45: In the world of football, jersey numbers often hold significant meaning. Some numbers, like 7, 10, and 9, are iconic and associated with legendary players. However, there are other numbers that may not have the same level of universal recognition but still represent unique stories and achievements. One such number is the No. 45, worn by several notable football stars throughout history. This article will explore some of the top footballers who wore the No. 45 jersey, their careers, and the impact they made wearing this number.
Jersey Numbers Are Often Reserved For Specific Positions
While certain jersey numbers are often reserved for specific positions or have a certain tradition behind them (e.g., No. 10 for playmakers), the No. 45 jersey is relatively rare. However, some notable players across various leagues and countries have donned this number, either by personal choice or due to team assignments. The No. 45 jersey is often worn by players who are either emerging talents, veterans with a new team, or those who simply stand out in non-traditional positions.
Why Players Choose Number
Personal Significance: For some players, the No. 45 might have personal significance. It could be a tribute to a mentor, a family member, or an event in their life that influenced them.
Availability: Players who join a new team may be assigned No. 45 if their preferred numbers are already taken, leading them to make it their own.
A Fresh Start: Some players choose this jersey as a way of marking a new chapter in their careers, such as a transfer to a new club or a change in position.
Rare and Unique: For players who want to stand out, the No. 45 offers a rare and unique opportunity to break away from the more traditional football numbers.
Famous Footballers Who Wore This Jersey Number
| Player Name | Nationality | Position | Teams Played For | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zlatan Ibrahimović | Swedish | Forward | Ajax, Juventus, Barcelona, PSG | One of the greatest strikers in football history, Zlatan wore No. 45 at Ajax, marking the start of his legendary career. |
| Antonio Di Natale | Italian | Forward | Udinese | Di Natale was a prolific forward who wore No. 45 during his time at Udinese, becoming one of Serie A’s most consistent goal scorers. |
| Riyad Mahrez | Algerian | Winger | Leicester City, Manchester City | Mahrez wore No. 45 at Leicester City, leading them to an unexpected Premier League title in 2016, before moving to Manchester City. |
| Marcelo | Brazilian | Left-back | Real Madrid | Though better known for wearing No. 12 at Real Madrid, Marcelo wore No. 45 early in his career when he first joined the club. |
| Glen Johnson | English | Right-back | Portsmouth, Liverpool | Johnson donned No. 45 early in his career, before becoming an established Premier League defender with England and Liverpool. |
| Kurt Zouma | French | Centre-back | Chelsea, West Ham United | Zouma started his career at Saint-Étienne wearing No. 45 before moving to Chelsea, where he became a key defender in their squad. |
| César Azpilicueta | Spanish | Right-back | Chelsea | Azpilicueta wore No. 45 during his early years at Chelsea, before becoming one of the most reliable defenders in Premier League history. |
| David Silva | Spanish | Midfielder | Valencia, Manchester City | Silva wore No. 45 at Valencia before transferring to Manchester City, where he became one of the best playmakers of his generation. |
1. Zlatan Ibrahimović – A Legendary Start In This Jersey Number
Zlatan Ibrahimović, often regarded as one of the most enigmatic football stars of all time, wore No. 45 when he first joined Ajax in the early 2000s. Ibrahimović’s time at Ajax marked the beginning of his long and illustrious career, and his No. 45 jersey helped him stand out as a unique and dynamic talent. Despite wearing this number at the start of his career, Zlatan quickly made a name for himself and moved on to larger clubs, often choosing more iconic numbers such as 9 or 10.
Notable Achievements:
- Multiple league titles with clubs like Barcelona, Juventus, and PSG.
- Known for his incredible goalscoring record, including a stunning bicycle kick goal against England.
2. Antonio Di Natale – A Prolific Goal-Scorer In Serie A
Antonio Di Natale, a legend of Serie A, is perhaps best remembered for his loyalty to Udinese, where he spent the majority of his career. During his time at Udinese, Di Natale wore the No. 45 shirt, which became synonymous with his clinical finishing and ability to score goals from almost any position on the field. Over the course of his career, Di Natale became one of the most consistent goal scorers in Serie A, even attracting attention from top European clubs.
Notable Achievements:
- Serie A’s top scorer multiple times.
- Played for the Italian national team, scoring vital goals in international tournaments.
3. Riyad Mahrez – Leading Leicester To Glory In Number 45
Riyad Mahrez wore No. 45 during his time at Leicester City, where he made a name for himself as one of the most influential wingers in the Premier League. Mahrez played a pivotal role in Leicester City’s stunning Premier League title win in 2016, and his performances earned him a move to Manchester City, where he continued to excel at the highest level. His choice of No. 45 became symbolic of his rise from a relatively unknown player to one of the top stars in English football.
Notable Achievements:
- Premier League champion with Leicester City.
- FA Cup winner with Manchester City.
- African Footballer of the Year (2016).
4. Marcelo – Early Days At Real Madrid In Number 45
Before becoming one of the best left-backs in the world, Marcelo wore No. 45 at Real Madrid during his early years at the club. Although his first season saw him play in the No. 45 shirt, Marcelo soon made an impact, securing a regular starting spot and eventually switching to No. 12, which became synonymous with his name. Marcelo went on to become a club legend, winning multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
Notable Achievements:
- Multiple Champions League titles with Real Madrid.
- Known for his attacking runs, technical skills, and leadership on the field.
5. Glen Johnson – A Steady Right-Back For England
Glen Johnson is another player who wore No. 45 during his early career, notably at Portsmouth. Johnson went on to become a regular in the Premier League, playing for clubs such as Liverpool and Stoke City. He also earned a place in the English national team, where he was known for his solid defensive work and ability to push forward from right-back.
Notable Achievements:
- Premier League winner with Chelsea.
- FA Cup winner with Portsmouth.
- Regular starter for the English national team in international tournaments.
6. Kurt Zouma – Emerging As A Defensive Talent In Number 45
Kurt Zouma, who started his career at Saint-Étienne, wore No. 45 before his move to Chelsea, where he became a key part of their defense. Zouma was known for his aerial ability, strong physical presence, and versatility in defense, which quickly earned him recognition in the Premier League.
Notable Achievements:
- Premier League champion with Chelsea.
- Consistent starter for Chelsea and West Ham United.
7. César Azpilicueta – A Reliable Defender In Number 45
César Azpilicueta, known for his consistency and versatility in defense, wore No. 45 during his early days at Chelsea. Azpilicueta would go on to become one of the most reliable defenders in the Premier League, captaining Chelsea to several major trophies. His No. 45 jersey marked the start of a career that would see him become one of Chelsea’s greatest defenders.
Notable Achievements:
- Premier League winner with Chelsea.
- UEFA Champions League winner with Chelsea.
8. David Silva – The Maestro With Number 45 At Valencia
David Silva, one of the best playmakers of his generation, wore No. 45 during his early years at Valencia. Silva’s time at Valencia saw him develop into one of Europe’s top midfield talents before making a high-profile move to Manchester City, where he became a key figure in their dominant Premier League teams of the 2010s.
Notable Achievements:
- Multiple Premier League titles with Manchester City.
- FA Cup winner with Manchester City.
The No. 45 jersey may not have the same level of global recognition as some of the more iconic numbers in football, but it has been worn by some truly remarkable players. Whether it marked the start of their careers or served as a symbol of their unique journey, these football stars left their mark while wearing No. 45. From Zlatan Ibrahimović’s early days at Ajax to Riyad Mahrez’s role in Leicester City’s fairy tale season, the players who wore No. 45 have all contributed to the beautiful game in significant ways.
