The number 20 is one of those jersey numbers usually reserved for a squad player who is not always expected to start a game.
Such players are not seen as the main threats in a team and are hence considered just there to make up the numbers.
Today’s highlighted players, however, buck that trend. This set of footballers have shown how good they are wearing the number 20 shirt.
Here are some famous footballers who have worn the number 20 jersey for the national team and football club.
1. Daniel Alves – Barcelona
Widely known as Dani Alves the Brazilian wingback is an exciting player full of pace and trickery.
Alves earlier in his career made a big-money move to Spanish giants FC Barcelona.
His first number when he joined the Catalans was the number 20. He wore the jersey number 20 for just one season.
Part of the exciting Barca team in the mid to late 2000s, Alves was known for his attacking forays into the opposition half from the fullback positions.
Dani’s contributions helped his team win many domestic and international trophies, becoming one of the most admired and complete right-backs in the world.
2. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – Manchester United
The former Norwegian striker was one of Manchester United’s most reliable players during the coach Alex Ferguson era.
Ole wore the number 20 during his time with the Red Devils and was usually used as a super sub.
His most famous contribution to Manchester was the heroics of the 1999 Champions League final, when Solskjaer came on to score the winner against FC Bayern Munich.
Ole was the manager of Manchester United, and one of the greatest Norwegians in the Premier League.
3. Dele Alli – Tottenham Hotspur
The England and Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder has been quite influential these past couple of years.
Alli is usually spotted wearing the number 20 shirt and is known for his skills and technical ability on the ball.
He helped Spurs reach the UEFA Champions League final in 2019.
4. Gonzalo Higuain – Real Madrid
The Argentinian goal machine adorned the number 20 during his time with Spanish top club Real Madrid.
During his time with Los Blancos, Higuain scored an impressive 107 league goals in 190 appearances, helping them win 3 La Liga titles.
Gonzalo also featured prominently for Italian side Juventus FC helping them win many league titles on the bounce.
5. Oliver Bierhoff – Udinese, AC Milan and AS Monaco
The former German international was well known for his goalscoring ability, especially with his head.
He usually wore the number 20 jersey when playing for the German national team, AS Monaco, as well as Italian club sides Udinese and AC Milan.
6. Deco – FC Barcelona, Chelsea and Fluminense
The Brazilian-born Portuguese midfielder donned the number 20 jersey for both FC Barcelona and Chelsea.
The versatile, and intelligent midfielder was the first player to win the UEFA Best Midfielder Award with two clubs, Porto and Barcelona.
Notable Mentions:
- Sergi Roberto – FC Barcelona
- Vinicius Junior – Real Madrid
- Paulo Ferriera – Chelsea
- Javier Mascherano – Liverpool
- Steven Pienaar – Everton
- Johan Djourou – Arsenal
- Adam Lallana – Liverpool
- Glenn Hoddle – Chelsea
- Joseph Yobo – Everton
- Michael Dawson – Tottenham Hotspur
- Bernardo Silva – Manchester City
- Robin van Persie – Manchester United
