In football, jersey number thirteen is reserved for the second-choice goalkeepers, and that’s why it’s not a surprise that it’s one of the least present numbers seen behind shirts during games.
Did you know that most soccer teams do not typically favor having players wear the number 13 jersey?
The number 13 is often associated with bad luck and superstition in many cultures, including in sports. This superstition can influence team decisions and player preferences, leading to the number 13 being less commonly chosen or assigned.
In previous years we have seen German midfielder Micheal Ballack, Italian defender Alessandro Nesta, Aleksandar Kolarov, and Adil Rami are some of the previous football players who wore the number 13.
However, it would be interesting to find out which players have the number 13 shirt and profile them. So, here are the popular football players who wear the number 13 jersey.
1. Kepa Arrizabalaga (Bournemouth)
Kepa Arrizabalaga, on loan from Chelsea, joined Bournemouth in 2024.
The Basque goalkeeper was a controversial figure at Chelsea, but there was no denying his talent.
The Spanish goalkeeper inherited the number 13 jersey, previously worn by Emiliano Marcondes.
Kepa, known for his reflexes and shot-stopping abilities, brings Premier League and international experience to Bournemouth’s goalkeeping department.
2. Marcus Bettinelli (Chelsea FC)
Marcus Bettinelli, Chelsea’s third-choice goalkeeper, has worn the number 13 jersey since joining in 2021.
The number was last worn by Willy Caballero before Bettinelli inherited it.
Bettinelli provides backup and experience to Chelsea’s goalkeeping squad.
Marcus Bettinelli is one of the least prominent players in the World and the Premier League, and it’s certainly, a lot of Chelsea fans have not heard of him.
The English goalkeeper is 33 years old has never played for the English national team, but he’s featured for the U21s.
He left Fulham for Chelsea in 2021 after 11 seasons and several loan deals.
3. Fred (Fenerbahçe)
Brazilian midfielder Fred moved to Fenerbahçe in 2023 from Manchester United.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Enner Valencia in 2024. Enner Valencia is another soccer player who loves wearing the number 13 jersey.
The Fenerbahçe man is one of the best box-to-box midfielders in the world.
Known for his energy and box-to-box capabilities, Fred adds dynamism to Fenerbahçe’s midfield.
4. Julen Agirrezabala (Athletic Bilbao)
Julen Agirrezabala, a Spanish goalkeeper, came through the ranks at Athletic Bilbao.
He inherited the number 13 shirt in 2021 from Jokin Ezkieta. The Basque man is one of the brave footballers who wear the number 13.
Agirrezabala offers solid backup for Unai Simon and has been a reliable option in cup competitions.
5. Destiny Udogie (Tottenham Hotspur)
Destiny Udogie, an Italian left-back, joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2023 from Udinese.
He initially took the number 38 jersey but later switched to 13 this summer, inheriting it from goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, who opted for number 1.
Udogie is known for his attacking prowess from the full-back position and is expected to be a key part of Tottenham’s defense.
Udogie has been a key player for Italy’s national team ever since he made his debut on 14 October 2023, coming on as a substitute.
6. Vladan Kovačević (Sporting CP)
Vladan Kovačević, a Bosnian goalkeeper, joined Sporting CP in 2024. He inherited the number 13 jersey from Luís Neto.
Kovacevic is seen as a future star for Sporting, bringing confidence and commanding presence between the posts.
In May 2019, he received his first senior call-up for Bosnia and Herzegovina for the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers against Finland and Italy but did not make his debut.
In February 2023, Kovačević accepted an invitation to join the Serbia national team and was set to debut in June.
However, due to FIFA eligibility rules, he can only play for the Bosnia and Herzegovina national team.
7. Iñaki Peña (FC Barcelona)
Iñaki Peña, a promising Spanish goalkeeper, has been with Barcelona since his youth days and was handed the number 13 jersey in 2022.
He took over the number from Neto, who left for Bournemouth.
Peña is seen as a reliable backup for Marc-André ter Stegen. He has been training closely with Marc-André ter Stegen, learning and improving his skills under the mentorship of one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Since the German goalkeeper’s ACL injury, Iñaki has been in fine form for Barcelona and has been starting games for the club.
8. Andriy Lunin (Real Madrid)
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin enjoyed a string of appearances with Real Madrid when Thibaut Courtois got injured earlier this season.
The 23-year-old played for Dnipro and Zorya Lugansk before joining the Los Blancos in 2018, although he went on loan to several La Liga teams.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been with Real Madrid since 2018.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Thibaut Courtois in 2020.
Lunin has played an important role as the second-choice goalkeeper, filling in during key matches when needed.
He won the 2019 FIFA Under-20 World Cup with the Ukrainian U20 national team and has only eight appearances with Real Madrid.
However, he also has the La Liga, UEFA Champions League, and Supercopa winners medals.
9. Jan Oblak (Atletico Madrid)
Atletico Madrid’s long-serving goalkeeper Jan Oblak has worn the number 13 jersey since 2014 when he joined the club from Benfica.
Slovenian Goalkeeper Jan Oblak is an outstanding talent between the sticks. He became number one, replacing Thibaut Courtois, becoming the most expensive goalkeeper in La Liga at that time.
He has over 350 appearances for Atlético Madrid, four trophies, and has been named in the Ballon D’or shortlist a couple of times.
Jan Oblak is undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and one of the best soccer players who wear the number 13 jersey for their club.
Oblak inherited the number from Thibaut Courtois.
He is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
On May 9, 2023, Oblak became Atlético Madrid’s most-capped foreign player with his 390th appearance, surpassing Diego Godín.
He also played his 300th La Liga match on September 24, 2023, in a 3–1 win over Real Madrid, becoming the fifth foreign goalkeeper to reach this milestone.
On March 13, 2024, Oblak made history by saving two penalties in a Champions League round of 16 shoot-out against Inter Milan, becoming the first goalkeeper to win three penalty shoot-outs with one club in the competition.
10. Galeno (FC Porto)
Brazilian winger Galeno joined FC Porto in 2022 and was given the number 13 jersey, previously worn by Alex Telles.
Known for his pace and dribbling, Galeno plays a key role in Porto’s attacking transitions and wide play.
On March 11, 2024, Galeno received his first call-up to the Brazil national team for friendlies against England and Spain.
He made his debut two weeks later, substituting for Rodrygo in the 82nd minute of the match against Spain with the score tied at 2-2.
In stoppage time, after Spain took a 3-2 lead, Galeno was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty that Lucas Paquetá converted, securing a 3-3 draw.
11. Amir Rrahmani (SSC Napoli)
Kosovan center-back Amir Rrahmani has been a part of Napoli since 2020.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Sebastiano Luperto.
Rrahmani is a crucial figure in Napoli’s defense, known for his physicality and aerial strength.
Interestingly, he is of Albanian descent from Kosovo, Rrahmani received Albanian citizenship in 2013. He now plays for and captains the Kosovo national team.
12. Josep Martinez (Inter Milan)
Spanish goalkeeper Josep Martinez signed for Inter Milan in 2024 from RB Leipzig.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Andrea Ranocchia.
Martinez is expected to provide reliable backup for Inter’s first-choice goalkeeper, adding depth to their squad.
13. Alessio Romagnoli (SS Lazio)
Italian center-back Alessio Romagnoli joined Lazio in 2022 after his stint at AC Milan.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Nicolo Armini.
Romagnoli is known for his leadership and defensive solidity and has been key in Lazio’s backline.
Alessio Romagnoli is also one of the best left-footed centre-backs in the world.
Romagnoli is a combative, aggressive, and hard-tackling center-back, making him one of the best defenders in the Italian Serie A.
14. Samy Mmaee (Dinamo Zagreb)
Belgian-Moroccan defender Samy Mmaee signed for Dinamo Zagreb in 2024.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Stefan Ristovski.
Mmaee is expected to play a pivotal role in Dinamo’s defense, offering both strength and composure.
15. Pascal Groß (Borussia Dortmund)
After an impressive stint at Brighton Hove Albion, German midfielder Pascal Groß joined Borussia Dortmund in 2024.
He inherited the number 13 jersey, previously worn by Raphael Guerreiro, who joined Bayern Munich.
Groß brings creativity and tactical intelligence to Dortmund’s midfield.
16. Arthur (Bayer 04 Leverkusen)
Brazilian midfielder Arthur joined Bayer Leverkusen in 2023.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Lucas Alario.
Arthur is known for his composure on the ball and passing range, making him a vital part of Leverkusen’s midfield structure.
17. Christian Mawissa (Monaco)
French defender Christian Mawissa joined Monaco from Toulouse in 2024 and was given the number 13 jersey, taking over from Guillermo Maripan.
Mawissa is viewed as a promising talent in Monaco’s defensive setup.
18. Nicolas Seiwald (RB Leipzig)
Austrian midfielder Nicolas Seiwald signed for RB Leipzig in 2023.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Orjan Nyland.
Seiwald is a key figure in Leipzig’s midfield, known for his versatility and tactical awareness.
19. CJ Dos Santos (Inter Miami)
Carlos Joaquim “CJ” Antunes dos Santos, still only 24, is an American goalkeeper for Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer. He joined the club on February 11, 2022.
Born to a Cape Verdean father and Portuguese mother, CJ has represented the United States at various youth levels, including the 2017 CONCACAF U-17 Championship and FIFA U-17 World Cup.
He was also called up for a senior national team training camp in December 2020.
Wearing the number 13, Dos Santos brings skill and international experience to Inter Miami.
20. Paulo Gazzaniga (Girona)
Argentine goalkeeper Paulo Gazzaniga signed for Girona in 2022.
He played a crucial role from the Catalan club as they qualified for the Champions League last season.
He inherited the number 13 jersey from Adrian Ortola. Gazzaniga’s experience in European football is seen as an asset for Girona, providing stability and leadership from the back.
In the 2023/24 season, Paulo Gazzaniga played all 38 La Liga matches, keeping twelve clean sheets, which helped his club secure third place and their first-ever qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
On September 18, 2024, during the club’s inaugural European match, he conceded an own goal in the 90th minute, leading to a 1–0 away defeat against Paris Saint-Germain.
However, on October 6, he redeemed himself by saving three penalty kicks, including a retaken one, in a 2–1 victory over Athletic Bilbao.
