This is a list of the best soccer players who have worn the number 24 jersey.
Soccer jersey numbers often show the position of a player on the pitch. So, the goalkeeper takes the number 1 and the farthest player down the pitch takes 11.
But thatโs not always the case anymore. And thatโs why jersey numbers like 24 have become a common thing in soccer.
On this list of the best number 24 soccer players, youโll find players like:
- Patrick Vieira
- Darren Fletcher
- Lorenzo Insigne
- Abou Diaby
- and more!
So, letโs get started and look at the top 10 soccer players who wore the number 24 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 24ย 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 24 soccer players. So, let me know if Iโve missed any of your favorites in the comments.
Top 10 Greatest Soccer Players Who Wore Number 24 Jersey
Here are the top 10 soccer players with the number 24 jersey.
10. Corentin Tolisso
Tolisso wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Bayern Munich (2017 โ 2022)
Starting our list is the French midfielder, Corentin Tolisso.
Tolisso rose through the ranks at Olympique Lyonnais, where his talent caught the eyes of Bayern Munich.
He was so highly rated that Bayern signed him in 2017 for a record fee for a Bundesliga transfer at the time.
At Bayern, Tolisso continued to impress with his ability to control the midfield. Heโs also great at contributing to both attack and defense.
In his 5 years at the club, he helped Bayern win five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League.
9. Patrick Vieira
Vieira wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Manchester City (2009 โ 2011)
Patrick Vieira is more famous for wearing the number 4 at Arsenal. But he did wear the number 24 jersey during his last two years at Manchester City.
Heโs widely considered one of the greatest midfielders of his generation.
After dominating European soccer for a decade, Vieira arrived at Manchester City in 2009. Though he was nearing retirement, it was a significant moment for the club.
He brought a wealth of experience and leadership qualities, which proved invaluable for a team on the rise.
But his playing time was still limited due to his age. And thatโs why heโll have to settle for such a low spot on the list.
His immense contribution to the sport and the influence he carries deserves a mention on this list.
8. Cheik Tiotรฉ
Cheik Tiotรฉ wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Newcastle United (2010 โ 2017)
- Beijing Enterprises (2016-17)
In 8th place, we have a player who had a powerful presence in midfield: Cheik Tiotรฉ.
Hailing from the Ivory Coast, Tiotรฉ carved up a cult following for himself at Newcastle United. He arrived at the club in 2010 and quickly established himself as a fan favorite.
Tiotรฉ had a tireless work ethic and he was not afraid to make hard tackles.
But he had more in him than that. His passing range and ability to break up play were also crucial for Newcastle.
What made Tiotรฉ a folk hero of English soccer was his volley against Arsenal in 2012. From 4-0 down, Tiotรฉ helped Newcastle mount a historic comeback by scoring the 4th goal for the team.
His tragic passing in 2017 left a huge void in the hearts of soccer fans around the world. No one will forget what he brought to the sport through his dedication and work ethic.
So, he deservedly gets a spot on this list of the best soccer players to wear the number 24 jersey.
7. Joe Allen
Joe Allen wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Swansea City (2008 โ 2012)
- Liverpool FC (2012 โ 2016)
Coming in at number 7 is the ever-reliable Joe Allen. He has worn the number 24 jersey for a significant part of his career.
Allenโs technical ability and soccer IQ have earned him respect from fans and managers alike.
Allen began his professional career at Swansea. Here, he was instrumental in their rise from League One to the Premier League.
His composure on the ball and ability to dictate the gameโs tempo were a huge part of Swanseaโs rise.
He even won the Young Player of the Season for Swansea in 2011-12.
Then in 2012, his performances caught the eyes of several big clubs in England. And so, Liverpool signed Allen for ยฃ15 million.
But it was challenging for him to get into a star-studded lineup at Anfield. Despite that, Allen still managed to make a valuable contribution.
His ability to keep things ticking over provided a platform for more attacking players to flourish.
6. Reece James
Reece James wears the number 24 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC (2019 โ Present)
At number 6 is Chelseaโs very own Reece James. James, still young in his career, has already established himself as one of the most exciting right-backs in the Premier League.
And his association with the number 24 jersey promises to be a long and successful one.
James rose through the Chelsea academy ranks. He impressed the coaches at the club with both his attacking skills and defensive capabilities. Then, a loan spell at Wigan Athletic in the Championship further honed his skills.
Upon his return to Chelsea in 2019, he became a regular starter. And since Gary Cahill left the club that year, he took on the number 24 jersey for himself.
James is a defender, but itโs his attacking skills that have impressed everyone. He can bomb down the flank, whip in dangerous crosses, and score crucial goals for the team.
Heโs also a leader in the team at such a young age. Due to his leadership qualities, James became the captain of Chelsea in 2023.
Injuries have hampered him at times. But Jamesโ immense talent and dedication suggest he has the potential to become a true legend of the game.
5. Darren Fletcher
Fletcher wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Manchester United (2003 โ 2014)
- West Bromwich Albion (2014 โ 2017)
- Stoke City (2017 โ 2019)
Occupying the number 5 spot is a Manchester United legend. Darren Fletcher. His legacy as a tough-tackling and versatile midfielder with number 24 jersey is undeniable.
Fletcher spent the majority of his playing career at Manchester United. He was a fan favorite known for his unwavering commitment and tireless work ethic.
Fletcher began his career as a right-winger but later moved into a central midfield role.
His ability to win tackles and control the gameโs tempo made him a crucial member of Sir Alex Fergusonโs team. Fletcher also contributed to the team with the occasional goal.
During his time at United, Fletcher amassed an impressive trophy haul. He helped the team win five Premier League titles and a Champions League among other trophies.
Fletcher also developed into a leader on the pitch. This was evident when he became the vice-captain at United in his last season at the club.
Following spells at West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City, Fletcher returned to Manchester United in 2020 as a coach.
4. Gary Cahill
Gary Cahill wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Chelsea FC (2011 โ 2019)
- Crystal Palace (2019 โ 2021)
- AFC Bournemouth (2021 โ 2022)
Coming in at number 4 is the reliable and decorated defender, Gary Cahill. He wore the number 24 for a significant part of his career, making him a true icon of the jersey.
After starting his career at Aston Villa and developing at Bolton, Cahill joined Chelsea in 2012. It was at Chelsea that he started wearing the number 24.
After his arrival, Cahill quickly formed a strong partnership at the back with John Terry. He was always a strong defender and a leader at the back. But at Chelsea, Cahill also developed a knack for scoring crucial goals for the team.
He helped Chelsea win several trophies, including
- two Premier League titles,
- a Champions League trophy,
- a Europa League title, and
- two FA Cups.
Following Terryโs departure in 2018, he was named the captain of Chelsea.
Cahill continued to wear the number 24 at Crystal Palace and AFC Bournemouth before hanging up his boots in 2022.
3. Andrรฉs Iniesta
Iniesta wore the number 24 jersey for:
- FC Barcelona (2003 โ 2007)
The number 24 jersey holds a special place in the hearts of Barcelona fans, and for good reason. Our third spot goes to the legendary Andrรฉs Iniesta.
Iniesta wore the number 24 during the early years of his career at the Catalan giants.
Iniesta arrived at Barcelonaโs famed La Masia academy at a young age. He was quick to impress the coaches with his dribbling skills, vision, and passing ability.
He made his senior team debut in 2002, wearing the number 34. But soon after, he moved to wearing the number 24 jersey.
While initially a backup player, Iniestaโs talent was undeniable. He displayed his brilliance in flashes and gave glimpses of the maestro he would become.
Youโre going to retire me. This lad [Iniesta] is going to retire us all.
Pep Guardiola to Xavi after Iniestaโs arrival.
By 2005, Iniesta had become a regular starter in the team. He was establishing himself as a key player in Barcelonaโs midfield alongside Xavi.
Iniestaโs ability to weave through defenses and pick out killer passes made him a vital cog in the teamโs possession-based philosophy.
Then in the 2007-08 season, Iniesta took over the jersey number 8 from Ludovic Giuly. Since then, Iniesta has become an icon of the number 8 jersey as well.
2. Lorenzo Insigne
Insigne has worn the number 24 jersey for:
- Napoli (2012 โ 2022)
- Toronto FC (2022 โ Present)
The number 24 jersey sits perfectly on the shoulders of our runner-up, Lorenzo Insigne. Heโs become a modern-day icon of the number 24 in soccer.
Insigneโs journey began at Napoliโs youth academy. He rose through the ranks and made his senior debut in 2010.
But he wouldnโt become a part of the starting team until 2012. So, from 2010 to 2012 Insigne was sent out on a couple of loans to develop as a player.
Then upon his return to Napoli, he started wearing the number 24 for the first time. Ever since then, the number has become synonymous with him.
Under managers like Rafa Benitez and Maurizio Sarri, Insigne flourished as a left-winger.
His ability to cut inside and unleash powerful shots made him a nightmare for defenders. But he wasnโt only good at scoring goals. He was also great at creating scoring opportunities for teammates.
He also formed a dangerous attacking partnership with Dries Mertens. Together, they propelled Napoli to become genuine contenders for Serie A titles.
Insigne now continues to wear the number 24 at Toronto FC in MLS.
1. Claude Makรฉlรฉlรฉ
Makรฉlรฉlรฉ wore the number 24 jersey for:
- Real Madrid (2000 โ 2004)
The undisputed king of the number 24 jersey is the legendary Claude Makรฉlรฉlรฉ.
Makรฉlรฉlรฉโs journey began at the French club Nantes. He showed that he was a world-class talent from an early age, and eventually earned a move to Real Madrid in 2000.
At Madrid, he chose to wear his iconic number 24 jersey.
While his arrival at Real Madrid was met with some skepticism, Makรฉlรฉlรฉ quickly silenced the doubters. He became a key player and a wall in the midfield for Los Blancos.
Makรฉlรฉlรฉ was also responsible for revolutionizing the defensive midfield role. He was one of the first midfielders to sit in front of the defense, mopping up loose balls, winning tackles, and dictating the gameโs tempo. All at once.
His tireless work ethic allowed the likes of Zidane, Figo, and Ronaldo to flourish in the attack.
In fact, Zidane was so upset with Makรฉlรฉlรฉโs departure from Madrid that he was quoted saying:
Why put another layer of gold paint on the Bentley when you are losing the entire engine?
During his time at Real Madrid, Makรฉlรฉlรฉ helped them win
- two La Liga titles,
- a Champions League trophy, and
- a UEFA Super Cup.
His influence was undeniable, even alongside some of the biggest names in soccer.
His talents werenโt always appreciated by casual fans. But managers and teammates adored him for his understanding of the game and his ability to make those around him shine.
Makรฉlรฉlรฉ left Madrid in 2004 to join Chelsea. But his legacy as a legend of the game continued.
He was so influential in the English game that the defensive midfield role started to be known as the โMakรฉlรฉlรฉ Roleโ.
Honorable Mentions
Some great players just missed out on the top 10 list.
So here are the honorable mentions of the best soccer players with the number 24 jersey.
- Miguel Almiron โ for Newcastle United (2018 โ Present), Club Cerro Porteรฑo (2013 โ 2015), and Club Atlรฉtico Lanรบs (2014-15)
- Hector Bellerin โ for Arsenal (2015 โ 2018)
- Thomas Meunier โ for Dortmund (2020 โ 2024)
- Mariano Dรญaz โ for Real Madrid (2019 โ 2023)
- Reiss Nelson โ for Arsenal (2019 โ Present)
- Abou Diaby โ for Arsenal FC (2013 โ 2015) and AJ Auxerre (2004 โ 2006)
- Sime Vrsalijko โ for Atletico Madrid (2019 โ 2022)
- Alessandro Florenzi โ for AS Roma (2012 โ 2020)
- Eric Bailly โ for Villareal (2014 โ 2016)
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 24 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
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- 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)
- Best Soccer Players With Number 23 Jersey (Top 10)
