The story of the number 24 jersey is one of obscurity, especially in Brazilian soccer circles. In fact, local players actively avoid it due to the number being used as a homophobic slur. Despite this, there have been a few brave and talented players who’ve managed to make the number 24 their own and gave it the respect it deserves.
Here is my list of the players who have worn the number 24 jersey:
- Andres Iniesta
- Yaya Toure
- Yerry Mina
- Cheick Tiote
- Lorenzo Insigne
- Reece James
- Gary Cahill
- Roger Garcia
- Gareth Barry
- Joe Allen
In this article, you’ll learn more about these outstanding players and why they made number 24 so remarkable. I’ll take you through their greatest accomplishments, their unique playing styles, and their lasting legacy on the pitch and beyond. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- 1) Andres Iniesta
- 2) Yaya Touré
- 3) Yerry Mina
- 4) Cheick Tiote
- 5) Lorenzo Insigne
- 6) Reece James
- 7) Gary Cahill
- 8) Roger Garcia
- 9) Gareth Barry
- 10) Joe Allen
1) Andres Iniesta
When I say Barcelona, the first player to come to your mind is probably Lionel Messi. But for many, Andres Iniesta is the club’s true hero. With a decorated 22-year long career at the Camp Nou, the Spaniard established himself as one of the greatest midfielders to ever play the game.
Iniesta was the creative force behind Barcelona’s golden generation, and his ability to control the flow of a match made him invaluable. He is responsible for some of the most memorable goals in the club’s history, including his legendary finish to win the 2010 World Cup for Spain (perhaps one of the most iconic moments in the history of soccer).
It was during 2003-2007 that he really began to shine, and it was in this period that Iniesta made the number 24 shirt synonymous with excellence. Although he later switched to the famous number 8 (for Barcelona, as well as his current club, Vissel Kobe in Japan) his legacy in the number 24 jersey will never be forgotten.
2) Yaya Touré
Yaya Touré is another player who made number 24 his own. Considered one of the best African players of all time, Touré was a force to be reckoned with during his peak. His combination of strength, power, and technical ability made him one of the most complete midfielders in recent memory.
His greatest achievement came when he helped Manchester City win the Premier League title in 2012. After a commanding performance throughout the season, Touré was voted African Footballer of the Year for that year. In fact, Touré was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014. Now that’s something special!
Fun Fact: It was during his time with Barcelona that Touré wore the number 24 shirt. When he moved to Manchester City, he wore the reverse of this number (42), since 24 was already taken up by Patrick Vieira.
3) Yerry Mina
Let’s now talk about someone who shares a record for the most number of goals in a single FIFA World Cup by a defender (3 goals, all headers, in the 2018 World Cup). I’m talking about none other than Yerry Mina – the Colombian colossus.
Mina was a rock at the back for Barcelona and Everton, and his powerful aerial presence and physicality made him a beast on the pitch. He is also known for his eccentric celebrations, often involving synchronized dance moves. If you haven’t seen it, you need to check it out below.
The number 24 jersey was Mina’s choice of shirt while he was at Barcelona. Although he was only there for one season, it’s worth noting that Mina was the first-ever Colombian to play for the Spanish giants.
4) Cheick Tiote
Another player who excelled while wearing the number 24 jersey is Cheick Tiote. The Ivorian midfielder made a name for himself during his time with Newcastle United and is especially remembered for his lung-busting box-to-box runs.
Tiote was renowned for being an incredibly physical presence in midfield, and his tackling ability was second to none. His most memorable (and only) goal with Newcastle came in 2011, when he equalised with a spectacular 25-yard volley against Arsenal. Watch the iconic goal below.
Sadly, Tiote passed away in 2017 due to a heart attack. He was playing for Beijing Enterprises at the time, where he had adopted the number 24 shirt. The club retired the number in honor of their former player.
5) Lorenzo Insigne
We can’t talk about the number 24 greats without mentioning “Lorenzo Il Magnifico” – Lorenzo the Magnificent (as he is fondly called). The Italian left-winger was a fan favorite at Napoli, and one of the most exciting players to watch in Serie A.
Insigne is renowned for his incredible dribbling skills and lightning-fast feet, both of which make him an absolute nightmare for defenders to handle. I’m always awestruck by how this man has a remarkable ability to score goals from all angles and distances. No wonder he’s often compared to Diego Maradona, another former Napoli legend.
When it comes to titles, Insigne has won the Coppa Italia (twice) and Supercoppa Italiana with Napoli, while also being part of the Italian team that won the UEFA Euro 2020. In 2022, he made the decision to move to Toronto FC in the MLS, where he continues to sport the number 24 jersey.
6) Reece James
Young, talented, and a rising star – those are the words that best describe English right-back Reece James. The 23-year-old has made quite a name for himself as one of the best defenders in the English top flight.
His defensive skills are top-notch, however, what has impressed people the most is his passing and crossing abilities. His ability to whip in deadly crosses from out wide has been a major weapon for Chelsea, and he’s earned rave reviews for his set-piece delivery.
James had a breakout season with Chelsea in 2020/21 and was voted PFA Young Player of the Year for that season. He’s already won the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup with the Blues, which is quite remarkable.
7) Gary Cahill
Another Blue to have worn the number 24 jersey is Gary Cahill. The English center back was a key member of the Chelsea team that won multiple trophies between 2011 and 2018. His leadership and defensive awareness made him an integral part of the team.
Imagine winning the UEFA Champions League on your debut season with a club – that’s exactly what Cahill achieved with Chelsea in 2012 (which was also the club’s first Champions League title).
Cahill retired from international football in 2018 after a successful nine-year career with England, which saw him make 61 appearances and score 5 goals. The defender is currently with AFC Bournemouth, where he still proudly wears the number 24 shirt.
8) Roger Garcia
Not many would know who Roger Garcia is, since the Spanish midfielder had a rather short professional career plagued by injuries. But the few years he did spend playing football were all about excellence and hard work.
Garcia spent much of his career at Barcelona, having been part of its youth ranks since 1994. Known for his strong shot and ability to pick out a pass, Garcia was an important number 24 player for the Catalan giants.
9) Gareth Barry
The English midfield maestro of Villa, Everton, West Bromwich Albion, and Manchester City fame could easily go down as one of the most reliable players to ever wear the number 24 shirt (although he did only wear it during the 97/98 season with Aston Villa). Garth Barry is Premier League’s most-capped player, having made 653 appearances in his illustrious career.
Barry’s ability to read the game, intercept passes, and launch attacks from deep make him one of the most underrated players of his generation. He was part of the City team during the 2011–12 season, when the club won its first league title in 44 years.
Did you know: Barry scored the 2000th international goal for England in 1-0 friendly win over Sweden in 2011.
10) Joe Allen
When it comes to the unsung heroes of soccer, Joe Allen is a name I believe often gets overlooked. The Welsh midfielder has had a career that has taken him to several clubs, including Swansea City, Liverpool, Stoke City, and now back to Swansea City.
Allen’s most memorable achievements came during his time at Swansea City, where he played a vital role in their promotion to the Premier League. After leaving Swansea, he joined Liverpool where he became a key player under Brendan Rodgers.
Dubbed “The Welsh Xavi” due to his excellent passing ability and his calmness on the ball, he has remained a reliable and valuable player throughout his career and has proudly worn the number 24 jersey for both Liverpool FC and Swansea City.
