Pelé and the magic of the number 10 shirt | OneFootball

Alongside all of the goals, the trophies and the records, the worldwide myth that surrounds the number 10 shirt can be traced back to Pelé, who wore the number for Brazil, Santos, and New York Cosmos.

The famous number has weighed down many, especially Brazilians, since.

But those who have carried the weight of it only serve to build on Pelé’s legacy. Zico was the first to come close to Pelé’s greatness as Brazil’s number 10. He has been followed by the magic of the likes of Rivaldo, Kaká, Ronaldinho and Neymar in recent generations.

And the meaning the number carries has gone far beyond Brazilian shores.

Diego Maradona reached similar immortality as the Argentina number 10 that inspired an entire nation to World Cup glory in 1986. Lionel Messi has followed in his footsteps, especially at club level with Barcelona.

Wayne Rooney, serenaded as “the White Pelé” by Manchester United fans, wore the number as he became the all-time top goalscorer for both club and country.

The world mourns Pelé but, as part of his legacy, the magic of the number 10 will remain central to football mythology, forever.