Top 10 famous number 21 football players: Elite midfielders, Man United’s costly mistake

In the traditional world of football, specific numbers often dictate a player's role on the pitch. We usually expect the number 1 to belong to the goalkeeper, the 4 or 5 to represent the pillars of defense, the 10 to be the creative heartbeat, and the 9 to be the clinical finisher. 

However, the number 21 defies these rigid rules, offering a sense of freedom and unpredictability across all positions. Whether it is a tactical full-back or a sophisticated playmaker, this number has been the companion of those who play with a certain flair that defies convention. 

According to Nowgoalpro, the famous number 21 football players listed below possess an elegant style and a unique ability to create moments of magic that every elite club dreams of having in their ranks.

Ranking of the 10 famous number 21 football players in history

10. Luis Enrique

Enrique famously wore the number 21 during his legendary 8-season stint at Barcelona from 1996 to 2004. Before his controversial move to Catalonia, he spent 5 years at Real Madrid, but it was at the Camp Nou where he became a true icon. Enrique was a tactical chameleon, scoring 73 goals in 207 appearances for Barcelona, averaging a goal every few games despite playing in various midfield and attacking roles. 

He helped the club secure 2 La Liga titles and 2 Copa del Rey trophies. On the international stage, he represented Spain in 3 World Cups, earning 62 caps and scoring 12 goals while often donning the number 21. After a storied career, he retired in 2004 and transitioned into a highly successful managerial career, notably leading Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain to a historic treble.

9. Antony 

The Brazilian winger brought the number 21 to the forefront at Manchester United following a high-profile €95 million transfer from Ajax in 2022. During his 2 seasons in the Netherlands, he was a revelation, scoring 18 goals in 57 games and winning 2 Eredivisie titles. Although his time at Old Trafford has seen fluctuations in form, his debut season was marked by becoming the first United player to score in his first 3 consecutive Premier League games. Antony recently moved to Real Betis in La Liga after a hard time in English.

8. Dejan Kulusevski

Joining on loan from Juventus in early 2022 before making the move permanent, Kulusevski transformed Spurs' attack. In his first half-season, he recorded 5 goals and 8 assists in just 18 Premier League matches, a record that sparked talk of a £100 million valuation. Whether playing as a winger or his preferred "number 10" role, his physical strength and vision make him a cornerstone of the Swedish national team, where he has earned over 35 caps.

7. Frenkie de Jong

The Dutch maestro has made the number 21 his trademark at both Ajax and Barcelona. After leading Ajax to a Champions League semi-final in 2019, Barcelona secured his services for €75 million. De Jong is the quintessential "box-to-box" midfielder, known for his incredible ball retention and ability to escape pressure. In his time at Barcelona, he has surpassed 200 appearances, winning 2 La Liga titles and a Copa del Rey. 

For the Netherlands, he was a pivotal figure in their 2022 World Cup campaign. His style is so sophisticated that experts often compare his movement to the legendary Franz Beckenbauer.

6.  Ben Chilwell

Since joining Chelsea from Leicester City in 2020, the English left-back has been instrumental in the club's continental success. In his debut season at Stamford Bridge, he played a vital role in winning the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup. Known for his attacking output, Chilwell has consistently provided goals and assists from the flank.

5. Paulo Dybala

"La Joya” carried the number 21 with distinction at Juventus and currently at AS Roma. During his 7 years in Turin, Dybala scored 82 goals in 210 appearances, winning 5 Serie A titles. He famously chose 21 at Juventus as a tribute to past legends. Dybala’s game is defined by a "magical" left foot and an intelligence that allows him to anticipate play before defenders can react, a trait praised by coaches like Massimiliano Allegri.

4. David Silva

The Spanish playmaker wore the number 21 throughout a decade of dominance at Manchester City. Between 2010 and 2020, Silva made 436 appearances, scoring 77 goals and providing 140 assists, leading the club to 4 Premier League titles. Pep Guardiola once remarked that Silva is one of the most incredible players he has ever seen in tight spaces. For Spain, he won the 2010 World Cup and 2 European Championships, earning 125 caps. He retired in 2023 at Real Sociedad at age 37 due to injury.

3. Philipp Lahm

Lahm was perhaps the most intelligent defender to ever play the game. Wearing 21 for Bayern Munich, Lahm won 8 Bundesliga titles and the 2013 Champions League. Lahm’s versatility allowed him to master both fullback positions and defensive midfield. He captained Germany to the 2014 World Cup trophy before retiring at the top of his game in 2017.

2. Andrea Pirlo

From Brescia to AC Milan and eventually Juventus, Pirlo was the definition of "cool." He won 2 Champions League titles with Milan and 4 Serie A titles with Juventus. His performance in the 2006 World Cup, where he led Italy to victory, cemented his status as a legend. Pirlo didn't run, he orchestrated, making 80-yard passes look effortless. 

1. Zinedine Zidane

While he is often associated with the number 5 or 10, his time wearing the number 21 at Juventus (1996-2001) was when he became the best player in the world. In 212 games for the Italian giants, he scored 31 goals and won 2 Serie A titles.

He possessed the elegance of a dancer and the strength of a warrior. His performances during this era paved the way for his record-breaking move to Real Madrid and his legendary status in French football history.

Top 10 famous number 21 football players of all time:

Zinedine Zidane

Andrea Pirlo

Philipp Lahm

David Silva

Paulo Dybala

Ben Chilwell

Frenkie de Jong

Dejan Kulusevski

Antony

Luis Enrique

The midfield composed of the famous number 21 football players recently mentioned by Nowgoalpro.net would be an invaluable gift for any manager. Imagine a lineup featuring Zidane, Lahm, De Jong, and Pirlo. Any triangular formation created by these legends would be prepared to conquer every trophy in existence.

Are you looking forward to exploring other legendary numbers like 1, 7, 10, or 11? Nowgoalpro will certainly bring you similar fascinating articles in the future. However, beyond recreating history, we are a next-generation sports website with a platform that constantly updates the hottest news and results from the football world. We provide in-depth, objective pre-match analyses and statistics that are hard to find elsewhere. If you are seeking a place to satisfy your passion for the beautiful game, do not hesitate to make Nowgoalpro your favorite platform on your personal browser.