This is a list of the best soccer players who wore the number 25 jersey.
Gone are the days when soccer players had to wear jersey numbers according to their position on the field. Nowadays, players choose numbers based on their personal preferences.
That’s why the number 25 jersey has been worn by some great soccer players.
On this list, you’ll find players like:
- Thomas Muller
- Fernandinho
- Antonio Valencia
- Pepe Reina
- and more!
So let’s get started and look at the greatest soccer players with the number 25 jersey.
Criteria for Selection in this List
Before starting, let’s look at the criteria for the list.
Players must tick these criteria while wearing the number 25 jersey to be included in the list.
- Consistent level of excellence
- Influence on Position
- Association with Game-Changing Moments
- Legacy and Recognition
- Contribution to Team Success
- Recognition by Peers and Experts
- Cultural Impact
Despite thorough research, I might miss a few number 25 soccer players. So, let me know if I’ve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players Who Wore Number 25 Jersey
Here are the 10 best soccer players with the number 24 jersey.
10. Shunsuke Nakamura
Nakamura wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Celtic FC (2005 – 2009)
- Yokohama F. Marinos (2009 – 2013)
Shunsuke Nakamura takes the 10th spot on our list. The Japanese midfielder left his mark on J-League and the Scottish Premiership.
Nakamura had a wicked left foot. This helped him become one of the best free-kick takers in the world.
Former Celtic manager Steve Perryman said that Nakamura “could open a tin of beans with his left foot.” And he wasn’t wrong.
Nakamura’s free kicks were a sight to behold. They would bend around walls and find the net with pinpoint accuracy.
Beyond this, Nakamura also possessed exceptional passing vision. He was the master of controlling a game’s tempo with his creativity.
He’s most well-known for his time at Celtic FC. Here, he helped the team win many Scottish Premier League titles and Scottish Cups.
9. Joe Hart
Joe Hart wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Manchester City (2007 – 2012)
Coming in at number 9 is the English goalkeeper Joe Hart. He was a wall between the posts for Manchester City during their rise to prominence.
Hart wore the number 25 jersey for City during a period of the club’s transformation into a Premier League powerhouse. His acrobatic saves and excellent reflexes made him a key figure in their success.
Standing tall at 6’5″, Hart also possessed a commanding presence in the penalty area. And with time, he also became a vocal leader for City at the back.
Hart’s most decorated years came during his time wearing number 25.
He was a crucial part of the team that won their first-ever FA Cup title in 2011. And then they went on to win the Premier League trophy in the following season (2011-12).
Hart’s individual awards during this period are equally impressive. He won three consecutive Premier League Golden Glove awards (2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13) for keeping the most clean sheets.
His later career saw him move to different clubs and wear different jersey numbers. But Joe Hart’s contribution to City’s historic period remains historic.
8. Pepe Reina
Pepe Reina wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Villareal CF (2002 – 2005)
- Liverpool FC (2005 – 2013)
- SSC Napoli (2013 – 2018)
- AC Milan (2018 – 2020)
- SS Lazio (2020 – 2022)
Taking the number 8 spot on our list is a Spanish shot-stopping legend, Pepe Reina. He has a trophy-laden career across Europe, with the number 25 jersey playing a big role in his journey.
Reina had both exceptional reflexes and a commanding presence in the box. He established himself as a leader at the back who could organize the defense.
Reina first wore the number 25 at Villarreal, where he played a pivotal role in their rise to prominence. From 2002 to 2005, he was a cornerstone of their defense. He helped them secure a place in the Champions League for the first time in their history.
But Reina’s association with number 25 truly flourished during his time at Liverpool. He quickly became a fan favorite. Fans loved him for his passionate celebrations and infectious energy on the pitch.
With Liverpool, he won the FA Cup (2006), the League Cup (2012), and the Community Shield (2006).
7. Emmanuel Adebayor
Adebayor wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC (2005 – 2009)
- Manchester City (2009-10)
- Crystal Palace (2015-16)
- Olimpia Asunción (2019-20)
The Togolese striker, Emmanuel Adebayor, takes the 7th spot on our list. During his career, he played for some of the biggest clubs in Europe, often wearing number 25.
Adebayor possessed a unique blend of physical dominance and technical skill. His strength allowed him to hold off defenders, while his finishing was clinical. This allowed him to score goals from even half-chances.
Due to his physical strength, Adebayor was also amazing in the air and could score headers with ease.
His time at Arsenal wearing the number 25 was noteworthy. He formed a partnership with Robin van Persie, scoring an impressive 62 goals in 142 appearances.
Then in 2009, Adebayor moved to Manchester City and wore the number 25 shirt for his first season at the club. He started his time at City with a bang as he became one of the few players to score in their first four games for a club.
His most iconic moment in a City shirt came against his former club Arsenal. Adebayor scored a goal and ran almost the full length of the pitch to celebrate in front of the Arsenal fans.
6. Antonio Valencia
Valencia wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Manchester United (2009 – 2018)
- LDU Quito (2018 – 2020)
The ever-reliable Antonio Valencia secures the 6th spot on our list. This Ecuadorian powerhouse has become synonymous with the number 25 at Old Trafford.
Valencia’s versatility was his defining strength. Starting his career as a pacy winger, he became a right-back later in his career. His tireless work ethic and fierce determination made him a key player for the club for almost a decade.
Due to his amazing performances, Sir Alex Ferguson gave him the iconic number 7 shirt. But after wearing it for some time, Valencia preferred to go back to his number 25 jersey.
Valencia also helped United win several trophies during his time at the club. With United, he won
- an FA Cup (2016),
- two League Cups (2010, 2017),
- three Community Shields (2010, 2013, 2016),
- a UEFA Europa League (2017), and
- two Premier League titles (2013).
Beyond the trophies, his leadership qualities on and off the pitch also deserve mention. He served as Manchester United’s captain during the 2017-18 season.
He also holds the record for most appearances by an Ecuadorian player in the Premier League (325).
Later in his career, Valencia moved back to Ecuador before retiring in 2021. But his decade-long association with number 25 at Manchester United is unforgettable.
5. Walter Samuel
Samuel wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Inter Milan (2005 – 2014)
Occupying the 5th spot on our list is the Argentine defensive rock, Walter Samuel.
Samuel wasn’t a flashy defender. Rather, he excelled in the art of the no-nonsense tackle. He was great at using his strength and positioning to snuff out danger before it arose.
Furthermore, his leadership qualities were equally impressive. Samuel was a calm leader at the back who could marshal his backline with authority.
The number 25 jersey saw some of Samuel’s most dominant displays at Inter Milan.
He formed a formidable central defensive partnership, first with Ivan Cordoba, then with Lucio. Together, they played a pivotal role in Inter’s golden era.
Then in 2010, Samuel helped Inter secure a historic treble (Champions League, Serie A, Coppa Italia).
But that wasn’t the only successful year that Samuel had with Inter. In fact, he won five consecutive Serie A titles (2006-2010) at the club. And his consistency was crucial to Inter’s sustained success during this period.
Samuel also represented other big clubs in his career like Roma and Madrid. But his association with number 25 at Inter Milan remains the most iconic.
4. Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
Huntelaar wore the number 25 jersey for:
- FC Schalke 04 (2010 – 2017)
The prolific goalscorer Klaas-Jan Huntelaar nabs the 4th spot on our list. The Dutch striker left his mark all across Europe, but his time at FC Schalke with number 25 is unforgettable.
Huntelaar had a natural goalscoring instinct. He had a knack for sniffing out chances and finishing with clinical precision.
His powerful shot and aerial ability also made him a constant threat in front of goal.
During his time at Schalke 04, Huntelaar formed a telepathic partnership with Julian Draxler. Draxler was the provider while Huntelaar was the finisher. They played 119 matches together and combined to score some crucial goals for the club.
Huntelaar scored a staggering 124 goals in 247 appearances for Schalke.
He even won the Bundesliga’s top scorer award in 2011-12, scoring 29 league goals in the season.
His “Hunter” instincts solidify his place as one of the best soccer players to wear the number 25 jersey.
3. Gianfranco Zola
Zola wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC (1996 – 2003)
The magical maestro, Gianfranco Zola, takes the bronze medal position on our list. The Italian playmaker wore the number 25 jersey during his successful time at Chelsea.
Zola wasn’t your average goalscoring midfielder. He possessed a magician’s touch on the ball. He could weave through defenses with his nimble footwork and unlock them with his passes.
His vision was also exceptional, allowing him to spot teammates’ runs and make decisive passes.
Zola’s stint at Chelsea was a defining chapter in his career. Despite arriving at the club in his mid-thirties, Zola defied expectations. He would go on to become a cult hero at Stamford Bridge.
His leadership qualities were also key in transforming Chelsea into a mighty force.
At Chelsea, he helped them win
- two FA Cups (1996–97, 1999–2000)
- one League Cup (1997–98)
- one Charity Shield (2000)
- one UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup (1997–98), and
- one UEFA Super Cup (1998).
But Zola’s impact extends far beyond trophies. He redefined the role of the attacking midfielder in the Premier League with his elegance.
His influence on young players like Frank Lampard is also undeniable.
Zola also played for other top European clubs like Napoli, Parma, and Cagliari. But his association with number 25 at Chelsea remains etched in the memory of fans.
2. Fernandinho
Fernandinho wore the number 25 jersey for:
- Manchester City (2013 – 2022)
The tireless workhorse Fernandinho takes the runner-up spot on our list. He was renowned for his tactical intelligence, energy, and versatility.
Fernandinho isn’t a player who grabs the headlines with flashy skills. But his importance to any team he played for is undeniable.
He excels in the defensive midfield role, allowing his attacking teammates to flourish.
Fernandinho is also a very intelligent player. His intelligence allows him to read the game, intercept passes, and break up play before it develops. On top of that, his tireless work ethic ensures he covers every blade of grass.
But Fernandinho’s skillset goes beyond pure defense. He possesses a surprising range of passing too. With his passing skills, he’s able to start attacks and dictate the tempo of play.
Additionally, his versatility allows him to seamlessly slot into various roles. For instance, he has also played as a center-back and right-back when his team needed it.
Fernandinho wore the number 25 jersey during his 9-year stay at Manchester City. He acted like a wall between the attack and defense, which allowed players like De Bruyne to focus on attack.
His leadership and experience were also invaluable to the squad. He guided a young Manchester City squad to unprecedented success.
Fernandinho helped City secure
- five Premier League titles (2013-14, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2020-21, 2021-22),
- six EFL Cups (2013-14, 2015-16, 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21), and
- one FA Community Shield (2018).
He has established himself as a club legend at City. He was a vital cog in their success and has become a role model for aspiring defensive midfielders.
1. Thomas Müller
Müller wears the number 25 jersey for:
- Bayern Munich (2008 – Present)
Thomas Müller reigns supreme at the top of our list of the best soccer players to wear the number 25 jersey. And could it be anyone else?
The German forward is famous for his movement, intelligence, and goalscoring ability. He has worn the number 25 jersey throughout his career at Bayern Munich.
But Müller isn’t your typical striker. He has a unique understanding of space and movement. He often appears unmarked in pockets of danger and then finishes the chance with efficiency.
His off-the-ball movement is also legendary. This allows Müller to create many scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Müller has spent his entire professional career at Bayern Munich. And he’s been so good that he has become a living legend for the club.
His trophy cabinet is overflowing at this point. Müller has helped Bayern win a staggering
- ten Bundesliga titles (2009-10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23),
- six DFB-Pokals (2009–10, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2018–19, 2019–20),
- two Champions League titles (2012–13, 2019–20), and
- two FIFA Club World Cups (2013, 2020)
He was also a key part of Bayern’s two treble wins in 2012-13 and 2019-20.
He’s also Bayern’s third-highest scorer of all time and a vital part of their attacking identity.
While other players may have donned the number 25 with distinction, Müller has made the number iconic. He has redefined what it means to be a striker, and is an inspiration to young players.
Honorable Mentions
Some great players just missed out on the top 10 list.
So here are the honorable mentions of the best soccer players with the number 25 jersey.
- Nwankwo Kanu – for Arsenal FC (1998 – 2004) and West Bromwich Albion (2004 – 2006)
- Adrien Rabiot – for PSG (2013 – 2019) and Juventus FC (2019 – Present)
- Manuel Akanji – for Manchester City (2022 – Present)
- Ionel Dănciulescu – for FC Dinamo Bucharest (2010 – 2014)
- Fernando – for FC Porto (2008 – 2014), Galatasaray (2017 – 2019), Sevilla FC (2019 – 2022)
- Lubomir Moravcik – for Celtic FC (1998 – 2002)
- Niklas Süle – for Borussia Dortmund (2022 – Present) and 1899 Hoffenheim (2014 – 2017)
- Peter Crouch – for Norwich City (2003-04) and Stoke City (2011 – 2019)
- Emmanuel Dennis – for Watford FC (2021 – Present) and Nottingham Forest (2022-23)
- Nuno Mendes – for PSG (2021 – Present)
- Alessandro Florenzi – for Valencia CF (2019-20) and AC Milan (2021 – 2023)
- Mohamed Elneny – for Arsenal FC (2020 – Present)
- Odion Ighalo – for Manchester United (2019 – 2021)
- Jadon Sancho – for Manchester United (2021 – 2024)
- Quinton Fortune – for Manchester United (1999 – 2006)
- Nuri Şahin – for Borussia Dortmund (2005 – 2007)
- Japhet Tanganga – for Tottenham Hotspur (2020 – 2023)
Thank You For Reading
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Who’s the greatest soccer player to wear the number 25 jersey?
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If you liked this article, check out other lists in this series:
- Best Soccer Players With The Number 2 Jersey
- Best Soccer Players With Number 3 Jersey (All-Time List)
- Best Soccer Players Who Wear Number 4
- Best Soccer Players Who Wore The Number 5 Jersey
- Best Soccer Players Who Wore the Number 6 Jersey (All Time List)
- Greatest Number 11 Players in Soccer
- Best Soccer Players Who Wore the Number 12
- Best Soccer Players With Number 13 Jersey
- Best Soccer Players Who Wore the Number 14 Jersey
- Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn Number 15
- Best Soccer Players With Number 16 Jersey (Ranked)
- Top 17 Soccer Players Who Wear The Number 17 Jersey
- Best Soccer Players With The Number 18 Jersey (Ranked)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 19 Jersey (Ranked)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 20 Jersey (Ranked)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 21 Jersey (Top 10)
- Famous Soccer Players With Number 22 Jersey (Top 10)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 23 Jersey (Top 10)
- Famous Soccer Players With Number 24 Jersey (Ranked)
