Soccer is a game where numbers mean something. They are both referred to as a reference point and an identifier of the player’s position, performance, and on-field style of play. One such number is the 27 jersey – a lucky charm to the few players who have been chosen to wear it.
Here are the 10 soccer players who have been custodians of the number 27 jersey:
- Jérôme Boateng
- Iker Casillas
- Lucas Moura
- Marquinhos
- Divock Origi
- Lucas Digne
- Wout Weghorst
- Darwin Núñez
- Rafa Silva
- Krepin Diatta
These players are a diverse bunch; from the seasoned veteran Iker Casillas to the young gun Krepin Diatta, each one of them has worn the number 27 jersey with pride. In this article, we’ll take a look at their individual stories and how they managed to make an impact while wearing the 27 jerseys. So, let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
- 1) Jérôme Boateng
- 2) Iker Casillas
- 3) Lucas Moura
- 4) Marquinhos
- 5) Divock Origi
- 6) Lucas Digne
- 7) Wout Weghorst
- 8) Darwin Núñez
- 9) Rafa Silva
- 10) Krepin Diatta
1) Jérôme Boateng
The Bundesliga has had its fair share of superstars, but few can match the defensive prowess displayed by Jérôme Boateng. The German international has had a long and illustrious career, playing for the likes of Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the process.
His tough tackling technique and unwavering on-field presence ensured that he was always in the right place at the right time. In addition, his remarkable passing range and vision added even more value to his team’s overall performance.
Although Boateng previously donned the number 27 shirt while playing for Hertha BSC II and Olympique Lyon, it was during his tenure with Bayern Munich that he truly stood out. Boateng’s unwavering presence and contribution to the team’s defense led them to win numerous Bundesliga titles and make it to two Champions League finals.
2) Iker Casillas
Without a doubt, one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time, Iker Casillas is a living legend. ‘San Iker’ (Saint Iker), as he is affectionately known, began his career at Real Madrid and quickly made a name for himself. He was the undisputed number one for Los Blancos, making over 650 appearances during his 25-year tenure with the Spanish powerhouse.
Split-second reactions, lightning reflexes and an incredible ability to save seemingly impossible attempts on goal – these are just a few of the qualities that made Iker Casillas one of the best goalkeepers ever.
Casillas went on to achieve a total of five La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey titles and four IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper awards during his career. Although he wore the number 27 jersey only briefly for Madrid during the 1999-00 season, it was enough to etch its name in the annals of soccer history.
3) Lucas Moura
Lucas Moura, the talented Brazilian soccer player, is another number 27 stalwart. He started his professional career with Sao Paulo in 2005 and soon became one of the most electrifying attackers of his time.
What sets Moura apart from his peers is his dynamic and rapid style of play, as well as his daring nature to turn difficult situations into scoring opportunities. It was these outstanding qualities that drew the attention of Paris Saint-Germain, who signed him for a staggering €45 million after his successful stint with Sao Paulo.
Following five years of dominating the French Ligue 1, Tottenham Hotspur brought him onboard in 2018, handing him the number 27 jersey. Over the course of his career, Moura has achieved some remarkable feats, from winning the Trophée des Champions five times to being a finalist in the UEFA Champions League with Spurs. His soccer journey has been nothing short of exceptional.
4) Marquinhos
Continuing with Paris Saint-Germain’s talented players, let me now draw attention to their captain Marcos Aoás Corrêa, fondly known as Marquinhos. The Brazilian soccer player made his way to Ligue 1 in 2013 and has been a vital cog in the team ever since.
Marquinhos’ skillful defending and strong leadership have played a crucial role in PSG’s recent triumphs. He has helped secure seven league titles and twelve domestic cups, earning himself the third-highest number of appearances for Los Blancos.
Not only has Marquinhos excelled at club level, but he has also represented the Brazilian national team with distinction. He even captained the squad during the 2018 FIFA World Cup when Thiago Silva was sidelined with an injury.
5) Divock Origi
Do you know who the youngest goal-scorer in Belgian World Cup history is? It’s none other than Divock Origi, the talented forward from AC Milan.
Origi’s rise to prominence started in 2014 when he joined Lille OSC, and soon enough his goalscoring exploits began to attract attention from Europe’s biggest clubs. His exceptional dribbling and natural goal-scoring ability were quickly noticed by Premier League giants Liverpool, who signed him up in 2014.
While in Liverpool, he was part of the 2019-20 Premier League winning squad and earned the club’s first league title after 30 years! After 8 dedicated years with The Reds, he moved to AC Milan where he continues to make waves at Serie A.
6) Lucas Digne
Lucas Digne is widely acknowledged as one of the most versatile defenders in contemporary soccer. His unique talent lies in his ability to venture forward while maintaining a strong defensive presence. He kicked off his professional career in 2011 with Lille OSC and soon became one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
Throughout his illustrious career, Digne has played for several of Europe’s top soccer clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona, and Everton. He has also been an essential part of the French national team and was instrumental in helping them win the Nations League in 2021.
Digne’s humanitarian work is just as impressive as his soccer skills. He has been actively involved in multiple initiatives to support underprivileged and disadvantaged children, and I can say without question that he is a true honorable ambassador of the number 27 jersey.
7) Wout Weghorst
The next number 27 soccer star that I want to talk about is Wout Weghorst, the Dutch forward from EFL Championship club Burnley. This powerful striker began his career in the Netherlands with RKSV NEO, and he soon established himself as one of the country’s most prolific goal-scorers.
In 2016, Weghorst began a journey that would take him to some of Europe’s biggest and most admired clubs. He moved from AZ Alkmaar to Wolfsburg, and then later on to Burnley. Throughout his career, Weghorst has consistently showcased why he is one of the best strikers in Europe.
Weghorst is a 3-time Top Goal Scorer and was part of the Manchester United team (where he’s currently on loan from Burnley) that won the EFL Cup in 2023. His trademark goalscoring technique and powerful finishing have made this Dutchman a fan favorite wherever he has gone.
8) Darwin Núñez
I remember watching the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches of Uruguay and seeing Darwin Núñez light up the field with his electrifying performances. Although it was heartbreaking to see the team being eliminated from the group stages, it did not take away from the sheer brilliance of Núñez’s displays.
Núñez has been incredibly consistent throughout his professional career, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe. His impressive goalscoring record and superb technical ability have seen him move from the Uruguayan Primera Division to the Premier League, where he currently plays for Liverpool.
I’m not going to say more, but here’s a video that shows just how lightning fast Núñez can be with his feet, as well as his incredible agility and ball control.
9) Rafa Silva
Rafa Silva is a Portuguese international and one of the most exciting wingers in world soccer. Starting his professional career with Feirense for the season’s Taça da Liga, he quickly established himself as a threat to defenders with his quick feet and agile movement.
Silva has proved to be an outstanding performer both at the international level and the Primeira Liga. Presently playing for Benfica, one of the most decorated soccer clubs globally, he has been a key contributor to the team’s multiple Portuguese titles and cup victories, showcasing his mesmerizing dribbling skills.
Unfortunately, Portugal suffered a blow when Silva announced his retirement from international duty in 2022, following his instrumental role in leading his country to UEFA Nations League glory. I still look forward to watching his matches for Benfica, as he wears the number 27 jersey with pride and honor.
10) Krepin Diatta
The final soccer player I want to mention wearing the number 27 jersey is Krepin Diatta, a Senegalese winger who currently plays for the Ligue 1 club Monaco. Known for his blistering pace and excellent dribbling ability, Diatta has been a part of some of the best performances from Monaco in recent years.
Regarded as one of Africa’s most promising soccer prospects, Diatta was also a key member of the Danish Club Brugge team that won a home game in the 2018–19 UEFA Europa League round of 32.
I can say without question that this man is gradually but surely evolving into one of the most lethal goal scorers in European soccer.
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