This is a list of the greatest soccer players who wore the number 23 jersey.
Number 23 got a legendary status when Michael Jordan chose to wear it at Chicago Bulls.
But itโs not a very common jersey number in soccer. That said, some great soccer players have worn the number 23 jersey.
On this list, youโll find players like:
- David Beckham
- Andrey Arshavin
- Jamie Carragher
- Christian Eriksen
- and more!
So letโs look at the 10 best soccer players ever to wear the number 23 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 23ย 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 23 soccer players.
So, let me know if Iโve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players Who Wore Number 23 Jersey
Here are the top 10 soccer players with the number 23 jersey.
10. Carlo Cudicini
Cudicini wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
- Tottenham Hotspur
You might not be familiar with Carlo Cudicini, but he was a beloved name at Stamford Bridge.
He deserves a spot on this list for being a reliable second goalkeeper for Chelsea for over a decade.
Cudicini played for Chelsea from 1999 to 2009, amassing over 216 appearances. Despite being the second-choice, he was still great at shot-stopping, especially during penalties.
Then why was he the second-choice keeper?
Well, Chelseaโs first-choice keeper at the time was Petr ฤech. And any goalkeeper in the world would struggle to get a starting place with ฤech in goal.
Before the arrival of ฤech in 2004, Cudicini even won Chelseaโs Player of the Year award in 2001.
Whenever called upon, Cudicini proved himself a capable first-choice keeper.
9. Luis Diaz
Luis Diaz wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Liverpool FC
- Junior FC
Diaz takes the 9th spot on our Top 10 list. In just three years at Liverpool, Diaz has established himself as a future star.
Diazโs soccer journey began at Atlรฉtico Junior (Junior FC) in Colombiaโs top league. He quickly became a key player for the team, helping them win the Categorรญa Primera A title in 2018.
Luis Diaz has a blistering pace with skills to easily beat the defenders. His tricks and knack for scoring goals have made him a fan favorite at the clubs heโs played in.
In January 2022, Liverpool signed Diaz from Porto, after beating competition from other top clubs.
Despite joining mid-season, Diaz seamlessly adapted to the Premier Leagueโs intensity. He had big shoes to fill as he was the replacement for Sadio Mane.
But Diaz hasnโt let the pressure get to him. He has already helped Liverpool win the 2022 League Cup and FA Cup.
Still just 27 years old, Diaz can be a future legend at Liverpool.
Although he started his Liverpool career with number 23, Diaz now wears the number 7.
8. Conor Gallagher
Conor Gallagher has worn the number 23 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
- Crystal Palace
Gallagher has established himself as one of the best English midfielders right now.
He rose to prominence during his 2021-2022 season on loan at Crystal Palace. While playing for the London club, Gallagher would run tirelessly and cover every blade of grass.
This attribute has made him a fan-favorite at both Crystal Palace and now Chelsea.
Gallagher is also an expert at both aspects of the game. Defending and attacking.
He combines strong tackling with an ability to break forward and create chances.
After his return to Chelsea in 2023, Gallagher faced tough competition at the start. But through his hard work and persistence, he has now become a regular starter in the team.
Still young, Gallagher has the potential to become a crucial player for both club and country.
And who knows, he might climb up the ranks of the best number 23 soccer players in the future.
7. Daniel Sturridge
Daniel Sturridge wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC
Sturridge bursts onto our list at number 7. He was most well known for his clinical finishing and electrifying partnership with Luis Suarez at Liverpool.
Sturridgeโs journey began at Manchester City. But it was at Chelsea that he started wearing the number 23.
Since a young age, Sturridge displayed his talent with bursts of pace and great finishing. He also had a knack for scoring spectacular goals from time to time.
But competition for places was fierce at Chelsea. Hence, Sturridge couldnโt solidify his place as a regular starter in the team.
Despite this, he contributed to Chelseaโs 2010 FA Cup and 2011 Champions League victories. He was also a part of the team that won the Premier League in 2009-10.
His time at Chelsea was short, but impactful.
Then in 2013, he moved to Liverpool, forming the iconic โSASโ partnership in the attack.
Injuries limited his potential, but his talent is undeniable. And thatโs why I had to include him in the list.
6. Luke Shaw
Luke Shaw has worn the number 23 jersey for:
- Manchester United
- Southampton FC
At number 6, we have Luke Shaw. The left-back has overcome setbacks to become a key figure in Manchester Unitedโs resurgence.
Shawโs journey began at Southampton, where he decided to wear the number 23 jersey. He quickly rose through the ranks, earning a reputation as a talented young defender.
He was an exciting talent. Shaw was great at attacking down the left flank and he was also solid in defense. This made him a highly sought-after prospect.
Then in 2014, Manchester United signed Shaw for a record fee for a teenager at the time.
But injuries and a challenging relationship with Jose Mourinho hampered his early years at Old Trafford.
Then in 2018, the arrival of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer marked a turning point for Shaw. Under a more supportive manager, he rediscovered his confidence and form.
He became a vital cog in Unitedโs attacking play. Turning back the years, he provided dangerous crosses and overlapping runs down the left.
Since then, Shaw has become a vital player for United. I can only imagine how good how couldโve been without all those injuries.
5. Jamie Carragher
Jamie Carragher wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Liverpool FC
Thereโs no denying the legendary status of Jamie Carragher at number 5 on our list. He dedicated his entire career to Liverpool, wearing the number 23 jersey with pride.
A childhood Everton fan, Carragher joined their rivalsโ youth academy in 1988. He rose through the academy and made his debut in 1997.
As a center-back, Carragher was known for his fierce tackling and strong leadership on the pitch.
His consistency, defensive solidity, and reading of the game became valuable assets for the team.
He also played a key role in their historic 2005 Champions League victory. In the final, he gave a solid performance, making two vital last-ditch intercepts whilst suffering from cramps.
With Liverpool, he also lifted the FA Cup twice, the League Cup three times, and the Community Shield twice.
After retirement, Carragher has become a top pundit. You can catch him on Sky Sports and BT Sports.
4. Marco Materazzi
Marco Materazzi wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Inter Milan
- AC Perugia
- Chennaiyin FC
- Italy
Materazzi enters at number 4 as one of the greatest soccer players to wear the number 23 jersey.
He was a huge fan of Michael Jordan, and hence, decided to wear number 23 at Inter Milan. It was also at Inter that his best spell came.
Materazzi spent a decade at Inter Milan as a key part of their backline. He was a no-nonsense defender and a fierce competitor.
Despite his aggressive style, Materazzi was also good with the ball at his feet. He allowed the team to build up attacks from the back.
But thatโs not all. Materazzi also chipped in with goals from time to time. He was a threat in the air and contributed crucial goals from set-pieces throughout his career.
Materazzi had two crowning moments in his career.
First, you might remember the infamous incident with Zidane at the 2006 World Cup final. Zidane headbutted Materazzi after a heated exchange, and as a result, was sent off.
Italy went on to win the game and lift the World Cup trophy.
Then, in 2010, Materazzi helped Inter win a historic treble. This included the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and Champions League.
So, despite all the controversies, you canโt argue against his brilliance in defense. Heโs a true great of the game who wore the number 23 jersey.
3. Andrey Arshavin
Andrey Arshavin wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC
- Zenit St. Petersburg
At number 3 is Andrey Arshavin, a player who had a short but memorable stay in the limelight. His spell at Arsenal cemented his legacy as a magician with the number 23 on his back.
Arshavinโs journey began at Zenit Saint Petersburg in Russia. He quickly rose through the ranks and became an important part of the first team.
Then, in 2008, his performances on the European stage caught the eye of Arsenal. So, naturally, the club signed him in an interesting deadline-day saga.
Arshavin didnโt take much time to adapt to the pace of the Premier League. His creativity and pace on the flanks was exactly what Arsenal needed at the time.
The peak of his Arsenal career came in April 2009 against Liverpool. Arshavin scored all four goals for Arsenal in a thrilling 4-4 draw.
This performance has etched Arshavinโs name in Arsenal folklore and made him a cult hero at the club.
Unfortunately, the good days didnโt last. Arshavinโs consistency dipped after his peak years. Injuries and inconsistency limited his playing time and impact on the team.
So, in 2012, Arshavin returned to Zenit and continued wearing the number 23. While his second stint with Zenit wasnโt as dominant, he did help them win the 2015 Russian Premier League title.
Andrey Arshavinโs career might not have been one of consistency, but his moments of magic were unforgettable. Thatโs why earns the number 3 spot on our list.
2. Christian Eriksen
Christian Eriksen wore the number 23 jersey for:
- Tottenham Hotspur
Eriksen takes the silver medal on our list. And rightly so.
Over his career, Eriksen has established himself as one of the best midfielders to ever play the game. His ability to unlock defenses with killer through balls and set-pieces has made him a nightmare for opposing teams.
His professional journey began at Ajax, where he was a key component in their possession-based style.
Impressed by his performances, Tottenham signed him in 2013. It was at Tottenham that Eriksen started wearing the number 23 jersey.
He quickly became the creative heartbeat of Tottenhamโs attack and a fan favorite. In fact, in his first season at the club, he scored 10 goals and gave 13 assists across all competitions.
He was also named the Tottenhamโs Player of the Season that year.
During his time at Spurs, Eriksen established himself as one of the best playmakers in the world.
Eriksen also played a key role in Tottenhamโs run to the 2019 Champions League final. But unfortunately, they couldnโt get past the final hurdle against Liverpool.
Christian Eriksenโs impact goes beyond goals and assists. He was a true playmaker, dictating the tempo of the game with his vision and passing ability.
His impact at Spurs for almost a decade cements his position as a legend of the number 23.
1. David Beckham
David Beckham wore the number 23 jersey for:
Thereโs no denying the king of the number 23 jersey at the top of our list โ David Beckham. His iconic status transcends the sport, making him a global phenomenon who redefined the role of a soccer player.
Beckhamโs journey began at Manchester United as a part of the famous Class of โ92. After the retirement of Eric Cantona, Beckham was given the iconic number 7 jersey.
Then in 2003, Beckham joined Real Madrid in their โGalacticoโ era. But he couldnโt get his hands on the number 7 shirt as it was with Raul.
So, Beckham chose to replicate Michael Jordan and wear number 23.
Thereโs a misconception among younger soccer fans that Beckham was only about the glitz and glamour. In fact, at his peak, Beckham was one of the best players in the world.
We all know about his set-piece delivery. Be it from corner kicks or free kicks. They were always legendary.
But another aspect of his game thatโs often overlooked is his tireless running in games. He had incredible stamina and work ethic, which allowed him to run up and down the flanks for 90 minutes.
At Madrid, Beckham became a central midfielder. He used his passing ability to dictate the tempo of games and spread the ball across the field.
Then in 2007, he joined LA Galaxy, where he would continue to wear number 23. He became a major figure in growing the sportโs popularity in the United States.
Beckham is much more than a mere soccer player. He has become a global ambassador for the sport, inspiring millions to fall in love with soccer.
Thank You For Reading
So I hope you enjoyed this list of the best soccer players who wore the number 23 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 23 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:
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- 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)
