10 Soccer Players Who Wore Number 18 (Incredible Players)

Perhaps one of the most unassuming and humble numbers in soccer is the number 18. From the stands, it hardly stands out when compared to more iconic digits like 10 and 7 — but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some seriously impressive players who have donned the proverbial eighteen shirt.

Here is my list of incredible soccer players who have immortalized the number 18 jersey:

1. Jordi Alba
2. Paul Scholes
3. Jürgen Klinsmann
4. Gareth Bale
5. Nacho Monreal
6. Ashley Young
7. Chris Wondolowski
8. Miroslav Klose
9. Takehiro Tomiyasu
10. Lionel Messi

In this article, you’ll learn more about these legends and why they made number 18 so memorable. 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) Jordi Alba
• 2) Paul Scholes
• 3) Jürgen Klinsmann
• 4) Gareth Bale
• 5) Nacho Monreal
• 6) Ashley Young
• 7) Chris Wondolowski
• 8) Miroslav Klose
• 9) Takehiro Tomiyasu
• 10) Lionel Messi

1) Jordi Alba

First, let me start off with Jordi Alba – the captain of the Spanish national team and one of the best left-backs in the world. Alba plays for Barcelona, and he has been a key member of the team since his return in 2012.

Alba plays with a passionate and dynamic style that has been compared to the all-time greats of the position such as Roberto Carlos and Paolo Maldini. His defensive prowess combined with technical ability has seen him become a favorite amongst soccer fans throughout the years.

He has won five La Liga titles, five Copa del Rey titles, one UEFA Champions League, and has made 3 FIFA World Cup appearances. If anyone has donned the number 18 jersey with distinction and pride, it’s Jordi Alba.

2) Paul Scholes

If you’ve ever seen Paul Scholes play, you know why he makes this list. A stalwart in the Manchester United midfield for years, Scholes won numerous trophies with the Red Devils and was an integral member of the team.

Scholes is known for his astute passing and creative vision on the pitch, and his goal-scoring ability was almost unmatched. He scored over 150 goals for Manchester United in more than 700 appearances and is widely recognized as one of the best midfielders of his era.

He famously scored the winning goal in the 1999 Champions League final and was part of Manchester United’s treble-winning team in 1999. He won 11 Premier League titles, 3 FA Cups, and 2 UEFA Champions Leagues with Manchester United, cementing his place amongst the greatest to ever wear the number 18.

3) Jürgen Klinsmann

I watched a clip of Jürgen Klinsmann’s legendary bicycle kick goal against Bayern Munich in the 1987–88 Bundesliga and I was absolutely mesmerized. Klinsmann, who wore number 18 for most of his career, was a striker who had it all — incredible pace, pinpoint accuracy with his shots, and an undeniable eye for goal.

Klinsmann played for clubs like VfB Stuttgart, Inter Milan, and even Bayern Munich (the team he scored that famous bicycle kick against!). He also had an illustrious international career, having scored in all the six major tournaments he played in.

After his playing career, Klinsmann went on to coach teams like the U.S national team as well as the German national team.

Did you know: In 2004, FIFA included Klinsmann in their list of “125 Greatest Living Footballers“. He was also made an honorary captain of the German national team in 2016.

4) Gareth Bale

If you’re a soccer fan, you definitely know who Gareth Bale is, and for good reason. A Welsh winger who played for Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid, Bale was an absolute sensation. His pace and skill combined with his deadly left foot made him one of the most feared players on the pitch.

Although he played as number 11 for Tottenham Hotspur, it was during his time with Real Madrid that he wore the number 18 jersey and had some of his best years. 5 UEFA Champions Leagues, 4 FIFA Club World Cups, 3 UEFA European Super Cups, 3 La Liga titles, 1 Copa del Rey and 3 Spanish Super Cups – this guy was a beast!

Fun Fact: During his time with Real Madrid, he was part of the deadly trio known as BBC (Bale, Benzema, and Cristiano Ronaldo).

5) Nacho Monreal

Although not as well-known as the players mentioned above, Nacho Monreal deserves a mention on this list. A Spanish left-back who played for both Arsenal and Real Sociedad, Monreal was an excellent left-back who could also play as a center back.

Monreal was known for his defensive ability and crossing, and he was a vital part of Arsenal’s defense for years. He’s made close to 251 appearances for the Gunners (which was when he wore the number 18 jersey) and even scored a few goals here and there.

6) Ashley Young

Pace, agility, and ability to drive forward with the ball – that’s Ashley Young in a nutshell. The club captain of the Villans (Aston Villa), Young made a name for himself by playing in the Premier League for over 12 years with clubs like Watford, Manchester United, and now Aston Villa.

Young was known for his versatility and playing on the wings, but he also had a knack for scoring some truly stunning goals. With over 157 appearances for Aston Villa and close to 192 for Manchester United, Young was a menace to strikers and one of the most energetic players I’ve ever seen on a pitch.

7) Chris Wondolowski

I’ve taken you through soccer players from Germany, England, Spain and now it’s time we talk about a number 18 prodigy from the U.S. – Chris Wondolowski! Born in California, Wondo (as he’s popularly known) is an American soccer player who has spent most of his career playing in the MLS.

Wondo made a name for himself by scoring an incredible number of goals (close to 171) for clubs like San Jose Earthquakes and Houston Dynamo. This makes him the highest goal-scorer in the competition’s history!

He’s also had a decent international career, having represented the U.S at three CONCACAF Gold Cups (even winning the 2013 one!), and being part of the 2014 FIFA World Cup squad.

8) Miroslav Klose

The man, the myth, the legend – Miroslav Klose! This German striker was known for his lethal finishing and goal-scoring prowess. Every single time I watch one of his goals, I’m left speechless and mesmerized.

Klose is Germany’s all-time highest goal scorer with a total of 71 goals. He also holds the record for most World Cup goals scored with a total of 16. He was part of the team that won the 2014 FIFA World Cup, having scored twice for ‘Die Mannschaft’ in the tournament.

It was during his time with FC Bayern Munich that Klose donned the number 18 jersey. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest soccer players to have ever graced a pitch – no doubt about that!

Note: Klose also wore the number 11 jersey as part of the German national team. Check out my article here to learn more.

9) Takehiro Tomiyasu

Asia has had limited success in world soccer, but when it comes to Takehiro Tomiyasu, you can’t help but be impressed by his ability. This Japanese defender currently plays for Arsenal in the Premier League and he’s been an absolute rock at the back.

Exceptional foot-work, defensive awareness, and passing ability – Tomiyasu is a complete defender who can play anywhere across the backline. He’s already made over 37 appearances for the Gunners, all the while wearing the number 18 jersey with pride.

Tomiyasu also plays for the Japanese national team and was part of the 26-man squad that competed in the 2022 FIFA World Cup at Qatar.

10) Lionel Messi

What? This can’t be true! Everyone knows that Lionel Messi wears the iconic number 10 – right? Well, what you might not know is that this Argentinian superstar started his career wearing the number 18 for Argentina’s youth team. Believe me, this was a surprise to me too! (https://www.transfermarkt.co.in/argentinien-u20/startseite/verein/11940/saison_id/2004)

Messi needs no introduction – this god of soccer has achieved everything there is to achieve in the game. He’s won the World Cup, European Championships, and is the highest goal scorer in the history of Barcelona (672 goals!). He’s also won a record 7 Ballon d’Ors – an incredible feat!

If Messi donning the number 18 isn’t enough to convince you that this jersey is something special, then I don’t know what else will!