29: The number 29 jersey in football might not always carry the same legacy as some of the more iconic numbers like 7, 10, or 11, but it has certainly been worn by some notable footballers who made their mark in both domestic and international football.
Over the years, players donning the No. 29 shirt have earned recognition for their unique contributions to their teams and their individual talent. In this article, we explore some of the famous footballers who wore the iconic No. 29 jersey, detailing their careers, achievements, and the significance of this number for them.
1. Kylian Mbappé – France / Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Kylian Mbappé is one of the most exciting talents to ever grace the football field, and his rise to prominence happened quickly. While playing for AS Monaco, Mbappé famously wore the No. 29 jersey, which became iconic during his breakthrough season (2016-17) in Ligue 1 and in the UEFA Champions League.
Club: AS Monaco (2015–2017)
Number Worn: 29
Position: Forward
Achievements:
- Ligue 1 Champion (2016–17)
- UEFA Champions League Semifinalist (2016–17)
- Multiple French Player of the Year awards
- FIFA World Cup Winner (2018)
Mbappé’s performances for Monaco in the 2016-17 season, including his vital role in their Ligue 1 title and deep Champions League run, earned him the move to Paris Saint-Germain, where he now dons the No. 7 jersey.
Key Stats at Monaco:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 29 | 9 | 2 |
| 2016–17 | 44 | 26 | 14 |
2. David Neres – Brazil / Ajax Amsterdam
David Neres is a Brazilian winger who rose to prominence at Ajax. He wore the No. 29 shirt during his time at Ajax, where he became a key figure in their thrilling attacking setup under manager Erik ten Hag.
Club: Ajax Amsterdam (2017–2022)
Number Worn: 29
Position: Winger
Achievements:
- Eredivisie Champion (2018–19, 2020–21)
- KNVB Cup Winner (2018–19)
- UEFA Champions League Semifinalist (2018–19)
Neres became well known for his pace, flair, and ability to score crucial goals. His performances in the 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, where Ajax reached the semifinals, are still remembered fondly by fans worldwide.
Key Stats at Ajax:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017–18 | 30 | 4 | 5 |
| 2018–19 | 38 | 12 | 15 |
3. Giuseppe Rossi – Italy / Villarreal
Giuseppe Rossi, a talented Italian forward, was known for his skill and finishing ability. While his time at Villarreal was highly successful, he initially wore the No. 29 jersey during the early stages of his career at the Spanish club.
Club: Villarreal (2007–2013)
Number Worn: 29
Position: Forward
Achievements:
- UEFA Europa League Runner-up (2009–10)
- Copa del Rey Finalist (2009)
Rossi’s career was hampered by injuries, but when he was fit, he was among the most effective strikers in La Liga. His time in the No. 29 shirt at Villarreal was marked by spectacular performances, especially in European competitions.
Key Stats at Villarreal:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007–08 | 10 | 2 | 1 |
| 2008–09 | 30 | 14 | 6 |
4. André Onana – Cameroon / Ajax Amsterdam
André Onana, one of the most promising goalkeepers of his generation, wore the No. 29 jersey during his time at Ajax Amsterdam, where he established himself as a top-tier goalkeeper in Europe.
Club: Ajax Amsterdam (2015–2022)
Number Worn: 29
Position: Goalkeeper
Achievements:
- Eredivisie Champion (2018–19)
- KNVB Cup Winner (2018–19)
- UEFA Champions League Semifinalist (2018–19)
Onana’s shot-stopping ability, particularly in big matches, helped Ajax to multiple titles and deep runs in the UEFA Champions League. His quick reflexes and command of the penalty area were key factors in Ajax’s success during the late 2010s.
Key Stats at Ajax:
| Season | Matches | Clean Sheets | Saves |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015–16 | 6 | 2 | 20 |
| 2017–18 | 49 | 19 | 107 |
5. Alexander Isak – Sweden / AIK
Alexander Isak, the Swedish striker who now plays for Newcastle United in the Premier League, wore the No. 29 shirt during his early years at AIK, the Stockholm-based club where he first gained attention for his talent.
Club: AIK (2016–2017)
Number Worn: 29
Position: Forward
Achievements:
- Allsvenskan Breakthrough of the Year (2016)
Isak’s performances in the Allsvenskan, scoring goals and showcasing his potential, earned him a move to Borussia Dortmund before he went on to play for Real Sociedad and eventually Newcastle. His early years at AIK wearing the No. 29 shirt are fondly remembered by Swedish fans.
Key Stats at AIK:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016–17 | 24 | 13 | 1 |
6. Theo Walcott – England / Arsenal
Theo Walcott, the English winger known for his blistering pace, wore the No. 29 shirt when he first arrived at Arsenal in 2006. His early days at the club were marked by potential and promise, despite his youth.
Club: Arsenal (2006–2018)
Number Worn: 29 (2006–2009)
Position: Winger
Achievements:
- FA Cup Winner (2004–2005, 2014, 2015)
- Arsenal Player of the Season (2009)
Though he later wore the No. 14 jersey for Arsenal, Walcott’s early days in the No. 29 shirt were crucial in his development, showcasing his raw speed and potential, which earned him an England call-up at just 17 years old.
Key Stats at Arsenal:
| Season | Matches | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2006–07 | 21 | 4 | 3 |
| 2007–08 | 33 | 8 | 6 |
Summary of Famous Footballers and their No. 29 Jersey
| Player | Country | Club | Key Achievements | Seasons Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | France | AS Monaco | Ligue 1 Champion, World Cup Winner | 2015–2017 |
| David Neres | Brazil | Ajax Amsterdam | Eredivisie Champion, UEFA Champions League Semifinalist | 2017–2022 |
| Giuseppe Rossi | Italy | Villarreal | Copa del Rey Finalist, UEFA Europa League Runner-up | 2007–2013 |
| André Onana | Cameroon | Ajax Amsterdam | Eredivisie Champion, UEFA Champions League Semifinalist | 2015–2022 |
| Alexander Isak | Sweden | AIK | Allsvenskan Breakthrough of the Year | 2016–2017 |
| Theo Walcott | England | Arsenal | FA Cup Winner, Player of the Season | 2006–2009 |
While the No. 29 jersey may not hold the same widespread iconic status as the numbers worn by legends such as Maradona (10), Pelé (10), or Ronaldo (7), it has been donned by a number of talented footballers who have made lasting impacts on the game. Whether it was Kylian Mbappé’s explosive rise at Monaco, David Neres’ dazzling dribbles at Ajax, or André Onana’s heroics in goal, the No. 29 shirt has been worn by players who have defined footballing eras in their own right.
As the game continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see which future stars carry on the legacy of this lesser-known yet still memorable jersey number.
