According to the modern football number positions, the number 6 is typically assigned to a holding or defensive midfielder.
The number 6 jersey is not a number one would usually associate with talented or popular players.
Over the years, however, a few players have distinguished themselves while adorning the number 6 jersey and elevated themselves to iconic status.
And as you would find out, these great footballers who wore the number 6 shirt are not just holding or defensive midfielders.
Here are the greatest football players to have worn the number 6 jersey.
1. Xavi Hernández – FC Barcelona
The former Barcelona and Spanish national team captain is unarguably one of the greatest midfielders to have stepped on the football pitch.
Blessed with great technical ability l, the Catalan legend wore the number 6 during his illustrious career.
Known for his accurate passes and great control, the World Cup winner was able to dictate the tone and pace of the game, notwithstanding the level of opposition he faced.
Xavi was part of the all-conquering side that won a sextuplet during the 2008/2009 season.
Hernández was also part of the golden generation of the Spanish national that won their first World Cup and back-to-back Euro trophies.
Xavi Hernández proudly wore the number 6 jersey during his time at Barcelona.
2. Franco Baresi – Italy
The AC Milan legend is arguably one of the greatest defenders in the game.
Baresi was part of a Rossoneri backline that helped guide them to multiple Serie A titles and UEFA Champions League trophies.
Franco was also part of an impressive Italian defense that unluckily lost the 1994 World Cup final against Brazil.
The Italian legend was known to wear the number 6 jersey during his playing days.
3. Ronald De Boer – Ajax
The former Dutch national team captain was a great midfielder who was especially dominant in the 90s.
Ronald was part of a young and exciting Ajax Amsterdam side that conquered Europe when they defeated AC Milan in the 1995 UEFA Champions League final.
Ronald also led the team that finished second the following season.
De Boer, alongside his twin brother Frank was part of a squad of great Dutch players of the 90s and early 2000s who sadly never won an international title.
Ronald wore the number 6 jersey during his time with both Ajax and the Dutch national team.
4. Roberto Carlos – Brazil
The former Brazilian and Real Madrid left-back was one of the most exciting attacking fullbacks in the 90s and 2000s.
In his playing days Roberto Carlos was said to be one of the best wingbacks in football history.
Known for his powerful and curving shots, Carlos was a mainstay in the starting XI for the Selecao and Galacticos.
Roberto was most recognizable, wearing the number 6 jersey.
5. Matthias Sammer – Borussia Dortmund
The former Borussia Dortmund midfielder was another gifted player who usually wore jersey number 6.
The German midfielder was known for his technical ability and box-to-box play. Sammer helped Dortmund clinch their first and only Champions League trophy in 1997.
Matthias also led the German national team to Euro success in 1996 when they defeated the Czech Republic 2-1 in the finals.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS:
- Taribo West – Nigeria
- Aldair – Brazil
- Bobby Moore – England
- Paul Pogba – France & Manchester United
- Andres Iniesta – Spain
- Laurent Koscielny – Arsenal FC
- Joleon Lescott – Manchester City.
