The number 29 jersey is one of the lesser-known numbers in soccer, but for a select few players, it holds great significance. Since its inception, this jersey number has been worn by some amazing stars and those wearing it have come to be associated with excellence on the pitch.
Take a look at my list of 10 soccer players who have proudly donned the number 29 jersey:
- Kylian Mbappe
- Aaran Wan-Bissaka
- Manuel Lazzari
- Alvaro Odriozola
- Kai Havertz
- Robert Skov
- Robert Huth
- Cucho Hernandez
- Patson Daka
- Mads Bech Sørensen
Some of them are world-famous while others may not be as well known, but these players have all made a lasting impact on the game. In this article, I’ll be discussing why each of them has come to embody the number 29 jersey. If you’re interested in learning more about these stars, keep reading!
Table of Contents
- 1) Kylian Mbappé
- 2) Aaran Wan-Bissaka
- 3) Manuel Lazzari
- 4) Alvaro Odriozola
- 5) Kai Havertz
- 6) Robert Skov
- 7) Robert Huth
- 8) Cucho Hernandez
- 9) Patson Daka
- 10) Mads Bech Sørensen
1) Kylian Mbappé
After the 2022 World Cup at Qatar, Kylian Mbappé has become a household name across the globe. The man single-handedly propelled France to the finals, displaying skill and finesse that belied his 24 years of age. He has since cemented himself as one of the greatest players in the world.
Although Mbappé currently wears the iconic number 7 of his idol Cristiano Ronaldo, he wore the number 29 at AS Monaco, where he began his rise to stardom. During this time, he emerged as a prodigy and soon became one of the most sought-after players in the world. He also wore the 29 in his first season with Paris-Saint Germain, even winning his first league title that year.
With a whole cabinet of trophies, awards & accolades to his name, it’s no surprise that Mbappé is one of the most distinguished players who have worn the 29 jersey.
Interesting Fact: In the hit song “Ramenez la coupe à la maison” (“Bring the Cup Back Home”) by French musician Vegedream, there’s a verse about Kylian Mbappé and his playing style. Watch it right here, it’s quite catchy.
2) Aaran Wan-Bissaka
Aaran Wan-Bissaka, the English right-back who currently plays for one of the most prestigious clubs in the world, Manchester United. Before his move to Old Trafford in 2019, he was a regular in the Crystal Palace side, wearing the number 29. As a young defender, he proved to be an incredible asset for The Eagles and soon caught the eye of some of the top clubs in England.
Known for his exceptional defensive skills, Wan-Bissaka can effortlessly anticipate and neutralize his opponents’ tactics. He also provides a reliable attacking option for his team through his consistent crossing abilities down the flank.
In 2018, Wan-Bissaka was named Crystal Palace’s Player of the Month for August, September, October, & March. He was also honored with the Crystal Palace Player of the Year award for his performance in 2019.
3) Manuel Lazzari
The world of soccer has seen some amazing right-backs over the years – Cafu & Lilian Thuram immediately come to my mind. But right up there with these legends is Manuel Lazzari. The Lazio star has been lighting up Serie A with his consistent performances and has become one of the most valuable players in Italy.
Lazzari started his career with SPAL, where he was instrumental in getting them promoted twice – from Lega Pro to the illustrious Serie A. His dribbling prowess and pinpoint crosses earned him many admirers and eventually caught the attention of Lazio. He then made the move to Rome in 2019 and has since been a key part of Maurizio Sarri’s side.
I see wonderful things for this player and I’m sure the number 29 will be inextricably linked to his career for years to come.
4) Alvaro Odriozola
Alvaro Odriozola is widely regarded as one of Spain’s most promising players in the current era. After progressing through the Spanish youth ranks, he made his debut for Real Sociedad in 2017 while wearing the number 29 jersey. His impressive displays caught the attention of reigning champions Real Madrid, who signed him in 2018.
At Madrid, Odriozola quickly established himself as an exceptional right-back. His combination of pace and skill made him a threat to any defense, and he scored two goals for the club in his first season.
In 2020, he was loaned to Bayern Munich for the remainder of the 2019–20 season. Maybe not the best move by Madrid, as he went on to win the UEFA Champions League with the Bavarians that year.
5) Kai Havertz
I can’t tell you enough how much I love this kid. Kai Havertz has been nothing short of sensational since making his professional debut for Leverkusen in 2016. His speed, agility and technical ability have been perfectly complemented by his creative vision and flair.
The 23-year old German forward was the club’s youngest-ever debutant in the Bundesliga and even the youngest-ever goal scorer. He moved to Chelsea in 2020 and let me tell you – the Blues were in for a treat. With them, Havertz won the 2020–21 UEFA Champions League, 2021 UEFA Super Cup, & the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup
This number 29 prodigy has been compared to the likes of Mesut Özil, Tony Kroos, and Thomas Müller. It’s safe to say that he is definitely one of the best players in the world right now, and he has earned every bit of success.
Fun Fact: Kai Havertz chose the number 29 during his time at Leverkusen and Chelsea as homage to his brother. They used to play FIFA & PES together as children, and his brother would always create characters with the number 29 jersey. How sweet is that?
6) Robert Skov
Scoring via free kick is one of the most satisfying things in soccer, and no one executes it better than Robert Skov. The Danish midfielder has been making waves at Hoffenheim since his move in 2019 and has become one of the best players in the Bundesliga.
Skov’s ability to deliver pin-point crosses and deadly accurate shots from dead-ball situations makes him a major asset to any team. Watch this clip of November 2019’s Goal of the Month – by none other than Skov himself.
He is currently one of the most talented midfielders in European soccer, and the number 29 jersey has only added to his allure.
7) Robert Huth
Ok, let’s take a step back and pay homage to one of the greats. Robert Huth is one of the most decorated defenders in Premier League history. He’s won two Premier League titles with Chelsea (2005, 2006), and another with Leicester City (2016).
The German center-back was known for his no-nonsense approach to defending and became a fan favorite. He was always willing to put his body on the line and had a knack for emerging victorious in one-on-one battles.
Apart from his club success, Huth also earned 19 caps for Germany and scored two goals. He wore the number 29 jersey while he was at Chelsea, and I’m sure it’s a number that will always bring back fond memories for him.
Did you know: Robert Huth holds the record for most Premier League appearances by a German player – 322!
8) Cucho Hernandez
Cucho Hernández is a 23-year old Colombian forward who’s been making a name for himself in Europe. He’s played for various clubs in the Spanish top-flight, and is currently turning heads at the MLS club Columbus Crew.
Hernandez is a pure striker – fast & agile, with lethal finishing skills. He’s already scored 9 goals in the MLS, which is impressive considering he’s just had 17 appearances so far.
In addition to his club achievements, Hernandez is also a part of the Colombia national team and has already scored twice in just 3 games. I would say that his most memorable performance came during the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup when he scored a hat-trick against Tahiti. A strong candidate for the number 29 club!
9) Patson Daka
The Foxes, as Leicester City are fondly known, have a lot of gems in their squad – one of them being Patson Daka. This young Zambian forward came to prominence when he propelled Red Bull Salzberg to four Austrian Bundesliga titles and three Austrian Cups.
Now playing for Leicester, Daka is proving to be a great asset. His quick feet and raw pace make him almost impossible to mark, and his eye for goal is quite impressive.
Daka’s currently sitting at 8 goals in 41 games for Leicester, and if he continues like this, he could very well become the next face of Zambian soccer.
10) Mads Bech Sørensen
Last, but not least on this list is Mads Bech Sørensen – a Danish defender who’s currently on loan to Eredivisie club Groningen from Brentford FC.
Sørensen is a towering figure at the back and very good in the air. Although you may not always see his name on the score-sheet, it’s rarely a match when you don’t spot him making important interceptions and blocks.
He’s represented Denmark at various youth-levels, and I do hope to see him playing for the senior team soon. Maybe wearing the same number 29 jersey he wears for Brentford FC!
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