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#3 Gianluigi Buffon | 88
Gianluigi Buffon was at the center of huge controversy and immense media scrutiny when he chose the number 88 at boyhood club Parma.
The Italian shot-stopper's choice of the #88 jersey caused a backlash by the Italian Jewish community, as the number was considered to be a Neo-Nazi symbol. 88 translated as HH or Heil Hitler for the Nazis, as H is the eighth letter of the English alphabet.
This forced Buffon to clarify his rationale behind the controversial decision. He said in an interview, "I have chosen 88 because it reminds me of four balls and in Italy, we all know what it means to have balls: strength and determination. And this season I will have to have balls to get back my place in the Italy team."
One of the greatest goalkeepers in world football and an absolute gentleman of the game, Buffon immediately decided to change his jersey number to 77.
#2 Ronaldinho | 80
The Brazilian magician is one of the greatest and most entertaining footballers in the history of the game. Ronaldinho's choice of jersey numbers has sometimes been as adventurous as his playing style.
Much like Robinho, Ronaldinho did not get his favored number 10 jersey at AC Milan, as it was worn by Clarence Seedorf. Hence, he decided on the #80 jersey, which he stuck to throughout his three-year stay in Milan.
Ronaldinho opted for his favored #10 jersey at Barcelona, Fluminense, Atletico Mineiro and Flamengo. However, he wore the number 21 on his back for a brief period in PSG and 49 at Queretaro and Mineiro for a season.
The 2005 Ballon d'Or winner established himself as one of the greats of the game during his five-season spell with Barcelona. In 207 appearances for the club, Ronaldinho was directly involved in 165 goals (94 goals, 71 assists). He also won the FIFA World Player of the Year accolade twice in a little more than his first 2 years at Camp Nou.
#1 Lionel Messi | 30
The footballing world was left stunned earlier this month as Barcelona announced that Lionel Messi will not be signing a new contract at the club.
The Argentine himself confirmed his departure from his boyhood club last Sunday and was recently unveiled as a PSG signing. Most expected Lionel Messi to continue wearing his iconic #10 jersey in Paris, which is currently worn by his former teammate Neymar.
Various reports have claimed that Neymar offered his jersey number to his good friend, but the offer was politely declined by Messi. The six-time Ballon d'Or winner instead opted for the #30 jersey, which left many fans scratching their heads. However, it shouldn't come as much of a surprise as Messi began his professional career for Barcelona with the #30 on his back.
Many have argued that Messi's decision to wear the number 30 jersey represents his emotional attachment to his boyhood club. The Argentine left the club after 17 years in the first team and 21 years, including his time at La Masia.
Messi left the Blaugrana with a staggering tally of 672 goals and 266 assists from 778 appearances.
