Currently, there are big names in football wearing big numbers on the back of their shirts, but which soccer stars who wear the number 25 jersey? With so many teams and players, it’s easy to lose track of who’s making this number special right now.
The number 25 shirt has a unique legacy in football, famously worn by legends like Gianfranco Zola at Chelsea and Thomas Müller at Bayern Munich.
A deep look revealed that the number 25 is prevalent among defensive midfielders and defenders. However some attacking soccer players also wear the number 25 shirt for their clubs.
To find out the prominent players who fall into this category, here are the top 15 football players who wear jersey 25 in football in 2025.
1. Moisés Caicedo (Chelsea FC)
Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s star defensive midfielder, wears the much-revered number 25 jersey, which had been preserved for 20 years after it was last worn by club legend Gianfranco Zola.
Caicedo joined Chelsea in 2023 from Brighton & Hove Albion in a record-breaking deal after his standout performances in the Premier League.
Known for his exceptional tackling, work rate, and ability to protect the defense, Caicedo is a crucial part of Chelsea’s midfield and is already showing the leadership qualities that made Zola’s number so iconic.
Recent reports highlight Caicedo’s growing influence at Stamford Bridge as he adapts to the demands of top-level European football and helps Chelsea rebuild their squad.
2. Manuel Akanji (Manchester City)
Manuel Akanji, the Swiss center-back, wears the number 25 for Manchester City after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2022 and inheriting the number from former City captain Fernandinho.
Akanji has solidified his place in Pep Guardiola’s defense, providing consistency and reliability in the heart of the backline with his ability to read the game and excellent ball-playing skills.
He played a key role in City’s historic treble-winning 2022/23 season and continues to be a regular starter in the Premier League and Champions League campaigns.
Manuel Akanji moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City in 2022 as one of Pep Guardiola’s summer signings.
He was handed jersey number 25 in his first season, although this could change in coming years depending on his importance and longevity in the team.
His versatility has been praised by Guardiola, with Akanji often filling in across the backline and contributing to City’s tactical flexibility.
3. Manuel Ugarte (Manchester United)
Manuel Ugarte, the Uruguayan midfielder, joined Manchester United in 2024 and wears the number 25 jersey, inheriting it from Jadon Sancho who moved to Chelsea.
Ugarte is known for his aggressive ball-winning abilities and his high energy in the midfield, making him a key addition to United’s midfield options.
Early performances have shown Ugarte’s tenacity and ability to disrupt opposition play, with pundits noting his quick adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity.
His arrival is seen as part of United’s ongoing efforts to revitalize their midfield and add steel to their lineup.
4. Wojciech Szczesny (Barcelona)
In the current FC Barcelona squad, the number 25 is worn by Wojciech Szczesny, a goalkeeper who came out of retirement to join the club.
Szczesny’s return was a turning point for Barcelona, as he played a crucial role in their successful 2024/25 season, helping the team secure multiple trophies.
His contract with Barcelona is set to expire on June 30, 2025, making his story one of the most inspiring in recent football history.
5. Niklas Süle (Borussia Dortmund)
As Manuel Akanji moved from Borussia Dortmund to Manchester City also did Niklas Sule moved from Bayern Munich to Dortmund.
Incidentally, he was also handed the number 25 jersey at Dortmund. Niklas Süle is a central defender who plays for the German national team.g
Niklas Süle has been playing in the German Bundesliga for over a decade, and has cemented his status as one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga.
Niklas Süle, the German center-back, wears the number 25 jersey for Borussia Dortmund, a number he inherited from Luca Unbehaun after joining from Bayern Munich in 2022.
Süle’s imposing physique, aerial dominance, and ball-playing ability make him a crucial part of Dortmund’s defense, helping the team compete at the top level in both domestic and European competitions.
Süle has also become a leader in the Dortmund squad, frequently captaining the side and providing experience to a young defensive unit.
His consistent performances have helped Dortmund remain competitive in the Bundesliga title race and in Europe.
6. Exequiel Palacios (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Exequiel Palacios, the Argentine central midfielder, wears the number 25 for Bayer Leverkusen, inheriting the number in 2019 from Dario Kresic.
Known for his dynamism and box-to-box play, Palacios has been a key figure in Leverkusen’s midfield since joining from River Plate in 2020.
Palacios played a major role in Leverkusen’s first-ever Bundesliga title in 2024, with his energy and creativity driving the team’s success.
He remains an integral part of Xabi Alonso’s plans, with recent contract extensions confirming his importance to the club’s future.
7. Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Nuno Mendes, the talented Portuguese left-back, wears the number 25 jersey for Paris Saint-Germain, inheriting it from Mitchel Bakker after joining from Sporting CP in 2021.
Nuno Alexandre Tavares Mendes is another defender who wears 25 but this time in France for PSG. He also wears the number 25 jersey for Portugal, who he helped win the UEFA Nations League.
Mendes is Portuguese and is just 20 years old. The left-back joined PSG on loan last season from Sporting, and after a couple of appearances, the capital club deemed him worthy of signing on a permanent basis.
Nuno Mendes is a hardworking, tenacious, and attacking fullback, as he is said to be one of the best young defenders in football.
Mendes has established himself as one of the best young full-backs in the world, known for his pace, dribbling, and defensive contributions.
He played a vital role in PSG’s recent Ligue 1 triumphs and has been praised for his performances in the Champions League.
Recent rumors link Mendes to top Premier League clubs, but PSG are determined to keep their rising star in Paris.
8. Leopold Zingerle (RB Leipzig)
Leopold Zingerle, the German goalkeeper, joined RB Leipzig in 2024 and took the number 25 jersey, previously worn by Sanoussy Ba.
Zingerle brings valuable experience as a backup goalkeeper, offering strong shot-stopping skills and composure between the posts as Leipzig continue their push for success.
He has already featured in key DFB-Pokal matches and is seen as a reliable deputy for Leipzig’s starting keeper.
His signing is part of Leipzig’s strategy to maintain depth and competition in their squad as they compete on multiple fronts.
9. Robin Olsen (Aston Villa)
Robin Olsen, the Swedish goalkeeper, wears the number 25 for Aston Villa, inheriting it upon joining the club in 2022 from Morgan Sanson.
Olsen provides a solid backup option to Emiliano Martinez and brings significant international experience to Villa’s goalkeeping department.
He has performed well when called upon in Premier League and cup matches, earning praise for his professionalism and reliability.
Olsen’s presence ensures Villa have experienced cover as they aim for European qualification.
10. Elia Caprile (SSC Napoli)
Elia Caprile, the young Italian goalkeeper, wears the number 25 jersey for Napoli, a number he took upon joining the club in 2024 and last worn by David Ospina.
Caprile, known for his reflexes and potential, serves as a backup to Alex Meret and is viewed as a future number one for Napoli.
He previously impressed at Bari, and his move to Napoli marks a significant step in his career as he looks to develop under the guidance of more experienced teammates.
Recent Serie A analysis highlights Caprile’s calmness under pressure and his potential to become one of Italy’s top young goalkeepers.
11. Jean-Clair Todibo (West Ham United)
Jean-Clair Todibo, the French center-back, joined West Ham United in 2024 and took the number 25 jersey, previously worn by Nathan Trott.
Todibo’s physicality, ball-playing skills, and defensive awareness have made him a valuable signing for West Ham, as they look to strengthen their backline in both domestic and European competitions.
He has quickly adapted to the Premier League’s pace, earning plaudits for his performances and becoming a regular starter under David Moyes.
Todibo’s arrival is seen as a key part of West Ham’s defensive rebuild following several high-profile departures.
12. Wout Weghorst (Ajax)
Wout Weghorst, the Dutch striker, returned to Ajax in 2024 and wears the number 25 jersey, previously worn by Borna Sosa.
Weghorst, known for his height, aerial ability, and work rate, brings an added dimension to Ajax’s attack, providing a strong physical presence in the forward line.
He has already scored important goals in Eredivisie and European qualifiers, helping Ajax bounce back from a disappointing previous season.
Weghorst’s experience is seen as vital for Ajax’s young squad as they aim to return to the top of Dutch football.
13. Pepe Reina (Como)
Veteran Spanish goalkeeper Pepe Reina wears the number 25 jersey at Como, which he joined in 2024, inheriting the number from Racine Ba.
The former Liverpool and Napoli goalkeeper continues his storied career across European divisions, bringing leadership, experience, and quality to the Como squad.
Reina is expected to mentor younger players while still playing at a high level, and his presence has been credited with raising standards at the club.
His signing has generated excitement among Como fans as the club looks to establish itself in Serie A.
14. Giorgi (Valencia)
Giorgi Mamardashvili, the highly rated Georgian goalkeeper, wears the number 25 jersey for Valencia, inheriting it in 2022 after breaking into the first team in 2021 wearing number 28.
He has since established himself as Valencia’s number one and is widely regarded as one of the top young goalkeepers in La Liga.
His excellent shot-stopping ability and commanding presence convinced Liverpool to secure his signature in 2024, though he remains at Valencia on loan for the current season.
Mamardashvili’s continued development is closely watched by fans and scouts across Europe.
15. Mohamed-Ali Cho (OGC Nice)
French youngster Mohamed-Ali Cho is one of the highest-rated upcoming wingers in world football, joining Nice in 2023 from Real Sociedad and picking up the number 25 jersey, inheriting it from Jean-Clair Todibo.
Cho’s speed, dribbling, and flair have made him a standout performer in Ligue 1, with several top clubs monitoring his progress.
He has contributed key goals and assists this season, helping Nice challenge for European qualification.
Recent reports suggest Cho could be on the move again soon, with Premier League clubs showing strong interest in his signature.
