The number 4 jersey in soccer has been worn by some of the finest players ever. We’re talking about legends who’ve left an unforgettable mark on the game.
From tactical geniuses to defensive maestros, these players have redefined what it means to wear the number 4.
So, in this piece, we’re taking a look at the Best Soccer Players with the Number 4 Jersey.
You can expect to see players such as:
- Virgil van Dijk
- Vincent Kompany
- Patrick Vieira
- Ronald Koeman
and many more!
Criteria for Selection in this List
To be considered for inclusion in our list, a player must meet specific criteria that reflect their exceptional contributions to the game while donning the iconic number 4 jersey.
- 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, we might miss a few important number 4 soccer players. Let us know if we have missed any of your favourites in the comments.
Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn The Number 4
1. Virgil van Dijk
Van Dijk has worn the number 4 jersey for:
- FC Groningen
- Liverpool FC
- Netherlands
Virgil van Dijk’s exceptional defensive prowess has garnered global acclaim. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches, van Dijk possesses a commanding presence on the pitch.
Van Dijk’s ability to read the game, aerial dominance, and precise tackling make him a formidable force in defense. Notably, he played a pivotal role in Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League victory in 2019.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 490 |
| Goals | 49 |
| Assists | 24 |
Honors
Individual:
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 2018–19
- PFA Team of the Year x 3: 2018–19, 2019–20, 2021–22
- Premier League Player of the Season: 2018–19
- UEFA Men’s Player of the Year Award: 2018–19
- UEFA Champions League Defender of the Season: 2018–19
- UEFA Team of the Year x 3: 2018, 2019, 2020
- Liverpool Fans’ Player of the Season Award: 2018–19
- Liverpool Players’ Player of the Season Award: 2018–19
- Southampton Player of the Season: 2015–16
- PFA Scotland Team of the Year x 2: 2013–14, 2014–15
- Celtic Players’ Player of the Year: 2013–14
- FIFA FIFPRO World 11 x 3: 2019, 2020, 2022
Liverpool
- Premier League: 2019–20
- FA Cup: 2021–22
- EFL Cup: 2021–22
- FA Community Shield: 2022
- UEFA Champions League: 2018–19
- UEFA Super Cup: 2019
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2019
2. Sergio Ramos
Sergio Ramos has worn the number 4 jersey for:
- Real Madrid
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Sevilla FC
Sergio Ramos is considered one of the best defenders to ever play the game, and rightly so. Throughout his illustrious career, Ramos has demonstrated unwavering dedication to the game.
It was at Real Madrid when he first started wearing the number 4 jersey. His commanding presence on the field, precise tackles, and aerial prowess have been pivotal in securing numerous titles, including multiple UEFA Champions League triumphs for Madrid.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 779 |
| Goals | 110 |
| Assists | 41 |
Honors
Individual:
- La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year: 2005
- FIFA FIFPro World11 x 11: 2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
- UEFA Team of the Year x 9: 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2010
- La Liga Best Defender x 5: 2011–12, 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2016–17
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2012
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season x 4: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- La Liga Team of the Season: 2015–16
- IFFHS World’s Highest Scoring Defender of the 21st century: 2001–2020
Real Madrid
- La Liga x 5: 2006–07, 2007–08, 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20
- Copa del Rey x 2: 2010–11, 2013–14
- Supercopa de España x 4: 2008, 2012, 2017, 2019–20
- UEFA Champions League x 4: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup x 3: 2014, 2016, 2017
- FIFA Club World Cup x 4: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1 x 2: 2021–22, 2022–23
- Trophée des Champions: 2022
3. Vincent Kompany
Vincent Kompany wore the number 4 jersey for:
- Manchester City
- RSC Anderlecht
- Belgium
Vincent Kompany was the bedrock of Manchester City’s defense for over a decade. Arriving in 2008, he brought a steely resolve that City desperately needed.
His leadership on and off the field was magnetic, earning him the captain’s armband. Kompany’s thunderous headers and last-ditch tackles became legendary at the Etihad.
And let’s not forget that iconic goal against Manchester United in 2012, which was one of the deciding factors in the title race.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 533 |
| Goals | 31 |
| Assists | 21 |
Honors
Individual:
- Man of the Season (Belgian First Division) x 2: 2003–04, 2004–05
- Belgian Golden Shoe: 2004
- Belgian Young Professional Footballer of the Year x 2: 2004, 2005
- Belgian Professional Footballer of the Year: 2004–05
- Manchester City Player’s Player of the Year: 2010–11
- Premier League Player of the Season: 2011–12
- Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
Anderlecht
- Belgian First Division x 2: 2003–04, 2005–06
Manchester City
- Premier League x 4: 2011–12, 2013–14, 2017–18, 2018–19
- FA Cup x 2: 2010–11, 2018–19
- EFL Cup x 4: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19
- FA Community Shield x 2: 2012, 2018
4. Pep Guardiola
Pep Guardiola wore the number 4 jersey for:
Embed from Getty ImagesYou might know Pep Guardiola as one of the greatest managers to ever live! But back in the day, Pep Guardiola was also the midfield maestro for Barcelona.
He controlled the game like a wizard with his precise passes and tactical brilliance. Pep was all about vision and finesse on the field.
Guardiola’s time at Barcelona laid the foundation for his illustrious coaching career. It was clear even then, he had a footballing mind like no other.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 484 |
| Goals | 20 |
| Assists | 53 |
Honors
Individual:
- Olympics – Spain Best Player: 1992
- UEFA Euros Team of the Tournament: 2000
Barcelona
- La Liga x 6: 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94, 1997–98, 1998–99
- Copa del Rey x 2: 1996–97, 1997–98
- Supercopa de España x 4: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1996
- European Cup: 1991–92
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1996–97
- European Super Cup: 1992
5. Patrick Vieira
Patrick Vieira wore the number 4 jersey for:
- AC Milan
- Arsenal FC
- Juventus FC
- France
Patrick Vieira was a midfield colossus! His playing style was a blend of power and finesse.
He made his mark at Arsenal as the number 4, where he became the heartbeat of the team. Vieira’s leadership was unmatched, earning him the captain’s armband.
And those memorable battles with Manchester United’s Roy Keane? Legendary.
Vieira’s time at Arsenal saw a treasure trove of silverware, including three Premier League titles (with an invincible season).
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 646 |
| Goals | 56 |
| Assists | 71 |
Honors
Individual:
- Division 1 Rookie of the Year: 1995
- UEFA Euros Team of the Tournament: 2000
- FIFA World Cup All-star team: 2006
- PFA Team of the Year x 6: 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2003–04
- Premier League Player of the Season: 2000–01
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2001
- French Player of the Year: 2001
- Premier League Hall of Fame: 2022
- Premier League Overall Team of the Decade: 1992–93 – 2001–02
AC Milan
- Serie A: 1995–96
Arsenal
- Premier League x 3: 1997–98, 2001–02, 2003–04
- FA Cup x 4: 1997–98, 2001–02, 2002–03, 2004–05
- FA Community Shield x 3: 1998, 1999, 2002
France
- FIFA World Cup: 1998
- UEFA European Championship: 2000
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2001
6. Cesc Fàbregas
Cesc Fàbregas has played wearing the number 4 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC
- FC Barcelona
- Chelsea FC
- AS Monaco
- Como 1907
From a young age, Cesc Fabregas had a footballing brain like no other. He started his career at Arsenal, where he became the youngest player to make an appearance. Fabregas was a magician with the ball, pulling strings in the midfield and dishing out assists like it was nobody’s business.
He carried the number 4 with him to Barcelona, his boyhood club. And later to Chelsea, where he added a Premier League trophy to his already impressive resume.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 739 |
| Goals | 125 |
| Assists | 217 |
Honors
Individual:
- FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Ball: 2003
- FIFA U-17 World Championship Golden Shoe: 2003
- UEFA European Under-17 Football Championship Golden Player: 2004
- Golden Boy: 2006
- UEFA Team of the Year x 2: 2006, 2008
- Arsenal Player of the Season x 2: 2006–07, 2009−10
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 2007–08
- PFA Team of the Year x 2: 2007–08, 2009–10
- ESM Team of the Year x 3: 2007–08, 2009–10, 2014–15
- UEFA Euros Team of the Tournament x 2: 2008, 2012
Arsenal
- FA Cup: 2004–05
- FA Community Shield: 2004
Barcelona
- La Liga: 2012–13
- Copa del Rey: 2011–12
- Supercopa de España x 2: 2011, 2013
- UEFA Super Cup: 2011
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2011
Chelsea
- Premier League x 2: 2014–15, 2016–17
- FA Cup: 2017–18
- Football League Cup: 2014–15
7. Javier Zanetti
Javier Zanetti played wearing the number 4 jersey for:
- Inter Milan
- Argentina
Javier Zanetti’s career reads like a legend’s tale. This guy was the definition of loyalty!
He spent nearly two decades at Inter Milan wearing his famous number 4 jersey. After his retirement Inter Milan retired the number 4 jersey as well.
Zanetti’s versatility was off the charts – he could defend, attack, and lead with equal finesse. Known as “El Capitano,” he wore the armband with pride for over a decade.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 858 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 36 |
Honors
Individual:
- FIFA 100
- Pirata d’Oro (Inter Milan Player of the Year): 1996
- Pallone d’Argento: 2002
- Golden Foot: 2011, as football legend
- Premio internazionale Giacinto Facchetti: 2012
- Gran Galà del Calcio AIC Loyalty Award: 2012
- Inter Milan Hall of Fame: 2018
- Italian Football Hall of Fame: 2018
Inter Milan
- Serie A x 5: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
- Coppa Italia x 4: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11
- Supercoppa Italiana x 4: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
- UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
- UEFA Cup: 1997–98
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
8. Fernando Hierro
Fernando Hierro wore the number 4 jersey while playing for:
- Real Madrid
Fernando Hierro spent the majority of his club career at Real Madrid wearing number 4. During the late 90s and early 2000s, Hierro and Madrid would go on a shopping spree of trophies.
Hierro was a commanding presence, both in the air and on the ground. And let’s not forget his free-kick expertise – the man had a cannon for a right foot!
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 694 |
| Goals | 131 |
| Assists | 19 |
Honors
Individual:
- FIFA XI x 3: 1996, 1997, 1998
- UEFA Club Defender of the Year: 1997–98
- ESM Team of the Year x 2: 1996–97, 1997–98
Real Madrid
- La Liga x 5: 1989–90, 1994–95, 1996–97, 2000–01, 2002–03
- Copa del Rey: 1992–93
- Supercopa de España x 4: 1990, 1993, 1997, 2001
- UEFA Champions League x 3: 1997–98, 1999–2000, 2001–02
- Intercontinental Cup x 2: 1998, 2002
- UEFA Super Cup: 2002
- Copa Iberoamericana: 1994
9. Steve Bruce
Steve Bruce donned the number 4 jersey for:
- Norwich City
- Manchester United
Steve Bruce was a no-nonsense defender on the pitch. He started his playing days at Gillingham before making his mark at Norwich City.
But it was at Manchester United where he really shone. Bruce’s knack for scoring crucial goals, especially with his head, became his trademark. As a captain he won three Premier League titles at United.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 499 |
| Goals | 52 |
| Assists | 7 |
Honors
Individual:
- Premier League 10 Seasons Awards Domestic Team of the Decade
- PFA Team of the Year: Division Two (1985–86), Division Three (1982–83, 1983–84)
- Gillingham Player of the Season x 2: 1979–80, 1981–82
- Norwich City Player of the Season: 1984–85
- Birmingham City Player of the Season: 1997–98
Norwich City
- Football League Cup: 1984–85
- Football League Second Division: 1985–86
Manchester United
- Premier League x 3: 1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96
- FA Cup x 3: 1989–90, 1993–94, 1995–96
- Football League Cup: 1991–92
- FA Charity Shield x 3: 1990 (shared), 1993, 1994
- European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1990–91
- European Super Cup: 1991
10. Claude Makélélé
Claude Makélélé wore the number 4 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
- Paris Saint-Germain
Arriving to Chelsea in 2003, Claude Makélélé brought a level of defensive mastery that the Blues sorely needed.
Makélélé was like a shield in front of the defense, intercepting passes and breaking up attacks with surgical precision. His ability to read the game was uncanny, and he had this knack for being in the right place at the right time.
He was so influential to the game that his role even got its own name – “The Makélélé Role”.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 807 |
| Goals | 24 |
| Assists | 28 |
Honors
Individual:
- FIFPro World XI: 2005
- Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year: 2006
- ESPN World Team of the Decade: 2009
- UNFP Trophée d’honneur: 2010
Chelsea
- Premier League x 2: 2004–05, 2005–06
- FA Cup: 2006–07
- Football League Cup x 2: 2004–05, 2006–07
- FA Community Shield: 2005
Paris Saint-Germain
- Coupe de France: 2009–10
11. Claudio Gentile
Claudio Gentile wore the number 4 jersey for:
- Juventus FC
Claudio Gentile made his mark at Juventus, where he was a linchpin in their defense.
Gentile was notorious for his rugged style of play, earning him a reputation as one of the most tenacious defenders of his era. His marking was so tight, it was like he was glued to the opposition.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 566 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 9 |
Honors
Individual:
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1980
- FIFA World Cup All-star Team: 1982
Juventus
- Serie A x 6: 1974–75, 1976–77, 1977–78, 1980–81, 1981–82, 1983–84
- Coppa Italia x 2: 1978–79, 1982–83
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1983–84
- UEFA Cup: 1976–77
12. Ronald Koeman
Ronald Koeman used to wear the number 4 jersey for:
- Ajax Amsterdam
- PSV Eindhoven
- FC Barcelona
- Feyenoord Rotterdam
- Netherlands
Ronald Koeman, in his playing days, was a Dutch soccer maestro. He started his journey at Groningen before making waves at Ajax.
Koeman’s specialty was free kicks – he had a lethal right foot! Koeman’s lethal free-kicks and precise penalties were a nightmare for goalkeepers. And let’s not forget his time at Barcelona – he was a crucial player in Johan Cruyff’s ‘Dream Team’. His ability to read the game from the back and initiate attacks was top-notch.
After a successful stint at Barcelona, Koeman continued to shine at clubs like Feyenoord and PSV Eindhoven.
His vision and precise passing made him stand out as a versatile and intelligent player. With numerous league titles and a Euro 1988 triumph with the Dutch national team, Koeman’s legacy as a player is etched in the annals of soccer history.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 671 |
| Goals | 233 |
| Assists | 82 |
Honors
Individual:
- Dutch Footballer of the Year x 2: 1987, 1988
- UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 1988
- UEFA Champions League top scorer: 1993–94
Ajax
- Eredivisie: 1984–85
- KNVB Cup: 1985–86
PSV
- Eredivisie x 3: 1986–87, 1987–88, 1988–89
- KNVB Cup x 2: 1987–88, 1988–89
- European Cup: 1987–88
Barcelona
- La Liga x 4: 1990–91, 1991–92, 1992–93, 1993–94
- Copa del Rey: 1989–90
- Supercopa de España x 3: 1991, 1992, 1994
- European Cup/UEFA Champions League: 1991–92
- European Super Cup: 1992
Netherlands
- UEFA Euros: 1988
13. Franz Beckenbauer
Franz Beckenbauer wore the number 4 jersey for:
- Bayern Munich
- Germany
Franz Beckenbauer played as a defender, but his style was anything but defensive. Beckenbauer was known for his elegance and intelligence in the game.
Due to his elegant style and leadership, Beckenbauer was given the nickname “Der Kaiser” (The Emperor).
He started at Bayern Munich, where he won everything there was to win. Then, he took his skills to the New York Cosmos in the NASL, adding a touch of class to American soccer.
But it was with the German national team where Beckenbauer truly became an icon. In 1974, he led them to World Cup glory as a captain.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 620 |
| Goals | 74 |
| Assists | 75 |
Honors
Bayern Munich
- Regionalliga Süd: 1964–65
- Bundesliga x 4: 1968–69, 1971–72, 1972–73, 1973–74
- DFB-Pokal x 4: 1965–66, 1966–67, 1968–69, 1970–71
- European Cup x 3: 1973–74, 1974–75, 1975–76
- European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1966–67
- Intercontinental Cup: 1976
West Germany
- FIFA World Cup: 1974
- UEFA Euros: 1972
Conclusion: The Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn The Number 4 Jersey
So, that’s the end of our list of the best soccer players to ever wear the number 4 jersey.
From the commanding presence of Franz Beckenbauer to the tactical genius of Cesc Fàbregas, each player brought something special to the pitch. Whether it was orchestrating plays or thwarting attacks, these players elevated the game to new heights.
And as always, if you feel I’ve missed someone who should be on the list, then do let me know down in the comments.
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