In football, some numbers carry legacy, and 14 is undoubtedly one of them. From creative midfielders to all-time great forwards, the number 14 jersey has belonged to true game-changers. Several famous soccer players have donned the number 14 jersey, with Johan Cruyff and Thierry Henry being the most iconic. Their influence transcended clubs and eras, and others like Casemiro, Xabi Alonso, and Dries Mertens have added their own brilliance to this historic number. Let’s explore 10 famous number 14 soccer players who elevated the shirt into something unforgettable. Don’t forget to visit Cheap football shirts in UK to get their legendary jerseys at affordable prices.
Breakdown Top 10 Famous Number 14 Soccer Players in This Article:
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- Johan Cruyff
- Aymeric Laporte
- Thierry Henry
- Xabi Alonso
- Casemiro
- Dries Mertens
- Javier Mascherano
- Marco Fortin
- Diego Simeone
- Guti
1. Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is the reason the number 14 is special. He broke tradition at Ajax by choosing it over the usual starting eleven numbers, making it a symbol of individuality and tactical revolution. As the architect of “Total Football,” Cruyff wasn’t just a player; he was a football philosopher.
- Led Ajax to 3 consecutive European Cups
- Revolutionized Barcelona’s identity as player and coach
- Considered one of the most influential footballers in history
Dutch legend showcasing total football brilliance on the field (Image: The Independent)
2. Aymeric Laporte
Aymeric Laporte wore the number 14 at Manchester City, where his intelligence, positioning, and ball-playing ability defined his role in Pep Guardiola’s tactical system. A natural left-footed center-back, Laporte offered balance and build-up composure from the back.
- Multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City
- Key player in Spain’s national team transition after switching allegiance
- Known for his interceptions and progressive passing
Calm and composed defender in high-stakes match (Image: Manchester Evening News)
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3. Thierry Henry
Thierry Henry elevated the number 14 to legendary status at Arsenal, becoming the club’s all-time top scorer. His elegant dribbling, curling finishes, and blistering pace made him unstoppable. Henry also wore 14 with distinction at Barcelona and for France.
- Arsenal’s record scorer with 228 goals
- World Cup (1998) and Euro (2000) champion
- Twice named Premier League Player of the Season
Iconic forward delivering a composed finish in the box (Image: Media Storehouse)
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4. Xabi Alonso
A maestro in midfield, Xabi Alonso brought precision passing and tactical awareness wearing number 14 for Spain and clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid. His ability to dictate tempo and control the game made him a cornerstone in multiple trophy-winning teams.
- World Cup (2010) and 2-time Euro champion (2008, 2012)
- Champions League winner with Liverpool and Real Madrid
- Regarded as one of the smartest midfielders of his era
Midfield general orchestrating play from deep position (Image: Getty Images)
5. Casemiro
Casemiro has redefined the defensive midfield role while wearing number 14 for Brazil and Manchester United. Known for his tough tackling, positional intelligence, and ability to shield the defense, Casemiro is a modern anchor with elite mentality.
- 5-time Champions League winner with Real Madrid
- Integral to Brazil’s Copa America win (2019)
- A leader admired for his consistency and steel
Aggressive midfielder winning the ball with precise tackle (Image: Transfermarkt)
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6. Dries Mertens
Belgium’s all-time top scorer for a period, Dries Mertens wore number 14 and became a legend at Napoli. His low center of gravity, sharp finishing, and clever movement made him one of Serie A’s best attackers during his prime.
- Napoli’s all-time leading goal scorer
- Over 100 international caps for Belgium’s golden generation
- Played key roles in Euro and World Cup tournaments
Winger cutting inside preparing for a curling shot (Image: Humo)
7. Javier Mascherano
Javier Mascherano embodied grit and discipline while wearing number 14 for Argentina and Barcelona. A fierce tackler and selfless team player, he adapted to both midfield and center-back roles at the highest levels.
- 2 Olympic gold medals with Argentina
- Played in 4 World Cups, including a runner-up finish in 2014
- Won 5 La Liga and 2 Champions League titles with Barcelona
Tenacious midfielder tracking opponent with intensity (mage: Goal)
8. Marco Fortin
Italian goalkeeper Marco Fortin may not be a household name, but he served as a reliable shot-stopper across Serie A and B clubs. Wearing number 14, Fortin was known for his composure, reflexes, and leadership from the back.
- Over 300 professional appearances
- Known for clean sheets and consistency in Italy’s second tier
- Trusted veteran and mentor in multiple squads
Goalkeeper ready to react in a penalty shootout (Image: Wintips)
9. Diego Simeone
Before becoming a coaching icon, Diego Simeone was a no-nonsense midfielder who wore number 14 with authority. His work rate, physicality, and leadership defined his playing career with Argentina and clubs like Atlético Madrid, Inter Milan, and Lazio.
- Serie A and La Liga winner as a player
- Copa América (1991, 1993) champion with Argentina
- Known for his combative style and tactical discipline
Fearless midfielder breaking up play and leading transitions (Image: Transfermarkt)
10. Guti
A product of Real Madrid’s academy, Guti wore number 14 and dazzled fans with unpredictable passing, vision, and technical brilliance. Though often overshadowed by Galácticos, Guti was a cult hero for his creativity and flair.
- Won 5 La Liga titles and 3 Champions Leagues with Real
- Delivered iconic no-look assists and match-winning contributions
- Embodied Madridismo with loyalty and finesse
Creative midfielder threading an unexpected assist (Image: Wintips)
Conclusion
From Johan Cruyff’s tactical genius to Thierry Henry’s goal-scoring artistry, these famous number 14 soccer players gave this jersey an enduring legacy. Whether dominating midfield, leading attacks, or shaping history from the back, each of these stars turned number 14 into a symbol of excellence. Which number 14 do you remember most? Drop a comment and share your football memory with the rest of the community.
