This is a list of the greatest soccer players who wore the number 20 jersey.
Players who wear the number 20 jersey in soccer may not be expected to start every game. But some players have defied this stereotype and excelled while wearing number 20.
On this list, youโll find players like:
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
- Deco
- Dele Alli
- Robin Van Persie
- And more!
So, letโs look at the 10 greatest soccer players who wore the number 20 jersey.
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 20ย 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 20 soccer players.
So, let me know if Iโve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players Who Wore Number 20 Jersey
10. Dele Alli
Dele Alli has worn the number 20 jersey for:
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Everton FC
- England
Starting off the list is the talented English midfielder, Dele Alli.
Alli is a versatile attacking midfielder who can play in several positions. Heโs comfortable playing as a CAM, a second striker, or even out wide.
Alli started his career at MK Dons before earning a move to Tottenham in 2015.
It didnโt take much time for Alli to become a key player under Mauricio Pochettino at Spurs. And he announced himself to the world with that stunning volley against Crystal Palace in 2016.
Heโs also got excellent vision and passing ability. At his best, Alli was an unpredictable player who could change the course of a game.
But despite his high potential, he found it hard to live up to it. Alli has struggled with form in recent years. This led to a move to Everton in January 2022.
9. Diogo Jota
Diogo Jota wears the number 20 jersey for:
- Liverpool FC
Jota takes the 9th place on the list. Heโs a versatile forward who can play as a central striker, a wide attacker, or even as a false nine.
Jota moved to Liverpool from Wolves in 2020 and took the vacant number 20 shirt. It was a risky move as Liverpool already had the established trio of Salah, Firmino, and Mane.
But Jota made an immediate impact. He scored on his Premier League debut against Arsenal and then netted a hat-trick in the Champions League against Atalanta.
Heโs proved to be a constant threat in the final third due to his pace, movement, and finishing ability.
In a short time, Jota has already become a fan-favorite at Anfield. But injuries have played their part and kept him from getting a long run-in in the first team.
8. Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior wore the number 20 jersey for:
- Real Madrid
- Brazil
At the 8th spot is the Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr.
Heโs known for his blistering pace, dazzling footwork, and close control. Vinicius Jr. has the agility to weave past opponents and create goal-scoring chances.
He joined Real Madrid in 2018 as a teenager with immense hype and potential. He chose to wear the number 20 jersey because he believed the number brought him good luck.
It wasnโt all smooth sailing though. Vinicius faced challenges at the start of his career at Madrid. He found it hard to adapt to European soccer.
He was also criticized for his inconsistent finishing in front of the goal.
But he would gradually improve under Zinedine Zidane. After the departure of Ronaldo, Vini formed a potent attacking partnership with Benzema.
He has since become a key player for Los Blancos, helping them win a Champions League and two La Liga titles.
7. Hakan รalhanoฤlu
Hakan รalhanoฤlu wears the number 20 for:
- Inter Milan
รalhanoฤlu has a wand of a left foot.
With his left foot, he can do the most amazing things with the ball. He can thread killer balls through the defense and score amazing goals from a distance.
รalhanoฤlu is also known for his high soccer IQ. Heโs an intelligent player and knows when to control the gameโs tempo and when to launch attacks.
รalhanoฤlu arrived at Inter Milan in 2021 after a successful stint with AC Milan. Here, he chose to wear the number 20 jersey.
In a short time, he has already established himself as a key creative force in Simone Inzaghiโs system. He has also formed a strong midfield partnership with Marcelo Brozoviฤ.
รalhanoฤlu played a vital role in Inter Milanโs Coppa Italia win in 2022. He also played a key role in their fight for the Champions League title in 2023.
His influence on Interโs attacking play has been significant. He has made them a more potent force both domestically and in Europe.
6. Gonzalo Higuain
Gonzalo Higuain wore the number 20 jersey for:
- Real Madrid
In his 7 years at Madrid, Higuain was always the understudy to the main striker. But that didnโt stop Higuain from becoming one of the most prolific strikers at Madrid.
Gonzalo Higuain was a classic number nine. He could finish chances, find space in the penalty area, and link up with his teammates.
He also had a strong work ethic and the intelligence to create goalscoring chances for himself and his teammates.
Real Madrid signed Higuain in 2007 as a young talent. He initially played in a backup role to Raรบl but gradually earned more playing time due to his goalscoring.
Higuain helped Madrid win three La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey.
Despite being a squad player, Higuain even outscored Ronaldo in the 2009-10 season.
5. Bernardo Silva
Bernardo Silva wears the number 20 jersey for:
- Manchester City
Silva is often underrated because of being a part of a stacked City squad. But in truth, Silva is one of the best players of this generation.
He possesses exceptional close control, passing range, and vision that makes City tick.
Then, he also has the intelligence to find space in congested areas and dictate the tempo of play.
Silva is also a versatile player. He has flourished in many different roles under Pep Guardiola. He can play as a creative hub in central midfield, a dynamic wide player, or even a supporting striker.
Guardiola even played him at left-back once against Arsenal.
His adaptability has been instrumental in Manchester Cityโs dominance in recent years. He has helped City win four Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, an FA Cup, and the Champions League.
Silva has also earned individual awards like Manchester City Player of the Year and a place in the PFA Team of the Year.
4. Robin van Persie
Robin van Persie wore the number 20 jersey for:
- Manchester United
Talk about instant impact. Thatโs what Robin Van Persie delivered when he joined United from Arsenal in 2012.
At the time of joining United, Van Persie chose to wear the number 20 because of what it represented for the club. United signed him to pursue their 20th league title, and the player wearing number 20 would deliver it.
Now, thatโs confidence!
Van Persie led Manchester United to their last Premier League title in 2013. In the process, he scored 26 league goals and earned the PFA Player of the Year award.
He was a complete striker, known for his exceptional finishing and world-class technical ability.
Van Persie also had a lethal left foot. He could score spectacular volleys, powerful shots from distance, or composed finishes inside the box.
Despite injuries hindering his later seasons, van Persie remained a key player at United.
Though his time United was short, he became a club icon for that single season he helped the club win their 20th league title.
3. Oliver Bierhoff
Oliver Bierhoff wore the number 20 jersey for:
- Udinese
- AC Milan
- AS Monaco
- Germany
Kicking off the top 3 is the German striker Oliver Bierhoff. The number 20 shirt became synonymous with Bierhoffโs career as wore the number for most of his career.
Bierhoff was famous for his aerial prowess and ability to score crucial headed goals. This earned him the nickname โDer Kopfโ (The Head).
He also had a good understanding of positioning and could hold the ball up for his teammates.
Bierhoff thrived in counter-attacking systems. He used his pace and strength to exploit space behind defenses.
He helped Germany win the 1996 Euros by scoring the golden goal in the final against the Czech Republic.
Bierhoff also achieved notable success with AC Milan. He helped the team win the Serie A title in 1999 with his goals.
His ability to score crucial goals proved invaluable for both club and country.
2. Deco
Deco wore the number 20 jersey for:
- FC Barcelona
- Chelsea FC
- Fluminense
- Portugal
Deciding between the top 2 was a really hard choice. But Deco had to settle with the number 2 spot in the end.
The number 20 was so special to Deco that he even founded a company called D20. The company manages the careers of soccer players.
Anderson Luรญs de Souza, better known as Deco, enjoyed a decorated career as an attacking midfielder.
As a midfielder, he had it all. Vision, passing range, dribbling skills, and ability to dictate the tempo of play.
After his success at Porto, Deco earned a move to Barcelona in 2004. It was at Barcelona that he started wearing the number 20.
He became a key component of their midfield alongside Xavi and Iniesta under Frank Rijkaard.
Deco helped Barcelona win two La Liga titles and then a Champions League in 2006.
After Barcelona, Deco moved to Chelsea and helped them win the Premier League in 2009.
At the international level, he played a pivotal role in Portugalโs run to the Euro 2004 final. He even earned a place in the UEFA Team of the Tournament for his performances.
1. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
Solskjaer wore the number 20 jersey for:
- Manchester United
The Baby-Faced Assassin earns the top spot in our list of the best soccer players with the number 20 jersey.
Manchester United signed Solskjaer for a small fee in 1996 and quickly became a cult hero at the club.
He never became a regular starter at United. But his impact from the bench was so impressive that fans started calling him Super Sub.
Ole Gunnar Solskjรฆr was a super-intelligent player. He didnโt have to pull out tricks to beat defenders and score goals. Instead, he used his movement off the ball and finishing to become a nightmare for defenders.
Throughout his career, he amassed an impressive trophy haul. This included six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and a Champions League title.
Solskjaerโs defining moment came in the 1999 Champions League final. With his dramatic winning goal, he helped United secure the unprecedented treble.
Solskjรฆrโs impact as a super sub has cemented his legend at Manchester United. And thatโs why heโs the greatest number 20 in soccer history.
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 20 jersey.
- Dani Alves. Wore the number 20 jersey for FC Barcelona for 1 year.
- Javier Mascherano. Wore the number 20 jersey for Liverpool FC.
- Sergi Roberto. Wears number 20 for FC Barcelona.
- Paulo Ferreira. Wore number 20 for Chelsea FC.
- Steven Pienaar. Wore the number 20 jersey for Everton FC and Sunderland.
- Glenn Hoddle. Wore number 20 for Chelsea FC.
Thank You For Reading
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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 20 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 19 Jersey (Ranked)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 21 Jersey (Top 10)
