The famous number 34 soccer players in this list prove that even the most unassuming digits can be loaded with meaning. Number 34 is rarely considered iconic, but some players have turned it into a symbol of tribute, identity, and rising talent. It’s hard to pin down a definitive list of “top 10” for number 34, simply because fame is subjective and this number is far from traditional. Yet names like Justin Kluivert, Amin Younes, and Kevin Diks stand out, not just for their talent, but for how they used the number to carry memories and inspiration. Come to Cheap football shirts in UK to find premium number 34 kits worn by these unforgettable players.

Featured Top 10 Famous Number 34 Soccer Players in This Article:

1. Abdelhak Nouri
2. Kevin Diks
3. Justin Kluivert
4. Amin Younes
5. Philippe Sandler
6. Donny van de Beek
7. Ricardo Rodríguez
8. Granit Xhaka
9. Taulant Xhaka
10. Stewart Downing

1. Abdelhak Nouri

Though tragedy struck early in his career, Abdelhak Nouri left an indelible legacy at Ajax. Wearing number 34, he was a promising attacking midfielder with elegance and football intelligence far beyond his years. After collapsing during a pre-season match in 2017 and suffering severe brain damage, his teammates and fellow professionals paid tribute by adopting his number—forever linking 34 with his name.

Legacy of Inspiration: Number 34 became a symbol of unity and remembrance
Ajax Prodigy: Considered one of the brightest midfield talents in the club’s youth era

Midfielder smiling during warm-up session (Image: FARPost)

2. Kevin Diks

Kevin Diks has worn the number 34 shirt as a direct tribute to Abdelhak Nouri, his close friend from their Ajax youth days. A full-back with strength and stamina, Diks used his platform to keep Nouri’s memory alive on the pitch. His commitment to playing for something greater than himself made his performances all the more meaningful.

Symbol of Brotherhood: Honors Nouri with every appearance
Versatile Defender: Capable of playing both flanks with defensive reliability

Defender tracking a winger during a counterattack (Image: Bold)

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3. Justin Kluivert

Justin Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick Kluivert, chose the number 34 at AS Roma to honor his former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri. A technically gifted winger, Justin combines flair with discipline. While still developing his game, he’s shown promise in top leagues and continues to carry the 34 with personal significance.

Tribute in Motion: Carries Nouri’s memory into each new chapter
Modern Attacker: Combines speed, dribbling, and composure under pressure

Winger dribbling toward the box with intent (Image: Sports Illustrated)

4. Amin Younes

Another former Ajax teammate of Nouri, Amin Younes wore number 34 in tribute during his stint at Napoli. Known for his agility and close control, Younes thrives in tight spaces and creates scoring chances with quick feet. His gesture spoke volumes—not just about Nouri, but about football’s power to preserve memory through symbols.

Creative Force: Best used as a link between midfield and attack
Emotional Respect: One of several players to wear 34 for solidarity

Playmaker shifting direction with close control (Image: Bundesliga)

5. Philippe Sandler

Philippe Sandler wore 34 during his time at Manchester City, another quiet nod to the broader Ajax-Nouri connection among Dutch players. A composed centre-back with a strong left foot, Sandler showed promise before injuries stalled his rise. Still, the symbolism of 34 remained—particularly among the Dutch diaspora in European football.

Ball-Playing Defender: Built for systems requiring composure under pressure
Shared Tribute: Part of the generation carrying Nouri’s story forward

Centre-back surveying play from deep position (Image: Liga Olahraga)

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6. Donny van de Beek

At Ajax and during his move to Manchester United, Donny van de Beek wore number 34 in remembrance of Abdelhak Nouri. Their bond extended beyond the pitch, making Donny’s decision deeply personal. On the field, he’s known for spatial awareness, late runs into the box, and clean passing—a technician built on Ajax’s total football philosophy.

Emotional Connection: Publicly dedicated his United debut to Nouri
Intelligent Midfielder: Excels at reading space and off-the-ball movement

Midfielder winning an aerial duel (Image: United In Focus)

7. Ricardo Rodríguez

Swiss international Ricardo Rodríguez wore number 34 at AC Milan. A defensive stalwart with a cultured left foot, Rodríguez is known for his set-piece delivery and tactical discipline. While not tied to the Nouri narrative, his consistent use of 34 reflects its adoption by reliable, team-first players in top leagues.

Tactical Discipline: Rarely caught out of position
Set-Piece Specialist: Delivers accurate crosses and free-kicks

Left-back curling in a cross near the sideline (mage: RTS)

8. Granit Xhaka

Granit Xhaka has worn number 34 throughout his time at Arsenal and Switzerland, making it one of the most recognized versions of the number globally. Often polarizing, Xhaka is a passionate, combative midfielder who brings intensity, leadership, and the occasional thunderbolt goal. To many, he is the face of 34 in modern football.

Captain’s Presence: Wears his heart on his sleeve—literally and figuratively
Midfield Enforcer: Known for physical duels and long-range strikes

Midfielder dictating play with confidence (Image: Goall)

9. Taulant Xhaka

The older brother of Granit, Taulant Xhaka also adopted number 34, playing as a defensive midfielder or right-back for FC Basel and the Albanian national team. Though not as internationally visible, his consistent performances and shared number have helped solidify 34 as a family badge.

Sibling Symbolism: Two brothers, one number, multiple nations
Quiet Consistency: Dependable presence in domestic and international fixtures

Midfielder marking tightly in defensive transition (Image: sport.ch)

10. Stewart Downing

Late in his career, Stewart Downing wore number 34 at Blackburn Rovers. Once a key winger for England and Liverpool, Downing used this number in his final seasons. While the choice was practical, it also signaled a move into the mentor role—guiding younger players while still offering quality service on the pitch.

Veteran Leadership: Balanced experience with measured play
End-of-Career Symbol: 34 became part of his graceful exit arc

Veteran winger preparing to deliver a corner (Image: The Guardian)

Conclusion

Though 34 may never reach the global prestige of 7 or 10, the famous number 34 soccer players on this list have shown that meaning is not dictated by tradition. Whether as a heartfelt tribute like in the case of Abdelhak Nouri, or as a badge of consistency and character as with Granit Xhaka, this number carries stories far deeper than digits. For some, it represents solidarity. In a game where symbols matter, 34 has quietly become a mark of remembrance, identity, and quiet leadership. Which number 34 moment stood out most to you? ⚽ Drop your thoughts in the comments, we’d love to hear which story left a mark.