The number 13 is often considered unlucky in popular culture, but in the world of football, it has been worn by some of the game’s most reliable and influential players. Far from being a curse, this jersey has become a badge of honor for those confident enough to take it on. Several famous soccer players have worn the number 13 jersey, with Michael Ballack being a notable example, particularly for his time with the German national team and clubs like Chelsea and Bayern Munich. Others include Thomas Müller, N’Golo Kanté, and top-tier goalkeepers such as Keylor Navas and Jan Oblak. Don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get their legendary jerseys at affordable prices.

Breakdown of Top 10 Famous Number 13 Soccer Players in This Article:

Michael Ballack
Thomas Müller
Maicon
Rafinha
N’Golo Kanté
Alfredo Di Stéfano
Alessandro Nesta
David Ospina
Keylor Navas
Jan Oblak

1. Michael Ballack

A complete midfielder, Michael Ballack wore number 13 throughout his career for club and country. He was known for his aerial strength, leadership, and goal-scoring ability from midfield. Ballack captained Germany during multiple major tournaments and played a key role in their run to the 2002 World Cup final.

8-time domestic league winner across Bundesliga and Premier League
Champions League runner-up with Bayer Leverkusen and Chelsea
Scored 42 goals in 98 caps for Germany, an exceptional midfield record

German midfielder dominating central play with powerful presence (Image: The Independent)

2. Thomas Müller

A modern icon of German football, Thomas Müller has worn number 13 throughout his Bayern Munich and international career. Renowned for his unique “Raumdeuter” role, he combines positional awareness, unselfish play, and clutch finishing.

World Cup winner (2014) with 5 goals in the tournament
Over 30 titles with Bayern, including multiple Bundesliga and Champions League trophies
Twice awarded World Cup Golden Boot/Silver Boot (2010, 2014)

Intelligent forward reading the game and creating chances (Image: The Independent)

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3. Maicon

Brazilian right-back Maicon wore number 13 during his peak years at Inter Milan, where his pace, power, and offensive flair made him one of the most feared defenders in the world. He was a cornerstone of José Mourinho’s treble-winning side.

UEFA Champions League winner (2010)
Won Serie A, Coppa Italia, and FIFA Confederations Cup
Known for iconic long-range goals and fearless runs

Dynamic full-back sprinting down the wing with control (Image: SempreInter)

4. Rafinha

Rafinha is a versatile Brazilian defender who wore number 13 during his successful stint with Bayern Munich. Though not always in the spotlight, his consistency, technical control, and defensive reliability made him a coach’s favorite.

Won multiple Bundesliga titles and a Champions League with Bayern
Over 300 professional appearances in top leagues
Valuable contributor to team depth and tactical flexibility

Right-back showing composure under pressing conditions (Image: Bavarian Football Works)

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5. N’Golo Kanté

Known for his humility, work rate, and game-reading abilities, N’Golo Kanté wore number 13 at Chelsea. He was instrumental in both Leicester City’s fairy-tale Premier League title and Chelsea’s European glory.

Premier League champion with two different clubs
UEFA Champions League winner (2021)
FIFA World Cup winner (2018) with France, dominating the midfield in every match

Tireless midfielder intercepting the ball with precise timing (Image: WSJ)

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6. Alfredo Di Stéfano

Although most associated with number 9, Alfredo Di Stéfano did wear number 13 early in his career. His all-around abilities redefined what it meant to be a forward. He could pass, score, and defend all in the same game.

5-time European Cup winner with Real Madrid
2-time Ballon d’Or winner
One of the most influential players in football history

Vintage playmaker orchestrating a fluid attacking move (Image: Arsenal)

7. Alessandro Nesta

A legend in Italian football, Alessandro Nesta wore number 13 with grace and dominance. His style of play was defined by perfect timing, positioning, and technical elegance—a modern defender born in a classic era.

World Cup winner (2006) with Italy
Champions League winner with AC Milan
Recognized as one of the greatest defenders of all time

Italian defender making a clean tackle inside the penalty box (mage: Yahoo Sports)

8. David Ospina

Colombian international David Ospina has often worn number 13 at club and national level. Known for his reflexes, quick reactions, and penalty-saving abilities, he has been a consistent performer across several leagues.

Most capped player in Colombia’s history
Played in multiple World Cups and Copa América editions
Key figure in Colombia’s resurgence on the world stage

Goalkeeper stretching to tip a shot over the bar (Image: Evening Standard)

9. Keylor Navas

Keylor Navas rose to global fame wearing number 13, especially during his time with Real Madrid. His heroic performances, especially in the Champions League, were essential to Madrid’s historic three-peat.

3-time Champions League winner
Over 100 international caps with Costa Rica
Named La Liga Goalkeeper of the Season and widely respected for his consistency

Costa Rican keeper making a diving save in a tight match (Image: Daily Mail)

10. Jan Oblak

Jan Oblak is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and has worn number 13 for Atlético Madrid. His shot-stopping, positioning, and leadership have made him indispensable to the club.

5-time La Liga Best Goalkeeper winner
Helped Atlético win La Liga (2020–21)
Consistently ranked among the top keepers in Europe

Commanding keeper organizing his defense from the box (Image: Flashscore)

Conclusion

These famous number 13 soccer players have shown that the number can be a symbol of excellence rather than bad luck. From Ballack’s midfield command to Oblak’s world-class goalkeeping, the legacy of the number 13 continues to thrive in modern football. Which number 13 inspired you most? Let us know in the comments and celebrate the bold players who turned this once-feared number into one of football’s most quietly legendary shirts.