Some iconic players have managed to wear some uniconic jersey numbers in soccer in the past. Most soccer players who wear the number 18 jersey put it on, regardless in the position they play.
However, some famous soccer players have indeed worn the number 18 jersey; Ashley Young at Manchester United wore 18 for a long time.
Dirk Kuyt did the same at Liverpool, while Legendary Jurgen Klinsmann, Roberto Baggio, and Paul Scholes at Bayern, AC Milan, and Manchester United, respectively.
There are many players who currently don the number 18 jersey despite it not being a popular soccer jersey number.
20 Soccer Players Who Wear The Number 18 Jersey (2024/25)
Without further time wasting, let’s look at the top 20 soccer players wearing 18 shirts in 2024/25 season.
1. Takehiro Tomiyasu (Arsenal FC)
Takehiro Tomiyasu has worn the number 18 jersey at Arsenal since joining the club in 2021.
He inherited it from Thomas Partey, who switched to number 5.
Tomiyasu is a versatile defender, capable of playing as a right-back or center-back.
The Japanese fullback has faced injury issues that have limited his playing time this season.
He missed the start of the 2024/25 season due to a knee injury, which raised concerns about his fitness and availability for the team.
His rise started in the Japanese league, where he started in 2015, before moving to Europe with Sint-Truiden in Belgium, where he stayed for another season before his move to Italy.
Right now, Tomiyasu is not just one of the best soccer players in Japan, but has the potential to become one of the best full-backs in soccer.
2. Christopher Nkunku (Chelsea FC)
Christopher Nkunku took the number 18 jersey after joining Chelsea in 2023. Interestingly, he also wore that shirt number at RB Leipzig.
He inherited it from Armando Broja, who switched to number 19.
Nkunku has faced a significant injury setback after joining Chelsea from RB Leipzig.
He suffered a knee injury during pre-season, which has kept him sidelined for the start of the 2023/24 season.
However, he has been in fine form since the 2024/25 season, but he faces stiff competition in the packed Chelsea squad.
The Frenchman has lethal speed, technical skills, as well as goal-scoring ability, which make him a dynamic player who can create chances and finish them effectively.
3. Cody Gakpo (Liverpool FC)
Cody Gakpo has worn the number 18 jersey since joining Liverpool in January 2023.
He is arguably the best soccer player with the number 18 shirt on this list.
He inherited it from Takumi Minamino, who left the club to join Monaco.
Gakpo has also been a key player for the Netherlands national team. He played a crucial role in their recent Euro 2024 tournament, showcasing his skills and helping the team with crucial goals.
Gakpo possesses versatility in the attack, capable of playing as a winger or a forward.
His speed, dribbling skills, and ability to score goals make him a constant threat to opposing defenses.
The 25-year-old combines technical ability with physicality, allowing him to excel in one-on-one situations and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
4. Stefan Ortega (Manchester City)
Stefan Ortega took the number 18 jersey at Manchester City in 2022 when he joined from Arminia Bielefeld.
He inherited the number from Fabian Delph, who left to Everton, and is one one the bald footballers.
Ortega serves as a backup goalkeeper for Pep Guardiola’s side. The German has established himself as a reliable backup goalkeeper for Manchester City.
He has made several appearances in cup competitions, showcasing his shot-stopping ability and distribution skills.
The 31-year-old’s performances have been crucial in providing depth to the squad, especially during busy match schedules.
Ortega is known for his agility and ability to play with his feet, which aligns well with Manchester City’s playing style.
His confidence in possession allows him to contribute to the team’s build-up play, making him an asset beyond just traditional goalkeeping duties.
5. Jordi Alba (Inter Miami)
Barcelona defender, Jordi Alba is one player who loves the number 18 jersey so much.
He has won almost everything in soccer, but despite his profile as one of the most decorated players in soccer, he wears the number 18 both at Barcelona and the Spanish national team level.
Alba won the UEFA Euro in 2012 with Spain and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona, alongside multiple La Liga titles, cementing his place as one of the best left-backs in modern times.
Jordi Alba inherited the number 18 jersey at Inter Miami in 2023 after joining the club from Barcelona.
He took the number from Harvey Neville at Inter Miami.
Alba is a legendary left-back, known for his attacking prowess and defensive reliability.
6. Casemiro (Manchester United)
Casemiro has worn the number 18 jersey at Manchester United since joining in 2022.
He inherited it from Bruno Fernandes, who switched to number 8. Interestingly, the wore the number 14 at Real Madrid.
Casemiro has been a key player for Manchester United since his arrival from Real Madrid.
Casemiro is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, known for his tackling and leadership. However, he has not been in the best form at United this season.
The Brazilian is renowned for his defensive prowess, tactical intelligence, and ability to break up opposition play.
He excels in positioning, tackling, and interception, making him one of the best defensive midfielders in the game.
7. Páu Víctor (FC Barcelona)
Pau Víctor inherited the number 18 jersey at Barcelona in 2024, taking over from Oriol Romeu.
Víctor is a promising attacker known for his technical ability and versatility.
He impressed Barca coach Handi Flick during their preseason games and is now a regular player in the Barca squad, although he has to fight for a place in a very talented Barcelona line-up.
8. Jesús Vallejo (Real Madrid)
After a brief loan spell, Jesús Vallejo has taken the number 18 jersey at Real Madrid this season.
He inherited it from Aurélien Tchouaméni, who switched to 14.
Jesús Vallejo has struggled for game time as well as breaking into the talented Real Madrid defensive lineup.
Vallejo is a center-back known for his solid defensive work.
9. Marco Reus (LA Galaxy)
Marco Reus joined LA Galaxy in 2024 from Borussia Dortmund, where he spent 12 years, and took over the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Jonathan Perez.
Marcus Reus is the poster boy for injuries, as is one of the soccer players who always gets injured, and among the soccer players who have torn their ACL.
Reus is an experienced attacking midfielder known for his creativity, dribbling, and finishing.
10. Arthur Melo (Juventus FC)
Arthur was a huge hit at Grêmio, and won the Copa Libertadores in 2017, even emerging as the best player.
He signed for Barcelona for €31 million in 2018 after attracting huge interest from several clubs in Europe.
Arthur later joined Italian club Juventus in 2020, but was loaned out to Liverpool in the 2022–23 season, only making one appearance for the English club.
After the loan spell, Arthur Melo returned to Juventus in 2024 and took the number 18 jersey.
He inherited it from Moise Kean, who departed the club.
Arthur is a central midfielder known for his ball control and passing.
11. Giovanni Simeone (SSC Napoli)
Son of Athletico Madrid manager, Diego Simeone, 29-year-old Giovanni Simeone has worn the number 18 jersey at Napoli since joining the club in 2022.
He inherited the number from Fernando Llorente.
Simeone is a prolific striker, known for his physicality and goal-scoring ability. His style complements Napoli’s attacking philosophy, making him a vital player in their forward line.
12. Sebastian Haller (Leganes)
Sebastian Haller shockingly joined newly promoted La Liga side, Leganes, on deadline day of the 2024 transfer window and took the number 18 jersey. He inherited it from Ruben Pardo.
Haller is a target man striker, known for his strength and finishing in the box.
Earlier this year, he scored the goal that saw Ivory Coast win the AFCON on home soil, instantly becoming a national hero.
It was a remarkable moment for Haller, who overcame prostate cancer that had earlier threatened to derail his career!
13. Matías Soulé (AS Roma)
Matías Soulé signed for AS Roma in 2024 after impressing with Juventus and took over the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Ola Solbakken.
Soulé has been impressing at Roma, where he has been given more playing time this season.
His performances in Serie A and cup competitions have garnered attention, with many seeing him as a future star.
Soulé is a talented winger with excellent dribbling and pace. He has been compared to fellow Argentine, Angel Di Maria.
14. Daniel Peretz (Bayern Munich)
Peretz made headlines with his transfer to Bayern Munich from Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He is seen as a promising young goalkeeper, and his move to a top club in Europe marked a significant step in his career
Daniel Peretz inherited the number 18 jersey at Bayern Munich in 2023 after joining from Maccabi Tel Aviv.
He took the number from Marcel Sabitzer, who left for Manchester United.
Peretz is a highly-rated young goalkeeper, who is known for his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure, qualities that will be essential as he competes for a place in Bayern’s squad
15. Danny Welbeck (Brighton)
Danny Welbeck has worn the number 18 jersey at Brighton since joining in 2020.
He inherited it from Aaron Mooy.
Welbeck is a forward known for his work rate, pace, and ability to play across the front line.
As one of the more experienced players in the squad, Welbeck’s presence is crucial for Brighton, especially as they navigate a busy fixture schedule in the 2024/25 season.
16. Ashley Young (Everton)
The English defender is one player who absolutely loves the number 18 shirt number.
He wore the number 18 shirt at Man United, Aston Villa and English national team.
Ashley Young moved to Everton in 2023 and took the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Niels Nkounkou.
Young is a veteran full-back, known for his experience, versatility, and leadership.
The 39-year-old veteran is one player who can play multiple positions, as he plays as a winger or full-back, while his ability to deliver quality crosses continues to make him an asset for Everton’s attacking play.
17. Andreas Pereira (Fulham)
Most people don’t know that Pereira was born in Duffel, Belgium, and started his youth career at Lommel before moving to PSV Eindhoven at age nine.
He signed with Manchester United in November 2011 and made his Premier League debut in March 2015.
During his time at United, he was loaned to several clubs, including Granada and Valencia in Spain, Lazio in Italy, and Flamengo in Brazil.
Andreas Pereira has worn the number 18 jersey at Fulham since joining the club in 2022.
He inherited it from fellow Brazilian player Mario Lemina.
Pereira is a creative midfielder with excellent passing and vision. He is arguably one of the most underrated midfielders in soccer.
18. Arthur Vermeeren (RB Leipzig)
After attracting interest from top European clubs while playing at Royal Antwerp, Vermeeren signed with La Liga club Atlético Madrid on a six-and-a-half-year contract.
However, Arthur Vermeeren was shipped out on loan to RB Leipzig in 2024 and took over the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Liverpool loanee, Fabio Carvalho.
Vermeeren is a young talented midfielder with great potential.
19. Joe Gauci (Aston Villa)
Joe Gauci joined Aston Villa in 2024 and inherited the number 18 jersey, previously worn by Ashley Young before his departure to Everton.
Gauci is a promising goalkeeper known for his reflexes and shot-stopping ability.
He is one of the least known footballers that wear number 18 on our list.
20. Danny Ings (West Ham United)
Ings is typically remembered for his time with Burnley, where he won the 2013/14 Championship Player of the Year and helped the team gain promotion to the Premier League.
Since then he has played for Liverpool, Aston Villa, Southampton and is now at West Ham.
Danny Ings has worn the number 18 jersey at West Ham since joining the club in 2022.
He inherited it from Pablo Fornals, who switched to number 8 then.
Ings is a clinical striker known for his sharp finishing and movement.
