This is a list of the best soccer players who have worn the number 3 jersey.
The number 3 jersey in soccer is traditionally reserved for a defender, either a center-back or left-back.
On this list, you’ll find soccer players like:
- Rúben Dias
- Lucio
- Pepe
- Roberto Carlos
- and more!
So, let’s take a look at the greatest number 3 soccer players in the history of the sport.
Criteria for Selection in this List
Before starting, let’s look at the criteria for the list.
Players must tick these criteria while wearing the number 3 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 3 soccer players.
Let me know if I’ve missed any of your favourites in the comments.
Best Soccer Players Who Have Worn the Number 3 Jersey
1. Paolo Maldini
Paolo Maldini has worn the number 3 jersey for:
- AC Milan
- Italy
Who else could I start this list with but Paolo Maldini?
Maldini was such a big legend at AC Milan, that the club retired number 3 jersey after his retirement in 2009.
His exceptional defensive skills made him one of the greatest defenders of all time.
Maldini was intelligent with his defending. He would know what the attacker was going to do before anyone else on the pitch.
He was also a versatile player who could play as a center-back or a left-back.
Then, his calm and composed demeanor on the pitch, coupled with his ability to inspire his teammates, made him a natural leader.
Maldini’s career spanned over two decades, and was spent exclusively at AC Milan. Paolo’s journey with the club began as a youth player, making his first-team debut at just 16 years old.
During his time at Milan, he would go on to win an impressive 25 trophies.
Major Accolades
- With AC Milan, Maldini won:
- He finished third in the Ballon d’Or award twice (1994 & 2003).
- Maldini won the World Soccer Player of the Year in 1994.
- He won the El País European Player of the Year in 1994.
- He was a part of the World Soccer Greatest XI of all time.
- Maldini ranked 21 in the World Soccer The Greatest Players of the 20th century list.
2. Roberto Carlos
Roberto Carlos has worn the number 3 jersey for:
- Real Madrid
- Fenerbahce
- Anzhi Makhachkala
- Delhi Dynamos FC
Roberto Carlos is one of the biggest legends in the game of soccer.
He was a pioneer in attacking full-back play. His incredible pace and stamina allowed him to constantly overlap the wingers and create a dangerous threat down the left flank.
Despite playing as a defender, Carlos was also a goal-scoring machine. His left foot was legendary for its power and accuracy.
He could bend freekicks ways that seemed impossible.
Roberto Carlos joined Real Madrid in 1996 and quickly became a key player for the team.
He was a part of the famous Galactico era in Madrid. This meant he played alongside legends like Zidane, Ronaldo, Figo, and Beckham. But despite the star power of the team, Carlos was one of the most important players in that team.
His friendly nature and amazing skills made him a fan favorite at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
In 2007, Carlos departed from Madrid to join Fenerbahce. He played for a few different clubs before hanging up his boots in 2015.
Major Accolades
- With Real Madrid, Roberto Carlos won:
- four La Liga titles,
- three Supercopa de España,
- three UEFA Champions League,
- one UEFA Super Cup, and
- two Intercontinental Cups.
- With Fenerbahce, he won a Turkish Super Cup in 2007.
- 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.
3. Gerard Piqué
Gerard Piqué wore the number 3 jersey for:
Gerard Piqué is a true titan of Spanish soccer.
As a center-back, he had it all. He was a commanding presence as a center-back. Plus, Pique had a combination of strength, tackling ability, and amazing passing.
Gerard Pique started his career at Manchester United after he moved from La Masia in 2004.
But in 2008, he returned to Barcelona and became a vital part of Guardiola’s team. At Barcelona, Pique started wearing his iconic number 3 jersey.
Here, he would go on to win everything there was to win. In his 14 years at the club, Pique won 30 trophies.
Pique had a great career with Spain as well. He earned 102 caps and played a crucial role in the team’s triumphs at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012.
So, it’s not hard to see why Gerard Pique is one of the best soccer players to wear the number 3 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Barcelona, Pique won:
- nine La Liga titles,
- seven Copa del Rey,
- six Supercopa de España,
- three UEFA Champions League,
- two UEFA Super Cups, and
- three FIFA Club World Cups.
- With Spain, Pique won:
- the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and
- the 2012 UEFA European Championship.
- He won the La Liga Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2009.
- Pique won the La Liga Best Defender award in the 2009-10 season.
- He was a part of the La Liga Team of the Season twice.
- He was named in the UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament in 2012.
4. Ashley Cole
Ashley Cole has worn the number 3 jersey for:
- Arsenal FC
- Chelsea FC
- AS Roma
- Los Angeles Galaxy
- England
Ashley Cole is the greatest left-back in England’s history. And there’s no competition.
At his peak, Cole was the best at contributing offensively while being solid in defense.
He was initially drawn to scoring goals and attacking. But as his career progressed, Cole was influenced by players like Nigel Winterburn and Roberto Carlos.
He also had the privilege of playing under two of the greatest managers to ever live. Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho.
Ashley Cole’s career started at his boyhood club Arsenal. He rose through the ranks and became one of the main players of the team.
Cole was also a part of the iconic “Invincibles” team that went unbeaten in the 2003-04 season.
In 2006, Cole joined Chelsea in a controversial move. But that didn’t phase him.
He continued giving his best and won many more trophies with the Blues.
Cole is also one of the few players to reach 100 caps for England. He was part of England’s golden generation, who unfortunately couldn’t win any trophy.
Major Accolades
- With Arsenal, Cole won:
- two Premier League titles,
- three FA Cups. and
- two FA Community Shields.
- With Chelsea, Ashley Cole won:
- one Premier League title,
- four FA Cups,
- one EFL Cup,
- one UEFA Champions League, and
- one UEFA Europa League.
- PFA named him in the Team of the Year four times.
- He was a part of the UEFA Team of the Year twice.
- He won the Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year twice.
- Premier League inducted Cole into the Hall of Fame in 2024.
5. Giorgio Chiellini
Chiellini has worn the number 7 jersey for:
- AS Livorno
- Juventus FC
- Italy
Giorgio Chiellini was a master of the defensive art. He was an old school center-back in the modern era.
His positioning was impeccable and he was a powerhouse in the air.
Chiellini also had aggressiveness in heaps. So much so, that fans nicknamed him “King Kong”.
This aggressive style, coupled with his vocal leadership, made his teams full of confidence at the back.
But despite his aggressive tendencies, Chiellini was always calm under pressure. He rarely got caught out of position and made crucial tackles with a cool head.
Chiellini began his soccer journey with Livorno before joining Juventus in 2004.
He spent the majority of his career at Juventus, playing for 18 years for the team. During his time at Juventus, Chiellini won several Serie A titles, Italian Cups, and Super Cups.
He also formed one of the most solid defensive duos with Leonardo Bonucci for both Juventus and Italy.
Chiellini was also a key part of the Italian team. He made 117 appearances for Italy and helped them win the 2021 Euros.
You can see how Chiellini has had an immense influence on the success of Juventus and Italy. And that’s what makes him one of the best soccer players to wear the number 3 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Juventus, Chiellini won:
- nine Serie A titles,
- five Coppa Italia trophies, and
- five Supercoppa Italiana.
- With Italy, Chiellini won the 2020 UEFA Euros.
- He won the Serie A Defender of the Year three times.
- He was named in the Serie A Team of the Year five times.
- UEFA named him in the UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season twice.
- In 2017, Juventus included him in the Juventus Greatest XI of All Time.
6. Denis Irwin
Denis Irwin wore the number 3 soccer jersey for:
- Manchester United
- Republic of Ireland
Denis Irwin is the most underrated player on this list. After all, he earned the nickname “Mr. Dependable” for a reason.
Irwin’s consistency throughout his career was remarkable. He rarely missed games and consistently delivered high-quality performances.
Irwin was also a versatile player. He was primarily a left-back, but if needed, he could slot in to the right-back position.
This tactical flexibility proved invaluable to the success of Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United.
But it wasn’t all about defending for Denis Irwin. He was also a dangerous threat going forward.
He could deliver pinpoint crosses to the forwards and could even score goals when needed. To top it all off, Irwin was also great at set pieces, be it free kicks, corner kicks, or penalties.
Even if he wasn’t the flashiest player on the pitch, Denis Irwin is one of the best soccer players to wear number 3.
Major Accolades
- With Manchester United, Irwin won:
- seven Premier League titles,
- two FA Cups,
- one EFL Cup,
- one UEFA Champions League
- one European Cup Winners’ Cup,
- one European Super Cup, and
- one Intercontinental Cup.
- In 2007, PFA included him in the PFA Team of the Century.
- He was inducted into the English Hall of Fame in 2016.
7. Pepe
Pepe has worn the number 3 jersey while playing for:
- FC Porto
- Real Madrid
- Portugal
Next up on the list is ever-fiery Pepe.
Despite his short temper, Pepe has carved his name among the best defenders of his generation.
At Real Madrid, Pepe was famous for his quick, aggressive, and strong approach to defending.
But he wasn’t just about hard tackles. His work-rate was also among the best in the sport.
Pepe’s career flourished at Porto, but it was at Madrid where he became a superstar. During his ten seasons at Real Madrid, Pepe became a key player for Los Blancos.
Pepe was also an international hero with Portugal. He earned over 130 caps and was a key figure in their victorious Euro 2016 campaign.
He was even named the Man of the Match in the final of Euro 2016.
Now back at Porto in his twilight years, Pepe continues to be a vital part of their defense.
Major Accolades
- With Porto, Pepe has won:
- four Primeira Liga titles,
- four Taça de Portugal,
- three Supertaça Cândido de Oliveira, and
- one Intercontinental Cup.
- With Real Madrid, he has won:
- three La Liga titles,
- two Copa del Rey,
- two Supercopa de España,
- three UEFA Champions League,
- one UEFA Super Cup, and
- two FIFA Club World Cups.
- With Portugal, Pepe has won:
- the 2016 UEFA European Championship, and
- the 2018-19 UEFA Nations League.
8. Patrice Evra
Patrice Evra wore the number 3 jersey for:
- AS Monaco
- Manchester United
- France
Next up on the list is the Manchester United and French legend, Patrice Evra.
Evra was the definition of a modern day full-back.
He was as effective in attack as he was in defense.
His pace and stamina allowed him to overlap the wingers and deliver crosses to the attackers.
Evra was solid in defense too. His precise tackling made him a nightmare for forwards to get past.
His breakthrough came at Monaco, where he was named Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in 2003.
Then in 2006, Evra joined Manchester United under Sir Alex Ferguson.
During his time at United, Evra won several trophies including Premier League titles and UEFA Champions League.
He was also a fan-favorite at Old Trafford due to his charismatic personality.
Evra was also an important player for the French national team. He represented France in five major tournaments, including the Euros and World Cups.
Despite controversies and legal issues, Evra remains one of the best soccer players to wear the number 3 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Monaco, Evra won the Coupe de la Ligue in the 2002-03 season.
- With Manchester United, Evra won:
- five Premier League titles,
- three EFL Cups,
- one UEFA Champions League, and
- one FIFA Club World Cup.
- He won the UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year in the 2003-04 season.
- He was a part of the PFA Premier League Team of the Year three times.
- Evra was a part of the UEFA Team of the Year in 2009.
9. Lúcio
Lúcio wore the number 3 jersey for:
- Bayer 04 Leverkusen
- Bayern Munich
- São Paulo Futebol Clube
- Palmeiras
- FC Goa
- Brazil
Lucio enjoyed a remarkable career marked by unwavering dedication and defensive brilliance.
Lucio was a vocal leader on the pitch. He could easily marshall his defense and inspire confidence in his teammates.
Furthermore, his physical presence was immense. He was a force to be reckoned with in aerial battles and challenges.
But it wasn’t all about physicality with Lucio. His positional awareness and reading of the game were exceptional too.
While playing in Brazil, his defensive skills garnered attention from the European clubs.
This led to a transfer to the Bundesliga, where he played for Bayer Leverkusen.
In Europe, Lucio continued to shine.
Then in 2004, he made a big move to Bayern Munich, where he played for six years and won several domestic titles.
His journey in Europe reached its peak with a transfer to Inter Milan, where he won a treble in 2010. But Lucio didn’t wear the number 3 at Inter. Instead he chose to wear the number 6.
Lucio was also a vital part of Brazil national team’s success. Most notably, he helped the team win the 2002 World Cup.
Major Accolades
- With Bayern Munich, Lucio won:
- three Bundesliga titles, and
- three DFB-Pokal Cups.
- With Brazil, Lucio won
- the 2002 FIFA World Cup, and
- two FIFA Confederations Cups.
- kicker named him in the kicker Bundesliga Team of the Season for six years.
- He was also named in the ESM Team of the Year three times.
10. Rúben Dias
Rúben Dias has worn the number 3 jersey for:
- Manchester City
Since joining Manchester City, Dias become a cornerstone of their defense.
With his exceptional defensive skills, Ruben Dias has been a leader at the back for City. He’s also great in aerial duels, making him useful in both defense and attack.
His impact at City was immediate.
Dias helped the team win the league title and EFL Cup in his first season. That same season he also helped City reach the Champions League for the first time in their history.
Then in the 2022-23 season, Dias played a crucial role in completing City’s continental treble. That season, City won the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League.
With his talent and age, Ruben Dias has the potential to become one of the best players who wore the number 3 jersey.
Major Accolades
- With Manchester City, Ruben Dias has won:
- three Premier League titles,
- one FA Cup,
- one EFL Cup,
- one UEFA Champions League,
- one UEFA Super Cup, and
- one FIFA Club World Cup.
- Dias won the FWA Player of the Year award in 2020-21 season.
- He was a part of the PFA Team of the Year twice.
- He won the Manchester City and Premier League Player of the Season in 2020-21.
Honorable Mentions of Great Soccer Players Who Wore Number 3
Since the list was 10 of the best number 3s in soccer, some great players missed out.
So, here are the honorable mentions who just missed out.
- Fabinho. Wore the number 3 jersey for Liverpool FC.
- Thiago Silva. Wore number 3 for Brazil.
- Gareth Bale. Wore number 3 for Tottenham Hotspur.
- Kalidou Koulibaly. Wore number 3 for Senegal.
Thank You For Reading
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If you liked this article, check out other lists in this series:
- Best Soccer Players With The Number 2 Jersey
- 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
