5 legendary footballers whose jersey numbers were retired

Bhargav
Paolo Maldini's #3 jersey was retired by AC Milan out of respect for his achievements
Paolo Maldini's #3 jersey was retired by AC Milan out of respect for his achievements

#3 Johan Cruyff (Ajax) - #14 jersey

Johan Cruyff at Barcelona
Johan Cruyff at Barcelona

Johan Cruyff is the man credited with bringing Rinus Michels' revolutionary Total Football philosophy to life.

The late Dutchman was a prolific goalscorer, but could play literally anywhere on the field. After making his professional debut with Ajax in the 60s, Cruyff lifted the Eredivisie side from obscurity and made them European powerhouses. Ajax won three consecutive European Champions Clubs' Cup titles with the Dutchman leading the charge on the pitch.

Cruyff then moved to Barcelona and reworked his magic at Camp Nou, endearing himself to the club faithful. Years later, as the club's manager, the three-time Ballon d'Or winner would form a dream team that won four consecutive La Liga titles and the European Champions Club's Cup.

More than two decades after he last played for the club, Ajax retired Cruyff's #14 jersey in 2007.


#2 Diego Maradona (Napoli) - #10 jersey

Diego Maradona at Napoli
Diego Maradona at Napoli

Arguably one of the greatest players to have graced the game, Diego Maradona joined Napoli after a failed stint with Barcelona and transformed the fortunes of the Italian club.

After leading Argentina to the 1986 FIFA World Cup title, Maradona played a key role in Napoli winning their first-ever Serie A title in the 1986-87 season. That marked the first time a club from southern Italy had won the league title. Maradona then helped Napoli repeat the feat three years later, while also winning the UEFA Cup in 1989.

Though he was never a prolific goalscorer, Maradona was a playmaker par excellence and was an able leader on the field. During his seven-year stint at Napoli spanning over 250 games, Maradona scored 115 goals and provided 33 assists.

Although the Argentine departed the club in disgrace after failing a drug test, Napoli paid due credence to Maradona's exploits for the club by retiring his #10 jersey. Shortly after Maradona expired last year, Napoli renamed their stadium as the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.


#1 Pele (New York Cosmos) - #10 jersey

Pele
Pele

Pele is widely regarded as the best player to have graced the game and arguably the greatest ever goalscorer.

During a prolific career for club and country, the all-time top scorer for Brazil notched up a barely believable 1283 goals. Despite his diminutive stature, the three-time FIFA World Cup winner was proficient off either foot and strong in the air. His versatility also allowed him to be deployed anywhere in the attacking third.

After a near two-decade-long stint at Santos, a 35-year-old Pele joined American club New York Cosmos in 1975. Though he played there for only two years, Pele was a crowd puller and entertainer. He scored 37 goals in 64 matches for the club.

Pele played his last professional match against his old employers Santos. Shortly thereafter, the New York Cosmos retired Pele's #10 jersey.

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