Numerous teams have undertaken the extraordinary gesture of retiring jersey numbers throughout the course of football history to honor their illustrious players. Such recognition highlights the players’ enormous contribution to their respective clubs and their position as favorites of the fans. CONTINUE READING>>>>>
Following that, here are eleven legendary players whose teams retired their jersey numbers:
Raul, #10, of Schalke
One of Real Madrid’s all-time greats, Raul, was honored by Schalke with a touching homage. The Spanish forward spent two seasons with the Bundesliga club after an outstanding 15-year tenure with Real Madrid, making an everlasting impression. Schalke made a stunning and heartfelt decision to retire the number 7 shirt in honor of this Spanish superstar.
9. Inter Milan’s No. 4 Javier Zanetti
A beloved personality in football for the past 20 years, Javier Zanetti made Inter Milan history as a player. The Argentinean player astonishingly stayed with the team for 19 years, serving as captain from 1999 until 2014. In 2014, Inter President Erick Thohir announced the classic #4 shirt worn by the Argentine full-back will be retired. Zanetti, the club’s vice president, was also named in honor of his outstanding service.
Bobby Moore, West Ham United’s no. 8,
West Ham United gave Bobby Moore, the first English captain to win the World Cup and the best defender in England history, a heartfelt display of homage. Moore’s number 6 jersey was retired after a 16-year career at West Ham, where he made over 500 appearances.
Diego Maradona is ranked #10 for Napoli.
As one of the all-time great footballers, Diego Maradona had a famous run at Napoli. He wore the number 10 jersey for seven incredible years, helping Napoli win five titles. Despite his departure after a 15-month drug-related suspension, Napoli showed their appreciation by retiring their number ten shirt in his honor.
10. Pele for the New York Cosmos
Pele was treated with enormous reverence by the New York Cosmos, where he played for the final two years of his career and is recognized as the greatest football player in history. The “Black Pearl” had a long-standing relationship with his youth club Santos, but his time in the US only served to solidify his reputation.
The New York Cosmos retired his #10 shirt after he retired. The NY Cosmos split up in 1985, but they reformed in 2010.
5. Roberto Baggio, #10 for Brescia
Roberto Baggio, known as “The Divine Ponytail” because of his unusual hairdo, is regarded as one of Italy’s best players. While he enjoyed excellent runs with teams like Inter Milan, Juventus, Milan, and Fiorentina, Brescia gave him the highest honor by retiring his number 10 shirt.
At Brescia, Baggio finished his spectacular career with 46 goals in 101 games. Baggio, who is regarded as one of the game’s best all-around attackers, is still a popular figure in Italian football.
Ferenc Puskas’ Budapest Honved #10 is number four.
Ferenc Puskas, the greatest footballer in Hungary, had a successful career with Budapest Honved from 1943 until 1956, scoring more than 300 goals in 341 games. By retiring the number 10 shirt, Honved paid tribute to his achievements to the team and honored his legacy. Puskas later joined Real Madrid, where he had great success and cemented his position as one of the best attackers in the league.
Franco Baresi, #6 for AC Milan
Over the previous few decades, AC Milan has seen many outstanding football players, and Franco Baresi stands out among them. The illustrious Italian defender participated in more than 700 matches for Milan and won numerous awards. Young Paolo Maldini, who later became another Milan star, benefited much from Baresi’s guidance.
Milan retired the number 6 jersey in honor of Baresi, who was regarded as the team’s greatest player of the nineteenth century.
Paolo Maldini, third-placed AC Milan
Throughout his career, Paolo Maldini, one of the greatest defenders in football history, was a true legend of Milan. He enjoyed tremendous success with the Rossoneri, winning five Champions League championships—a unique accomplishment. Maldini deservedly got the honor of having his number three shirt retired after contributing to the team for more than 25 years.
Maldini has the right to reclaim the number “3” even if it has been formally retired if one of his sons plays for Milan.
1. Johan Cruyff, #14 for Ajax
Johan Cruyff, one of football’s all-time greats and a visionary who revolutionized the game, had a remarkable journey with Ajax. A 10-year-old when he first joined the team, he went on to have an illustrious playing and managerial career. Cruyff made significant contributions to football long after he finished playing.
Ajax retired the famous number 14 shirt in 2007 as a tribute to the Dutch innovator of the beautiful game.…… Continue Your Reading
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