The number 2 jersey in soccer is mostly associated with the right back positions. So much so, that you can just ask about a team’s number 2 position, and a soccer enthusiast will know you’re talking about the right back. But that’s not to say soccer players in other positions don’t ever wear the number 2 jersey.
In fact, the jersey number 2 has been worn by some iconic players in soccer history. And we’ll be looking at the best of them in this article.
Some icons of the game included in this list are:
- Gary Neville
- Kyle Walker
- Cafu
And many more!
Criteria for Selection in this List
To be considered for inclusion in our list, a player must meet specific criteria that reflect their exceptional contributions to the game while donning the iconic number 2 jersey.
- 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, we might miss a few important number 2 soccer players. Let us know if we have missed any of your favourites in the comments.
The Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn Number 2 Jersey
1. Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker has worn the number 2 jersey for:
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Manchester City
- England
Kyle Walker is known for his exceptional defensive prowess and remarkable speed on the field. Beginning his career with Sheffield United, he swiftly ascended to prominence, earning accolades for his defensive skills and tactical acumen.
In 2017, Walker made a pivotal move to Manchester City, where he played a vital role in securing numerous titles, including Premier League and UEFA Champions League.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 573 |
| Goals | 12 |
| Assists | 49 |
Honors
Individual:
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 2011–12
- PFA Team of the Year x 3: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2017–18
- UEFA Euros Team of the Tournament: 2020
- UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2022–23
Manchester City
- Premier League x 5: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23
- FA Cup x 2: 2018–19, 2022–23
- EFL Cup x 4: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21
- FA Community Shield x 2: 2018, 2019
- UEFA Champions League: 2022–23
- UEFA Super Cup: 2023
2. Gary Neville
Gary Neville played soccer wearing the number 2 jersey for:
- Manchester United
- England
You might know Gary Neville as the highly analytical pundit on Sky Sports. But he had an amazing career as a soccer player too.
One half of the Neville brothers, Gary Neville had an illustrious career as a number 2 at Manchester United. His tenure with the club spanned two decades, marked by a steadfast commitment to excellence on the field. Neville’s remarkable leadership skills also earned him the captain’s armband after Roy Keane’s departure.
Notably, he played a pivotal role in securing numerous Premier League and UEFA Champions League titles. Additionally, Neville’s contributions extended to the international stage, representing England in multiple major tournaments.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 603 |
| Goals | 7 |
| Assists | 49 |
Honors
Individual:
- PFA Premier League Team of the Year x 5: 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 2004–05, 2006–07
- PFA Team of the Century (1997–2007): 2007
- ESM Team of the Year: 1997–98
- English Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2015
Manchester United
- Premier League x 8: 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2008–09
- FA Cup x 3: 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04
- Football League Cup x 3: 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10
- FA Community Shield x 3: 1996, 1997, 2008
- UEFA Champions League x 2: 1998–99, 2007–08
- Intercontinental Cup: 1999
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
3. Cafu
Cafu wore the number 2 jersey for:
- São Paulo
- AS Roma
- AC Milan
- Brazil
One of the most recognized right backs in soccer, Cafu had a career full of silverware. His career spanned across distinguished clubs and the Brazilian national team. His remarkable journey included successful stints at AS Roma and AC Milan, where he played a pivotal role in clinching domestic and international titles.
But most notably, he was one of the main players in Brazil’s triumphs in the FIFA World Cup tournaments of 1994 and 2002.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 430 |
| Goals | 16 |
| Assists | 58 |
Honors
Individual:
- South American Team of the Year x 4: 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
- South American Footballer of the Year: 1994
- UEFA Team of the Year x 2: 2004, 2005
- FIFPro World XI: 2005
- Sports Illustrated Team of the Decade: 2009
- ESPN World Team of the Decade: 2009
- AS Roma Hall of Fame: 2012
- World Soccer Greatest XI of all time: 2013
- AC Milan Hall of Fame
- World XI: Team of the 21st Century
São Paulo
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A: 1991
- Campeonato Paulista x 2: 1991, 1992
- Copa Libertadores x 2: 1992, 1993
- Supercopa Libertadores: 1993
- Recopa Sudamericana x 2: 1993, 1994
- Intercontinental Cup x 2: 1992, 1993
AS Roma
- Serie A: 2000–01
AC Milan
- Serie A: 2003–04
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2004
- UEFA Champions League: 2006–07
- UEFA Super Cup x 2: 2003, 2007
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2007
Brazil
- FIFA World Cup x 2: 1994, 2002
- Copa América x 2: 1997, 1999
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 1997
4. Thiago Silva
Thiago Silva has worn the number 2 jersey for:
- Paris Saint-Germain
- Brazil
Throughout his illustrious career, Thiago Silva has showcased his remarkable skills at renowned clubs such as AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain, and Chelsea.
His commanding presence in the heart of the defense has been instrumental in securing numerous league titles and prestigious accolades.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 638 |
| Goals | 37 |
| Assists | 16 |
Honors
Individual:
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Best Fan’s Player: 2008
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série A Team of the Year: 2008
- CONMEBOL South American Team of the Year: 2008
- Samba Gold x 3: 2011, 2012, 2013
- Serie A Team of the Year x 2: 2010–11, 2011–12
- UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year x 7: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19
- UEFA Team of the Year x 3: 2011, 2012, 2013
- FIFA FIFPro World11 x 3: 2013, 2014, 2015
- Chelsea Player of the Year: 2022–23
- Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year: 2022–23
Paris Saint-Germain
- Ligue 1 x 7: 2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20
- Coupe de France x 5: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20
- Coupe de la Ligue x 6: 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2019–20
- Trophée des Champions x 5: 2013, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019
Brazil
- Copa América: 2019
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2013
5. Ivan Cordoba
Ivan Cordoba wore the number 2 jersey for:
- Inter Milan
- Colombia
Ivan Cordoba is a Colombian football legend known for his rock-solid defending and fierce determination on the pitch.
He spent the majority of his career at Inter Milan, wearing his number 2 jersey. Here he became a fan favorite for his no-nonsense style of play. Cordoba was a key player in Inter’s success, helping them clinch multiple Serie A titles and even a Champions League trophy.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 455 |
| Goals | 18 |
| Assists | 11 |
Honors
Individual:
- South American Team of the Year: 1999
- Pirata d’Oro (Internazionale Player of the Year): 2011
Inter Milan
- Serie A x 5: 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10
- Coppa Italia x 4: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10, 2010–11
- Supercoppa Italiana x 4: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2010
- UEFA Champions League: 2009–10
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2010
Colombia
- Copa América: 2001
6. Dani Alves
Dani Alves wore the number 2 jersey for:
- FC Barcelona
- Brazil
Dani Alves is one of the most decorated players in the history of soccer in terms of trophies. And he had skills!
He’s been a defensive dynamo for some of the biggest clubs in the world, including Barcelona, PSG, and Juventus.
Alves played a crucial role in Barcelona’s golden era as a number 2, helping them snag numerous trophies, including Champions League titles.
What set Dani apart was his lightning-quick pace and precise crosses, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 869 |
| Goals | 61 |
| Assists | 178 |
Honors
Individual:
- UEFA Cup Most Valuable Player: 2005–06
- UEFA Team of the Year x 5: 2007, 2009, 2011, 2015, 2017
- ESM Team of the Year x 5: 2006–07, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12
- FIFA FIFPro World11 x 8: 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018
- La Liga Defender of the Season: 2008–09
- FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2013
- La Liga Team of the Season: 2014–15
- France Football World XI: 2015
- Serie A Team of the Year: 2016–17
- IFFHS Men’s World Team: 2017
- UNFP Ligue 1 Team of the Year: 2017–18
- Copa América Golden Ball: 2019
Barcelona
- La Liga x 6: 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16
- Copa del Rey x 4: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15, 2015–16
- Supercopa de España x 4: 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013
- UEFA Champions League x 3: 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15
- UEFA Super Cup x 3: 2009, 2011, 2015
- FIFA Club World Cup x 3: 2009, 2011, 2015
Brazil
- Copa América: 2007, 2019
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2009, 2013
7. Raphael Varane
Raphael Varane has worn the number 2 jersey for:
Embed from Getty ImagesRaphael Varane donning his number 2 jersey for Real Madrid was an image of coolness and composure in defense. Varane’s ability to read the game and time his tackles is second to none.
He made his mark at Real Madrid, where he won a truckload of titles, including multiple Champions League crowns. Plus, he’s been an integral part of the French national team, helping them clinch the World Cup in 2018.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 450 |
| Goals | 21 |
| Assists | 8 |
Honors
Individual:
- FIFA FIFPro World11: 2018
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2018
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2017–18
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
Real Madrid
- La Liga x 3: 2011–12, 2016–17, 2019–20
- Copa del Rey: 2013–14
- Supercopa de España x 3: 2012, 2017, 2019–20
- UEFA Champions League x 4: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup x 3: 2014, 2016, 2017
- FIFA Club World Cup x 4: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
8. Antonio Rüdiger
Antonio Rüdiger has played wearing the number 2 jersey for:
- AS Roma
- Chelsea FC
- Germany
Antonio Rüdiger is a real forced to be reckoned with on a soccer pitch!
He’s made his mark at clubs like AS Roma and Chelsea, where he’s been a cornerstone in their backline. Rüdiger’s not afraid to throw himself into challenges, and his aerial prowess is a sight to behold.
With a knack for reading the game and a fierce determination, Rüdiger’s a defender any team would be lucky to have. His journey in football is still unfolding, and there’s no doubt he’s got plenty more to bring to the beautiful game.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 484 |
| Goals | 26 |
| Assists | 13 |
Honors
Individual:
- UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2020–21, 2021–22
- PFA Team of the Year: 2021–22
- ESM Team of the Year: 2021–22
Chelsea
- FA Cup: 2017–18
- UEFA Champions League: 2020–21
- UEFA Europa League: 2018–19
- UEFA Super Cup: 2021
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2021
Germany
- FIFA Confederations Cup: 2017
9. Diego Godín
Diego Godín has worn the number 2 jersey for:
- Atletico Madrid
- Inter Milan
- Cagliari
- CA Vélez Sarsfield
Diego Godin is known for his rock-solid defending and unwavering commitment on the field. He made his mark at Atlético Madrid, where he was an integral part of their defense.
Godín’s timing in tackles is impeccable, and he’s also got a knack for scoring crucial goals from set pieces.
With a career filled with trophies and accolades, Godín’s legacy in football is one for the history books.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 628 |
| Goals | 38 |
| Assists | 23 |
Honors
Individual:
- La Liga Team of the Season: 2013–14, 2015–16
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season x 3: 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2014
- La Liga Best Defender: 2015–16
- UEFA Europa League Squad of the Season: 2017–18
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: 2018
Atlético Madrid
- La Liga: 2013–14
- Copa del Rey: 2012–13
- Supercopa de España: 2014
- UEFA Europa League x 2: 2011–12, 2017–18
- UEFA Super Cup x 3: 2010, 2012, 2018
10. Clint Dempsey
Clint Dempsey wore the number 2 jersey for:
- New England Revolution
- Tottenham Hotspur
- Seattle Sounders FC
It’s always a weird site to see a forward wearing the number 2 jersey. But this was the case for the American soccer icon, Clint Dempsey. He was known for his skill, swagger, and never-say-die attitude on the pitch.
He made waves in Major League Soccer with the New England Revolution before heading across the pond to play in the English Premier League.
Dempsey was the definition of a clutch player, scoring big goals in big moments. With a playing style that blended finesse with fierce determination, Dempsey’s left an indelible mark on American soccer.
Career Statistics
| Statistic | Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 491 |
| Goals | 155 |
| Assists | 67 |
Honors
Individual:
- Fulham Player of the Season x 2: 2010–11, 2011–12
- FIFA Confederations Cup Bronze Ball: 2009
- FIFA Confederations Cup Team of the Tournament: 2009
- CONCACAF Gold Cup Top Goalscorer: 2015
- U.S. Soccer Athlete of the Year x 3: 2007, 2011, 2012
- Honda Player of the Year x 3: 2006, 2011, 2012
- MLS All-Star x 4: 2005, 2014, 2015, 2016
- MLS Rookie of the Year: 2004
- MLS Best XI x 2: 2005, 2006
- MLS Comeback Player of the Year: 2017
Seattle Sounders FC
- MLS Cup: 2016
- Supporters’ Shield: 2014
- U.S. Open Cup: 2014
Conclusion: The Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn The Number 2 Jersey
So, there you have it! The best soccer players who have worn the number 2 jersey in their illustrious careers.
The number 2 jersey has seen some absolute legends grace the pitch. From Cafu’s lightning speed to Dani Alves’ pinpoint crosses, these players redefined what it means to wear that number.
Each of these players etched their own chapter in the beautiful game’s history. The number 2 will forever be a symbol of defensive excellence and unwavering resolve on the field.
And as always, if you feel I’ve missed someone who had to be on the list, then do let me know down in the comments.
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