This is a list of the greatest soccer players who wore the number 16 jersey.
Once upon a time, jersey numbers in soccer were used to signify the position of a player on the pitch. So, the goalkeeper would be number 1 and the farthest player down the pitch would be 11.
But thatโs not the case anymore.
While some numbers are still reserved for specific positions, players can choose their numbers more freely.
So, 16 wasnโt a common number in soccer under the old numbering system. But since players can choose their own numbers now, many great players have chosen to wear the number 16.
On this list, youโll find legends like:
- Roy Keane
- Daniele De Rossi
- Michael Carrick
- Arjen Robben
- and more!
So, letโs get started!
Criteria for Selection in this List
Before starting, letโs look at the criteria for the list.
Players must tick these criteria while wearing the number 16ย 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 16 soccer players.
Let me know if Iโve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Soccer Players Who Wore The Number 16 Jersey
10. Edouard Mendy
Edouard Mendy wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
- Stade Reims
- Stade Rennais FC
- Al-Ahli SFC
- Senegal
Mendy mightโve had his critics in recent years. But that doesnโt take away from the amazing 2020-21 season he had with Chelsea.
Mendy kept 9 clean sheets in the Champions League that season, setting a record for the most clean sheets in a debut season.
In fact, his performances were one of the main reasons why Chelsea won the Champions League.
Unfortunately, Mendy couldnโt replicate his form in the later seasons. So, he moved to Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League where he also plays wearing the number 16 jersey.
9. Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC
- Rangers FC
- OGC Nice
Ramsey was a fan-favorite at the Emirates. And that was due to his commitment and dedication to the team.
Aaron Ramsey wasnโt a star in the Arsenal lineup. But he was still a crucial part of the teamโs squads in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
The thing that really made Arsenal fans love Ramsey was his dedication and work ethic. He could run around the pitch all day without looking tired.
Ramsey also scored some crucial goals for the Gunners. His winning goal in the FA Cup final in 2014 might be the most memorable one for the fans.
8. Sylvinho
Sylvinho wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC
- FC Barcelona
- Manchester City
The Brazilian defender was a rock at the back for all the teams he played for. He possessed excellent defensive awareness, tackling ability, and positional discipline.
Sylvinho was also a technically gifted player. His passing range and crossing ability allowed him to contribute to the attacking plays.
He moved to Arsenal in 1999, where he became a popular player during his two seasons at the club.
From Arsenal, Sylvinho moved to Celta Vigo before joining Barcelona in 2004. He had a great 5 year spell at Barcelona, winning two Champions League titles with the Catalans.
His defensive solidity, technical ability, and leadership qualities make him one of the best players to wear the number 16 jersey.
7. Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
You might be wondering why Robben is so low on this list. If we talk about his career, then Robben is among the best to ever play the game.
But his career wearing the number 16 jersey was a short one at Chelsea. He played at Chelsea for 3 seasons but won several trophies in the short spell.
Robben arrived at Chelsea with Jose Mourinho in 2004. Despite injuries hampering his first season, he displayed moments of exceptional skill.
His dribbling ability, pace, and left-footed cutting-in shot were a nightmare for defenders.
At Chelsea, Robben also formed a great partnership with Damien Duff on the opposite wing. Their pace and trickery on the flanks helped stretch opposition defenses. This created many scoring opportunities for Chelsea.
After Chelsea, Robben moved to Real Madrid and then to Bayern Munich. And we all know how that turned out.
6. Michael Carrick
Michael Carrick wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Manchester United
Carrick was an unsung hero of the great Manchester United team of the late 2000s.
He had the job of filling the shoes of a club legend, Roy Keane (both in position and number). And he did it with quite the expertise.
Carrickโs tactical intelligence helped United control the midfield in games. His passing range, vision, and composure on the ball also allowed United to make quick transitions from defense to attack.
On top of that, Carrick was a consistent and reliable player for the team. Thatโs why United fans and teammates loved him on the pitch.
If you donโt believe me, you can hear it from Xabi Alonso.
In English football sometimes it seems hard for people to rate those who instead of shining themselves make the team work as a collective. For example Michael Carrickโฆ who makes those around him play. Iโve always seen myself in Carrick.
Xabi Alonso
5. Rodri
Rodri wears the number 16 jersey for:
- Manchester City
- Spain
Rodrigo, or Rodri, has become the most important player in a star-studded Manchester City team. Thatโs enough to see why heโs one of the greatest players with number 16 in soccer.
Heโs a rare commodity in soccer. He can provide defensive cover and dictate play from the midfield with ease. This makes him a crucial player in both the attack and defense.
With Rodri, City went a full year (52 games) without a single defeat. Meanwhile, when heโs been absent from the team, thereโs a stark decrease in the teamโs performance.
This is further proof of his importance to the treble-winners.
Rodri has also been a key player for Spain. His tactical intelligence has contributed massively to Spainโs recent upsurge in form.
4. Sergio Aguero
Sergio Aguero wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Manchester City
If for nothing else, Aguero deserves to be on this list for that iconic injury-time goal to win the title for Manchester City. Yes, he was wearing the number 16 jersey for that goal.
But even apart from that, Aguero is a Manchester City legend. After all, heโs Cityโs record goal-scorer. He also holds the record for most Premier League hat-tricks (12).
Aguero wore the number 16 jersey for his first four years at City. But from the 5th year he switched to number 10.
His arrival at City was the start of a new and successful era for the club under the new owner. Aguero always remained cool in front of goal. He could convert chances ruthlessly, which made a huge difference in big matches.
Agรผero left Manchester City in 2021 as a club legend. And for sure, heโs one of the greatest players to wear the number 16 jersey in soccer.
3. Sergio Busquets
Sergio Busquets wore the number 16 jersey for:
- FC Barcelona
- Spain
Busquets takes the third spot on the list because he played with number 16 for the first 5 years of his career. Later on, he changed his jersey number to 5.
Busquets was like a conductor in an orchestra. He wasnโt the flashiest player, but he could control the tempo of a game like no one else.
Sergio Busquetsโ unique playing style also redefined the role of the pivot in soccer. He didnโt only stop the opposition attacks but was also vital to control the game and read the play like a game of chess.
Despite being in one of the best squads of all time at Barcelona, Busquets remained a crucial figure in the team. Many great players came and went but Busquets remained a constant.
He finally left Barcelona in 2023, after 14 successful years at the club.
Busquets was also a key player in the great Spanish team of 2010s. He played a vital role in helping Spain win the 2010 World Cup and 2012 Euros.
2. Daniele De Rossi
Daniele De Rossi wore the number 16 jersey for:
- AS Roma
- Italy
De Rossi spent 18 years of his 20-year career at AS Roma. Thatโs why the Roma fans love him and see him as a club icon.
And he was as loyal to his jersey number as he was to Roma. He wore the number 16 jersey for more than 15 years for both his club and country.
De Rossi was a complete midfielder. He had the versatility to play as a deep-lying playmaker or a box-to-box midfielder. He even played as a center-back in his later years. This adaptability was crucial for Romaโs tactical flexibility.
But De Rossi wasnโt just a talented player. He was also a leader on the pitch. He captained Roma for several seasons, becoming a symbol of inspiration at the club.
Recently, AS Roma has also appointed De Rossi as their head coach. So his legacy with the club continues.
He was also a key player for the Italian national team. De Rossi was part of the Italian squad that lifted the World Cup trophy in 2006.
De Rossi isnโt a player that you can quantify with the amount of trophies heโs won. Heโs much more than that.
Heโs a symbol of loyalty, leadership, and unwavering dedication in soccer.
1. Roy Keane
Roy Keane wore the number 16 jersey for:
- Manchester United
It had to be Keane on top of this list. When you think of the number 16 jersey, you think of Roy Keane.
He was a transformative figure for Manchester United. Keane brought a winning mentality and leadership to the team. This ushered in a period of dominance at the club.
In fact, United fans to this day crave to have a leader in the team like Keane.
But Keane wasnโt just about shouting and aggression, as heโs displayed in media today. He could dominate the midfield against the best in the world.
He was a box-to-box midfielder who could win the ball back, dictate the tempo of the game, and launch dangerous attacks.
And to be honest, the aggression helped too. His aggressive playing style could intimidate the opponents and inspire his teammates to give their best.
This also made him Sir Alex Fergusonโs โenforcerโ on the field. He would make sure that the team followed the managerโs tactics to the tee.
Roy Keane is now a beloved pundit on Sky Sports, where you can see his no-nonsense nature on display.
Honorable Mentions
Some great players just missed out on the top 10 list.
So here are the honorable mentions of the best players with the number 16 jersey.
- Jakub Bลaszczykowski. Wore number 16 for Borussia Dortmund, Fiorentina, Wolfsburg, Wisla Krakรณw, and Poland.
- Marco Verratti. Wore number 16 at PSG for just one season.
- Hรฉctor Herrera. Wore number 16 at FC Porto, Atletico Madrid, Houston Dynamos, and Mexico.
- Mike Maignan. Wears number 16 for AC Milan and France. He also wore number 16 for PSG and Lille.
- Mathieu Flamini. Wore number 16 for Arsenal FC, AC Milan, and Getafe CF.
- Juan Cuadrado. Wore number 16 for Juventus FC.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you enjoyed this list of the best soccer players who wore the number 16 jersey. If you did, then do consider sharing it with fellow soccer enthusiasts.
Your support and sharing of this content can help us reach a wider audience. It can also provide valuable information to more people who share our passion for the beautiful game.
Iโd also like to hear what you have to sayโฆ
Whoโs the greatest soccer player to wear the number 16 jersey?
Which player would you have included in the top 10 thatโs not in there?
Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below right now!
And thank you for supporting Soccer Mavericks!
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
- 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)
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