This is a list of the greatest soccer players ever who wore the number 19 jersey.
The number 19 jersey used to be typically reserved for a teamโs backup forwards. But thatโs not the case anymore. Now, any squad member can choose to wear the number.
So, on this list, youโll see a lot of strikers with a few players in other positions.
This list includes players like:
- Diego Costa
- Dwight Yorke
- Lionel Messi
- Raphael Varane
- and more!
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 19ย 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 19 soccer players.
So, let me know if Iโve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players Who Wore Number 19 Jersey
10. Alphonso Davies
Alphonso Davies wears number 19 for:
- Bayern Munich
- Canada
We start off the list with the young star, Alphonso Davies. At 23 years of age, Davies has already achieved a lot in soccer.
And his story is nothing short of inspiring. Davies was born in a refugee camp in Ghana. After immigrating to Canada, he caught the eye of scouts and was soon recruited by Bayern Munich.
Davies has carved out a niche for himself at left-back. He has got blistering speed, pinpoint crosses, and tenacious defending in his locker.
Davies is already a Bundesliga and Champions League champion with Bayern Munich.
Heโs also been a key figure in Canadaโs recent World Cup qualification success.
9. Sadio Manรฉ
Sadio Manรฉ wore the number 19 jersey for:
- Liverpool FC
Manรฉ needs no introduction to Liverpool fans. But before donning the number 10 jersey for the club, Manรฉ had to wear the number 19.
Manรฉ arrived at Liverpool in 2016 for a then-record fee for an African player. Even in his early days at the club, Manรฉ wowed Anfield with his raw talent and infectious work ethic.
He announced himself on the big stage with a debut goal against Arsenal and showed the fans what they could expect.
He also formed a deadly trio alongside Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah.
Although Maneโs peak years at Liverpool came in the number 10 jersey, his time wearing number 19 wasnโt bad either.
8. Theo Hernandez
Theo Hernandez wears number 19 for:
- AC Milan
- Real Sociedad
The modern full-back, Theo Hernรกndez takes the number 8 spot.
As a full-back, Hernรกndez has all the qualities required to succeed in the modern game.
Heโs solid in the defense but also has attacking instincts almost like that of a winger.
Hernandez arrived at AC Milan in 2019, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite. His knack for arriving late in the box and finishing with power has surprised many.
In his first season at Milan, he racked up an impressive 7 goals, a remarkable stat for a defender.
Heโs helped Milan reclaim their place amongst Serie Aโs elite and return to the Champions League.
7. Santi Cazorla
Santi Cazorla wore number 19 for:
- Arsenal FC
- Al Sadd SC
Cazorla glides into the number 7 spot.
He was a magician who captivated Arsenal fans with his technical wizardry and creative genius during his time at the club.
Cazorla arrived at Arsenal in 2012. He quickly slotted into Arsรจne Wengerโs system, becoming the creative engine in midfield.
His technical ability was a joy to watch. His close control and pinpoint passing were always a threat. Cazorla could also unlock defenses with a single touch.
Furthermore, the โLittle Magicianโ wasnโt afraid to take risks. His audacious nutmegs, backheel passes, and flicks often left defenders bewildered.
Cazorlaโs leadership on the pitch was another key aspect. Despite his slight frame, he wasnโt afraid to get stuck in and dictate the tempo of the game.
6. Luka Modric
Luka Modric wore number 19 for:
Modriฤ arrives at number 6, but not for the iconic number 10 shirt he wears today. Early on in his career at Real Madrid, Modric wore the number 19 jersey.
It was in this jersey that he defied expectations and established himself as a world-class midfielder.
Modriฤโs arrival at Real Madrid in 2012 was met with some skepticism.
Fans didnโt see him as a โGalacticoโ signing like Cristiano Ronaldo or Gareth Bale. In fact, many experts saw him as a squad player behind Xabi Alonso and Khedira.
But Modriฤ didnโt shy away from the challenge. He impressed coaches with his work ethic, tactical intelligence, and passing range.
His ability to control the tempo, dictate play, and find killer passes soon became invaluable to the team.
By the 2013-14 season, he had become a vital cog in the Real Madrid machine alongside Alonso.
This period also saw Modriฤโs leadership qualities emerge. His work ethic and dedication set an example for his teammates.
5. Leonardo Bonucci
Leonardo Bonucci wears number 19 for:
- Fenerbahce
- Juventus
- AC Milan
- Italy
- AS Bari
Bonucci is a towering central defender who has commanded respect throughout his career.
His most iconic stint came with Juventus. Arriving in 2010, he quickly formed a legendary defensive partnership with Chiellini and Barzagli. They even got the nickname โBBCโ (Bonucci โ Barzagli โ Chiellini).
Bonucci helped Juventus win eight Serie A titles during his two spells with the club.
He also possessed excellent ball-playing skills. He could launch attacks from the back with his precise passing.
On top of that, he was also a great leader. He marshaled the defense, organized his teammates, and had a calmness that inspired confidence in those around him.
Then in a surprising move, Bonucci left Juventus for AC Milan in 2017. His stint with the Rossoneri was short-lived. But he still showcased his leadership and experience to stabilize the Milan defense.
After a year at Milan, Bonucci returned to Juventus.
Now, to get regular playing time, Bonucci has joined Fenerbahce in Turkey. While itโs early days, his experience can be a major asset for the Turkish giants.
4. Diego Costa
Diego Costa wore number 19 for:
- Grรชmio
- Botafogo
- Clube Atlรฉtico Mineiro
- Atlรฉtico de Madrid
- Chelsea FC
- Spain
Costa was the definition of competitiveness during his time at Chelsea.
With his arrival at Chelsea in 2014, Costa brought a much-needed physical presence to the team. His relationship with Eden Hazard also helped a lot in the attacking plays.
With his relentless work ethic, Costa helped Chelsea win the Premier League title twice (2014-15 and 2016-17).
Diego Costa scored 59 goals in 120 games for Chelsea.
After a successful spell at Chelsea, Costa returned to his former club, Atlรฉtico Madrid in 2018. Here he decided to continue wearing the number 19 jersey.
Costa couldnโt replicate his peak Chelsea form in Madrid. But he still contributed with important goals and his trademark fighting spirit. He helped them win the La Liga title in the 2020-21 season before moving on.
3. Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi wore number 19 for:
- FC Barcelona
- Argentina
Yes, Lionel Messi wore the number 19 jersey at the start of his career at Barcelona.
As Messi was coming through the youth academy, Ronaldinho was the main star of the team. And so, he had the number 10 shirt (which Messi would take after Ronaldinho left).
Messi would be on top of the list if it was about their whole careers. But this list is only about the legacy of the player with number 19.
Hence, Messi will have to settle for the third spot on this one.
2. Esteban Cambiasso
Esteban Cambiasso wore number 19 for:
- Inter Milan
- Real Madrid
- River Plate
- Independiente
- Leicester City
- Olympiacos Piraeus
- Argentina
This might come as a shock to a lot of readers. But when it comes to the number 19 jersey, Cambiasso made it his own.
Hence, he takes the second spot in our list of the greatest soccer players who wore the number 19 jersey.
Cambiassoโs defining chapter unfolded at Inter Milan. There, he formed a legendary partnership with Javier Zanetti and became the anchor of their midfield.
Cambiasso was a conductor on the pitch. He could dictate the tempo of the game, control possession, and launch attacks.
Cambiasso was the regista (deep-lying playmaker)in the midfield.
He could read the game and predict danger. This allowed him to break up opposing attacks and start counter-attacks with surgical precision.
Cambiasso was also a key player in Inter Milanโs historic treble win in 2010. Under Jose Mourinho, he was the metronome in midfield.
This achievement cemented his place as an Inter Milan legend.
1. Dwight Yorke
Dwight Yorke wore number 19 for:
- Manchester United
- Blackburn Rovers
- Sydney FC
- Sunderland
- Trinidad and Tobago
It couldnโt be anyone else but Dwight Yorke to take the first position on our list. He redefined the striker role in the 90s while wearing the number 19 jersey.
Yorkeโs nickname, The Smiling Assassin, perfectly captured his playing style.
He possessed a lethal combination of pace, power, and surprising finesse. But to cover it all up was the always smiling and calm persona.
In 1998, Yorke signed for Manchester United. This would prove to be the biggest moment of his career.
At United, he formed one of the greatest striking partnerships with Andy Cole. They were a nightmare for defenders as no one knew which striker to pick up.
Their contrasting styles also complemented each other perfectly. Yorke had pace and skill which created space for Coleโs clinical finishing.
The duo was unstoppable, scoring a combined 53 goals in their first season together.
Yorke was one of the major factors in Manchester Unitedโs historic treble win in 1999.
Yorke was also a global icon for Trinidad and Tobago. He led them to their first-ever World Cup qualification in 2002. This inspired young players to follow in his footsteps.
All his achievements and legacy make him the greatest soccer player to wear the number 19 jersey.
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 19 jersey.
- Julian Alvarez. Wears number 19 for Manchester City
- Marcus Rashford. Wore the number 19 jersey for Manchester United.
- Raphael Varane. Wears number 19 for Manchester United.
- Dani Ceballos. Wears number 19 for Real Madrid.
- Franck Kessie. Wore number 19 for FC Barcelona and Atalanta.
- Leroy Sanรฉ. Wore number 19 for Manchester City and Germany.
- Mario Gotze. Wore number 19 for Bayern Munich and Germany.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you enjoyed this list of the best soccer players who wore the number 19 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 19 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
- 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 20 Jersey (Ranked)
