This is a list of the best soccer players of all time who wore the number 6 jersey.
The defensive midfielder position is often associated with the number 6. But that’s not always the case.
Players in other midfield positions also wear number 6 jerseys. And sometimes even defenders can don the number 6.
So, on this list you’ll find players from all over the pitch, like:
- Roberto Carlos
- Franco Baresi
- Xavi Hernandez
- Ronald De Boer
- and many more!
Let’s get started with the list.
Criteria for Selection On This List
Before starting, let’s look at the criteria for the list.
Players must tick these criteria while wearing the number 6 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 could miss a few important number 6 soccer players.
So, let me know if I’ve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
The Best Soccer Players With Number 6 Jersey
1. Xavi Hernandez
Xavi Hernandez wore number 6 for:
- FC Barcelona
Xavi’s association with the number 6 jersey is iconic, and for good reason. His name is synonymous with midfield brilliance.
Xavi was the orchestrator of Barcelona’s legendary tiki-taka era. He was the epitome of a number 6 in this system.
You need to have excellent passing skills to thrive in this system. And Xavi’s passing ability was unmatched.
He could spray passes across the field with incredible accuracy and vision.
Xavi was also a master of controlling the tempo of games for Barcelona.
You can even argue that the tiki-taka system of Barcelona would not have succeeded without Xavi.
Then to top it all off, Xavi won 32 trophies in his career. Thus making him the second-most decorated Spanish player in history.
Major Accolades
- With FC Barcelona, Xavi won:
- 8 La Liga titles,
- 4 UEFA Champions League,
- 3 Copa del Rey,
- 6 Supercopa de España,
- 2 UEFA Super Cups, and
- 2 FIFA Club World Cups
- Xavi won the World Soccer Player of the Year in 2010
- He won the UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year in the 2008–09 season
- Won IFFHS World’s Best Playmaker four times (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011)
- Xavi won the La Liga Midfielder of the Year three times (2009, 2010, 2011)
2. Franco Baresi
Franco Baresi wore number 6 for:
- AC Milan
- Italy National Team
Let’s now look at the defender who compelled AC Milan to retire the number 6 jersey after his retirement.
Franco Baresi was a one-club man who spent his entire 20-season career at AC Milan. He led the side as captain for 15 long seasons and is considered one of the best defenders of all time.
Baresi had exceptional pace, strength, and positional sense, which allowed him dominate attackers.
His aerial ability was also top-notch, making him a threat in set pieces at both ends of the pitch. He was so good going forward that he won the Coppa Italia top scorer award in 1990.
But more than that, Baresi was a natural leader who captained AC Milan for 15 seasons. He led the team by example, and helped them win several trophies under his leadership.
Baresi was a key figure in AC Milan’s successful era under manager Arrigo Sacchi. He played a crucial role in the team’s UEFA Champions League wins in 1989 and 1990.
Along with Paolo Maldini, Baresi formed one of the most impenetrable defensive duos in soccer history.
After such a great career, you have to agree that Baresi is one of the best soccer players to wear the number 6 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With AC Milan, Baresi won:
- three UEFA Champions League titles,
- six Italian Serie A titles,
- four Supercoppa Italiana trophies,
- two European Super Cups, and
- two Intercontinental Cups.
- With Italy, Baresi won the 1982 World Cup.
- He came second in the 1989 Ballon d’Or.
- He was a part of the 1990 FIFA World Cup All-Star Team.
- He ranked number 19 on World Soccer’s Greatest Players of the 20th Century.
- AC Milan and Serie A named him the Player of the Century.
- He was a part of Pele’s FIFA 100 list.
3. Bobby Moore
Bobby Moore wore the number 6 for:
- West Ham
- England National Team
Moore wasn’t your stereotypical defender reliant on brute force. He was much more than that.
Moore had an incredible reading of the game. He could predict attacker movements and snuff out threats before they materialized.
Moore was also a great leader for both West Ham and England.
He led by example with his composure and tactical intelligence.
At 23, Moore became England’s youngest ever captain and led them to their only World Cup victory in 1966.
Bobby Moore’s lasting impact on the sport is why he’s one of the greatest players to have worn the number 6 jersey
Major Achievements
- With West Ham United, Bobby Moore won:
- an FA Cup (1963–64),
- an FA Charity Shield (1964), and
- a European Cup Winners’ Cup (1964–65)
- Moore captained England to their only World Cup Win in 1966.
- He won the English Soccer Player of the Year in 1964
- He won the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 1966
- Moore was named in the World Soccer Greatest XI of All Time in 2013.
4. Andres Iniesta
Andres Iniesta wore number 6 for:
Iniesta wore the number 6 jersey for the Spanish national team for an impressive 11 years.
Traditionally, the number 6 is associated with defensive midfielders. But Iniesta excelled in a more attacking role for Spain.
Iniesta’s greatest strength was his unrivaled vision and passing. He could unlock defenses with pinpoint through balls and dictate the tempo of the game with his precise passing.
His ability to find teammates in tight spaces was unmatched.
Iniesta also had a magical touch on the ball. He could weave past defenders with his close control and agility.
Iniesta played a pivotal role in Spain’s golden era. He was a vital part of the great Spanish team of the UEFA Euro 2008, 2010 FIFA World Cup, and UEFA Euro 2012 triumphs.
He even scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final against the Netherlands.
Iniesta’s impact on the game and his consistency at the highest level has made him one of the best soccer players with the number 6 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Spain, Iniesta won:
- one FIFA World Cup (2010), and
- two UEFA Euros (2008 & 2012)
- He was a part of the UEFA Euro Team of the Tournament twice (2008 & 2012).
- Iniesta won the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award and the UEFA Euro Player of the Tournament in 2012.
5. Roberto Carlos
Robert Carlos wore number 6 for:
- Brazil National Team
- Inter Milan
- Sport Club Corinthians Paulista
Roberto Carlos’ entry in this list is a little out of position. After all, he was a left-back, a position not thought of as a number 6 in soccer.
But he has earned his spot on this list due to his remarkable career with Brazil.
Carlos wasn’t your typical left-back. He was an offensive juggernaut who redefined the role. His marauding runs down the flank created constant attacking threats for his team.
Then, he had thunderous free kicks in his locker as well. Roberto Carlos could hit a freekick like no one else.
His bending shots seemed to defy physics and often found the back of the net in spectacular fashion.
You must have seen his free kick against France in 1997. If you haven’t, here’s the freekick that became a legend in soccer history.
But you can’t be a good fullback without being good at defense. He had the stamina to run for days, and he could quickly cover the defense from his attacking positions.
Carlos made his debut for the Brazil national team in 1992 and went on to earn 125 caps, scoring 11 goals.
He played in three FIFA World Cups, winning tournament in 2002. He also helped Brazil win two Copa America titles in 1995 and 1997.
Major Accolades
- With Brazil, Roberto Carlos won:
- the 2002 World Cup,
- two Copa America titles (1995 & 1997), and
- one FIFA Confederations Cup (1997),
- Roberto Carlos came second in the 1997 FIFA World Player of the Year and the 2002 Ballon d’Or.
- He was a part of the FIFA World Cup All-Star Team twice.
- Sports Illustrated and ESPN named Carlos in their Team of the Decade in 2009.
- He was a part of Pele’s FIFA 100 list.
6. Matthias Sammer
Matthias Sammer wore the number 6 for:
- SG Dynamo Dresden
- Borussia Dortmund
- Germany National Team
Remove the jersey number from the equation. Sammer is still on the list of the best soccer players of all time.
That’s how good he was.
Sammer could play anywhere along the middle of the pitch. It could be as a sweeper, center-back, defensive mid, or central midfielder.
Along with his defensive ability, he also had great vision and passing range. This made him a key player for both club and country.
Sammer started his career at Dynamo Dresden. But it was at Borussia Dortmund that he truly hit his peak.
While wearing the number 6, Sammer was important in Borussia Dortmund’s success during the mid 90s. He helped the team win two Bundesliga titles and a UEFA Champions League in 1997.
Sammer also had a successful international career. He played a pivotal role in Germany’s victory in the UEFA Euro 1996.
In 1996, Sammer became the first defender to win the Ballon d’Or since Franz Beckenbauer.
Major Accolades
- With Borussia Dortmund, Sammer won
- 2 Bundesliga titles,
- 1 DFL-Supercup, and
- 1 UEFA Champions League
- With Germany, he won the 1996 UEFA Euros.
- Included in the kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season and ESM Team of the Year.
- Sammer won the Ballon d’Or in 1996.
- Won the Soccer Player of the Year in Germany twice (1995 and 1996).
- Won the Player of the Tournament at Euro 1996.
- Named one of the 100 Greatest Footballers of All Time by World Soccer.
7. Jaap Stam
Jaap Stam wore number 6 for:
- Manchester United
Stam joined Manchester United in 1998 and quickly became a key player in the team’s defense. His specific skillset was a perfect match for what United needed at the time.
United’s defense had been shaky before his arrival. And Stam brought solidity, strength, and leadership to the backline.
In fact, Stam’s impact was so quick that United won the European treble in his first season at the club.
Jaap Stam was also a dominating presence at the back. Standing at 6’3″ and with a powerful physique, he was a physical force to be reckoned with.
He was excellent in both aerial duels as well as a nightmare for attackers to get past.
But despite his size, Stam wasn’t just a bruiser. He possessed exceptional positional sense and composure when dealing with the ball.
His reading of the game allowed him to anticipate attacks and snuff out danger before it arose.
But all good things must come to an end.
Stam’s time at Manchester United took a turn when he was controversially sold to Lazio in 2001. Alex Ferguson decided to sell Stam after some comments he made in his autobiography.
And despite his contributions to the club, it marked the end of a short but successful career at United.
Stam’s remarkable influence over Manchester United during those three seasons is undeniable. And it warrants his inclusion on this list as one of the best soccer players to wear number 6 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Manchester United, Stam won:
- 3 Premier League titles,
- one FA Cup (1998-99)
- one Champions League (1998-99)
- one Intercontinental Cup (1999)
- He won the UEFA Best Defender of the Year twice (1998-99 and 1999-00).
- PFA named Stam in the Team of the Year three times (1998-99, 1999-00, and 2000-01).
8. Ronald de Boer
Ronald de Boer wore the number 6 jersey for:
- Ajax
- FC Barcelona
De Boer was a special player who was famous for his versatility. He could play in several positions including:
- right winger,
- center forward, and
- attacking midfielder.
This adaptability made him a great asset to his teams.
Ronald de Boer started wearing the number 6 jersey at Ajax. Here, he was a vital part of the team’s golden era during the 1990s.
He helped Ajax secure five Eredivisie titles and a UEFA Champions League in 1995.
Then in January 1999, de Boer moved to Barcelona alongside his brother Frank. But his time in Spain wasn’t as successful.
De Boer did manage to win the La Liga title with Barcelona in his first 6 months.
After that, de Boer played only 33 La Liga games and scored just one goal in the league.
He left the club in 2000 to join the Scottish team Rangers.
Major Accolades
- With Ajax, he has won
- 5 Eredivisie (Dutch League) titles
- 1 UEFA Champions League (1994–95)
- 1 UEFA Super Cup (1995), and
- 1 Intercontinental Cup (1995)
- With Barcelona, de Boer has won the La Liga title once (1998–99).
- Ronald de Boer won the Dutch Footballer of the Year twice (1994 & 1996)
9. Tony Adams
Tony Adams wore number 6 for:
- Arsenal FC
Known as “Mr. Arsenal,” Adams spent his entire 19-year playing career at Arsenal. He made 669 appearances and won many trophies, including league titles and FA Cups.
Adams was a tower of strength in Arsenal’s backline for over a decade. It’s no surprise that opponents dreaded facing his no-nonsense defending.
But Adams wasn’t just a great defender. He was also a natural leader.
He captained Arsenal for 14 seasons, leading by example with his commitment and passion.
In essence, Tony Adams represented the quintessential number 6 defender.
Want more proof of Adams’ legendary status? Then look no further than the Emirates stadium, where the club built a statue in his honor.
Major Accolades
- With Arsenal, Adams won:
- four Premier League titles,
- three FA Cups,
- two League Cups, and
- one European Cup Winners’ Cup.
- He won the Arsenal Player of the Season three times.
- PFA named Adams the Young Player of the Season in the 1986-87 season.
- PFA named him in the Team of the Year four times.
- He was a part of the PFA Team of Century (1907 – 2007)
- Adams was inducted into the English Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004.
10. Aldair
Aldair wore the number 6 jersey while playing for:
- AS Roma
- SS Murata
Aldair might be the least famous player on this list. But that doesn’t take away from his great career as a number 6 center back.
He spent most of his career at AS Roma, playing 13 years for the Italian club.
He also became the most capped foreign player in Roma’s history with 436 appearances.
Aldair was a towering defender who could dominate the attackers with his physique. But he was also great at reading the game and making crucial interceptions.
Additionally, Aldair was a leader at the back. He was good at organizing the defense and directing his teammates.
He also served as the captain of AS Roma for several years.
So while you might not have been aware of Aldair before, he was a world-class defender for a very long time.
His legacy at AS Roma (and Brazil) makes him one of the best players to wear the number 6.
Major Accolades
- With AS Roma, Aldair won:
- one Serie A title (2000-01),
- one Coppa Italia (1990-91), and
- one Supercoppa Italiana (2001).
- He was a part of the FIFA XI list in 2000.
- AS Roma inducted Aldair into the Hall of Fame in 2012.
Honorable Mentions of Great Players Who Wore Number 6
- Paul Pogba. Wore the number 6 jersey for Juventus, Manchester United, and France.
- Thiago Alcantara. Wore the number 6 jersey for Bayern Munich and Liverpool.
- Marco Veratti. Wore the number 6 jersey for PSG and Italy.
- Koke. Wears the number 6 jersey for Atletico Madrid.
- Sami Khedira. Wore the number 6 jersey for Real Madrid, Juventus, and Germany.
- Lucio. Wore number 6 for Inter Milan.
- Mark van Bommel. Wore number 6 for PSV and the Netherlands.
Thank You For Reading
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If you liked this article, check out other lists in this series:
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- Best Soccer Players Who Wear Number 4
- Best Soccer Players Who Wore The Number 5 Jersey
- 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