco Asensio | Maxi Rodriguez |
| Gabriel Martinelli | Nicklas Bendtner |
| Ferran Torres | Angel Di Maria |
| Arnaut Danjuma | Douglas Costa |
| Kingsley Coman | Ousmane Dembele |
| Ángel Di María | Thomas Lemar |
| Arjen Robben | Timo Werner |
| Joan Capdevila | Pedro |
| Sunil Chhetri |
Read more: Soccer Jersey Numbers Meaning
Conclusion, the number 11 football players are some of the most exciting and essential players. They have a rich history, a diverse role, and a bright future. They can play on the left wing as a second striker, playmaker, or even wing-back. They can be fast, skilful, clinical, or creative. They can be legends, stars, or prospects.
