Unlike most jersey numbers in the 20’s range, the number 28 has been worn by some of the most legendary players to ever grace the sport of soccer. It has become a badge of honor for these stars to wear this number and be associated with its history.
Here is my list of 10 soccer players who have proudly donned the number 28 jersey:
- Steven Gerrard
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cesar Azpilicueta
- Tomas Soucek
- Angus Gunn
- Mads Bidstrup
- Joe Willock
- Tanguy Ndombele
- Axel Witsel
- Giorgi Mamardashvili
I’m sure a couple of names in this list caught your eye, and you’ve probably seen them playing with the number 28. In this article, I’ll be discussing why these players have come to embody the number 28 jersey. We’ll look at what makes each of them unique and their memorable moments as a part of their career. So, let’s get into it!
Table of Contents
- 1) Steven Gerrard
- 2) Cristiano Ronaldo
- 3) Cesar Azpilicueta
- 4) Tomas Soucek
- 5) Angus Gunn
- 6) Mads Bidstrup
- 7) Joe Willock
- 8) Tanguy Ndombele
- 9) Axel Witsel
- 10) Giorgi Mamardashvili
1) Steven Gerrard
I could write an entire article about Steven Gerrard and his contribution to English soccer. Stevie G, as he’s fondly called, is a Liverpool legend with no equal. He’s also one of the most decorated players in Premier League history, having won numerous trophies for the side, as well as being named Player of the Year multiple times.
Gerrard was a leader and inspiration both on and off the pitch. His ability to dominate the midfield and mastery of the long-range goal made him a fan favorite. His most iconic moment came in the 2005 Champions League Final, when he single-handedly dragged his team back from 3-0 down to win the match and lift the trophy.
Although Gerrard is most famous for wearing the number 8, he did wear the number 28 during his first season with the club back in 1998-99. While it was short-lived, his time in the 28 jersey is still remembered fondly by Liverpool supporters as an example of his early greatness.
2) Cristiano Ronaldo
Now this is a shocker, isn’t it? The number 7 is synonymous with Cristiano Ronaldo, and it’s hard to find any other number associated with him. But before he became the global superstar he is today; he actually wore the number 28 jersey for a year.
It was during his time at Sporting CP that Ronaldo sported this number, and it was during this year that he made his breakthrough at the club. He was instrumental in defeating Manchester United 3–1 at the inauguration of the Estádio José Alvalade. Immediately after the match, Sir Alex Ferguson was in talks with Sporting to sign the young Portuguese star.
I won’t go at length about all that Ronaldo has done (that would take days!), but it’s safe to say that no matter how far he goes, the number 28 will always be remembered as his humble beginning.
3) Cesar Azpilicueta
Chelsea has seen its fair share of exceptional skippers – be it John Terry, Frank Lampard, or Pat Neavin. One such leader is Cesar Azpilicueta, who has shown his mettle time and time again since joining the club in 2012.
This Spanish defender is a model of consistency, having played in more than 500 matches for the Blues. His tactical awareness, positional sense, and excellent man-marking skills have been key to Chelsea’s success in recent years.
Under his captaincy, Chelsea has won the Europa League in 2019, the Champions League in 2021, and the FIFA Club World Cup in 2021. And the one thing that’s remained through all this success is his number 28 jersey, something that Azpilicueta has donned since the time he signed for the club.
Fun Fact: No other non-Enaglish person has made more appearances for Chelsea than Cesar Azpilicueta.
4) Tomas Soucek
The Czech Republic may not be the first nation that comes to mind as a soccer powerhouse, but Tomas Soucek has been doing his best to change that perception. The midfielder joined Premier League side West Ham United in 2020 and has been a revelation ever since.
If West Ham are called the Hammers, Soucek is their hammerhead. A powerful defender, his aerial prowess and tenacity in the midfield have been a key factor in West Ham’s success in recent years. In fact, he was even conferred with the ‘Hammer of the Year’ award by the club for his scintillating performance in the 2020-21 season.
5) Angus Gunn
Goalkeepers often choose the number 1 jersey, but Angus Gunn decided to go with a different route – the number 28. He joined Southampton in 2018 and went on to become the club’s first choice goalkeeper for the next two years.
During his Premier League debut for the club against Chelsea, he was awarded Man of the Match for several vital saves. His great reflexes, agility and acrobatic dives made him a fan favorite in no time.
In 2021, he permanently returned to his home club Norwich City where he still sports the number 28 jersey.
6) Mads Bidstrup
Danish midfielder Mads Bidstrup is a number 28 prodigy who has been turning heads in the soccer world for some time now. He joined Premier League club Brentford in 2020, and then moved to Danish Superliga club Nordsjælland on loan for the 2022-23 season.
Personally, I think that Mads is one of the most technically gifted players on the team, and his pressing ability and pace have garnered appreciation from Brentford manager Thomas Frank himself. Although he’s not won any major titles yet, the 22-year-old is already a star in his own right.
7) Joe Willock
Usually, I try to put clips or highlights at the end of each section, but Joe Willock’s performance as number 28 with Newcastle United was just so spectacular that you need to watch it before reading further. Check out the comment section to see just how much love the fans have for him.
Willock joined the Premier League side in 2021 as loan from Arsenal and has already earned himself a legion of admirers. His ability to find the back of the net from range, creativity, and dribbling skills are beautiful to watch.
Did you know: Willock is the youngest player in Premier League history to score in 6 consecutive league games, a record previously held by Romelu Lukaku.
8) Tanguy Ndombele
Tottenham Hotspur’s number 28, Tanguy Ndombele, is a powerful midfielder who can do it all. He joined the London side in 2019, and since then has been integral to Spurs’ resurgence. He’s currently on loan to SSC Napoli, where he’s picked up the Italian side’s impressive form since his arrival.
The Frenchman is a great ball-winner and an excellent passer. Imagine whisking the ball away from N’Golo Kante and Thiago Silva, two of the best defensive midfielders in the world, and doing it while they’re both on you at the same time! That’s exactly what Ndombele did during a Premier League match against Chelsea.
Make sure you watch this iconic clip right here.
9) Axel Witsel
Axel Witsel, the man who’s played for clubs in Belgium (Standard Liège), Portugal (Benfica), Russia (Zenit Saint Petersburg), China (Tianjin Quanjian), Germany (Borussia Dortmund), and Spain (Atletico Madrid). Talk about traveling the world!
Witsel plays as a defensive midfielder, and his ability to break up opposition plays with ease is something that few can match. He was the number 28 player in Dortmund from 2018 onwards, before he made the move to Atletico Madrid in 2022.
With a host of trophies under his belt such as the Belgian Super Cup, the Russian Super Cup, and the German Super Cup, Witsel has cemented himself as one of the most fantastic midfielders to ever play in Europe.
10) Giorgi Mamardashvili
Another goalkeeper who wears the number 28 jersey is Giorgi Mamardashvili of La Liga club Valencia. One of the brightest prospects in Russian soccer, Giorgi has been mesmerizing with his sharp reflexes and excellent positioning.
Mamardashvili played for Locomotive Tbilisi during the UEFA Europa League in 2020, and garnered attention from all around the world for his incredible saves. You might like to know that he was even awarded the ‘Best Goalkeeper of the Year’ award from the Georgian Football Federation for that year!
As part of Valencia’s 2022-23 season, Giorgi has kept 7 clean sheets in the Spanish top-flight, along with several impressive saves that have cemented him as a promising goalkeeper. Plus, he’s only 22, so the sky’s the limit for this one!
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