Throughout football history, many great players have donned the number 18 jersey for their clubs and countries.
This squad number evokes images of midfield generals and clinical finishers who have left an indelible mark on the beautiful game.
In this article, we explore some famous football player who has worn jersey number 18 and have graced football pitches with their skill, intelligence, and goal-scoring prowess.
Dirk Kuyt
The hard-working Dutch winger Dirk Kuyt wore number 18 for Liverpool between 2006 and 2012. Known for his boundless energy and versatility, Kuyt operated on the right flank and as a striker during his time at Anfield.
Despite not being the most technically gifted, his work ethic and eye for goal have earned him a cult following among Liverpool supporters. For Liverpool, Kuyt scored 51 goals in 208 appearances and also helped the club win the Premier League Cup in 2012.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1998 | Quick Boys | 6 | (3) |
1998–2003 | Utrecht | 160 | (51) |
2003–2006 | Feyenoord | 101 | (71) |
2006–2012 | Liverpool | 208 | (51) |
2012–2015 | Fenerbahçe | 95 | (26) |
2015–2017 | Feyenoord | 63 | (31) |
2017 | Quick Boys | 3 | (0) |
Total | 639 | (233) |
Gabriel Milito
Argentine centre-back Gabriel Milito wore the number 18 shirt with distinction for the national team and club.
His intelligent reading of the game and rugged defending saw him represent Argentina at two World Cups.
Milito was also instrumental in Barcelona’s Champions League successes in 2006 and 2009.
His positional excellence and brave last-ditch tackling made him a formidable obstacle for opposition attackers.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1997–2003 | Independiente | 123 | (3) |
2003–2007 | Zaragoza | 137 | (5) |
2007–2011 | Barcelona | 48 | (1) |
2011–2012 | Independiente | 31 | (0) |
Total | 339 | (9) |
Stephen Appiah
The battling Ghanaian midfielder Stephen Appiah graced number 18 during his peak years at Parma in the early 2000s and Fenerbahçe.
Appiah stood out for his box-to-box energy, zesty dribbling, and eye for goal from a distance. He captained Ghana at their first two World Cups in 2006 and 2010.
At the club level, Appiah won trophies in Italy, Turkey, and Belarus, earning league MVP honours multiple times.
1995–1997 | Hearts of Oak | 21 | (19) |
---|---|---|---|
1997–2000 | Udinese | 36 | (0) |
2000–2003 | Parma | 28 | (0) |
2002–2003 | → Brescia (loan) | 31 | (7) |
2003–2005 | Juventus | 48 | (3) |
2005–2008 | Fenerbahçe | 64 | (11) |
2009–2010 | Bologna | 2 | (0) |
2010–2011 | Cesena | 14 | (0) |
2012 | Vojvodina | 11 | (1) |
Total | 255 | (41) |
Raúl Albiol
An elegant, ball-playing centre-back, Raúl Albiol wore 18 for Spain and clubs like Real Madrid and Napoli.
Albiol was integral to Spain’s European Championship wins in 2008 and 2012 due to his intelligent defence and ability to initiate attacks from deep.
For Real Madrid, he formed an outstanding partnership with Pepe before moving to Napoli, where he added Coppa Italia and Super Cup medals to his collection.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
2003–2004 | Valencia B | 35 | (2) |
2004–2009 | Valencia | 131 | (5) |
2004–2005 | → Getafe (loan) | 17 | (1) |
2009–2013 | Real Madrid | 81 | (1) |
2013–2019 | Napoli | 180 | (6) |
2019– | Villarreal | 140 | (1) |
Bruno Fernandes
Gifted playmaker Bruno Fernandes has lit up Premier League pitches wearing Manchester United’s famous number 18.
Since joining United in 2020, the Portuguese schemer’s vision, passing range and dead-ball delivery have helped transform the club’s fortunes.
Operating as a number 10 behind the strikers, Fernandes scored 49 goals in his first 100 United games—a club record.
His creativity and leadership make him one of Europe’s most influential advanced midfielders.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
2012–2013 | Novara | 23 | (4) |
2013–2016 | Udinese | 86 | (10) |
2016–2017 | Sampdoria | 33 | (5) |
2017–2020 | Sporting CP | 83 | (39) |
2020– | Manchester United | 144 | (47) |
International career | |||
2012 | Portugal U19 | 2 | (0) |
2014 | Portugal U20 | 5 | (1) |
2014–2017 | Portugal U21 | 17 | (6) |
2016 | Portugal U23 | 4 | (0) |
2017– | Portugal | 63 | (19) |
Olivier Giroud
France’s all-time highest goalscorer Olivier Giroud has worn jersey number 18 for club and country.
The powerful centre forward peaked during a trophy-laden spell at Arsenal then Chelsea, where his aerial ability and deft link play helped both clubs win FA Cups, Europa Leagues and in Chelsea’s case, the Champions League.
Giroud also earned over 100 France caps, winning the 2018 World Cup.
Though not the paciest forward, his finishing instincts and unselfish approach make him an invaluable team player.
Senior career | |||
---|---|---|---|
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2005–2008 | Grenoble | 23 | (2) |
2007–2008 | → Istres (loan) | 33 | (14) |
2008–2010 | Tours | 44 | (24) |
2010–2012 | Montpellier | 73 | (33) |
2010 | → Tours (loan) | 17 | (6) |
2012–2018 | Arsenal | 180 | (73) |
2018–2021 | Chelsea | 75 | (17) |
2021– | AC Milan | 79 | (34) |
International career | |||
2011– | France | 128 | (56) |
Ashley Young
Versatile wide player Ashley Young sported number 18 during a highly successful decade at Manchester United.
Young was capable of operating as either a winger or even as a fullback and played a key supporting role in United’s Premier League title win in 2013.
Blessed with pace and a wicked left foot, he posed a constant threat out wide for United, winning the FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League.
Young later moved to Inter Milan, winning the Serie A title in 2021.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
2003–2007 | Watford | 98 | (19) |
2007–2011 | Aston Villa | 157 | (30) |
2011–2020 | Manchester United | 192 | (15) |
2020–2021 | Inter Milan | 44 | (5) |
2021–2023 | Aston Villa | 53 | (1) |
2023– | Everton | 15 | (0) |
International career | |||
2006–2007 | England U21 | 10 | (0) |
2007–2018 | England | 39 | (7) |
Miroslav Klose
Germany’s all-time leading scorer Miroslav Klose is inextricably linked to the number 18 shirt.
His poaching instincts saw him net 71 goals for Germany’s national team, Die Mannschaft, including five across two World Cup triumphs in 2002 and 2014.
Klose was the archetypal centre forward who spearheaded attacks and applied the finishing touches.
Strong in the air and quick across the turf, he scored bags of goals for clubs like Werder Bremen and Lazio, with few able to shackle him in the box.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1998–1999 | FC 08 Homburg II | 15 | (10) |
1998–1999 | FC 08 Homburg | 18 | (1) |
1999–2001 | 1. FC Kaiserslautern II | 50 | (26) |
1999–2004 | 1. FC Kaiserslautern | 120 | (44) |
2004–2007 | Werder Bremen | 89 | (53) |
2007–2011 | Bayern Munich | 98 | (24) |
2011–2016 | Lazio | 139 | (54) |
Total | 529 | (212) | |
International career | |||
2001–2014 | Germany | 137 | (71) |
Nacho Monreal
Underrated Spaniard Nacho Monreal offered balance and tenacity from left back wearing Arsenal’s 18 for seven years.
Never flashy but consistently reliable, Monreal posed an attacking threat when overlapping but also diligently attended to defensive duties.
A tidy passer with a cultured left foot, he played a major role in three FA Cup wins for Arsenal.
Monreal later helped Real Sociedad qualify for the Europa League in 2021 wearing El Zorro’s famous 18.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
2005–2006 | Osasuna B | 36 | (3) |
2006–2011 | Osasuna | 127 | (3) |
2011–2013 | Málaga | 45 | (1) |
2013–2019 | Arsenal | 187 | (7) |
2019–2022 | Real Sociedad | 55 | (3) |
Total | 450 | (17) |
Jermain Defoe
Pint-sized striker Jermain Defoe carried the weight of Tottenham and Sunderland’s attacks wearing 18 on his back.
Defoe consistently breached the 20-goal barrier in the Premier League—no mean feat for diminutive forwards.
His pace in behind, composure in the box, and rifle of a shot made him a feared number 9.
Defoe also scored 20 times for England, his most memorable contribution coming wearing 18 during the 2010 World Cup qualifiers.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1999–2004 | West Ham United | 93 | (29) |
2000–2001 | → AFC Bournemouth (loan) | 29 | (18) |
2004–2008 | Tottenham Hotspur | 139 | (43) |
2008 | → Portsmouth (loan) | 1 | (1) |
2008–2009 | Portsmouth | 30 | (14) |
2009–2014 | Tottenham Hotspur | 135 | (47) |
2014 | Toronto FC | 19 | (11) |
2014 | → Tottenham Hotspur (loan) | 2 | (1) |
2015–2017 | Sunderland | 87 | (34) |
2017–2020 | AFC Bournemouth | 28 | (4) |
2019–2020 | → Rangers (loan) | 37 | (21) |
2020–2022 | Rangers | 17 | (4) |
2022 | Sunderland | 7 | (0) |
Total | 624 | (227) | |
International career | |||
England U16 | 8 | (0) | |
2000–2001 | England U18 | 7 | (0) |
2001–2003 | England U21 | 23 | (7) |
2004–2017 | England | 57 | (20) |
Gareth Barry
Gareth Barry’s longevity and consistency in wearing 18 marked him as one of England’s finest midfield exports.
Barry operated the fulcrum of attacks for Aston Villa, Manchester City, and Everton over two decades in the top flight.
His ability to regain possession, recycle play, and support attacks with late bursts earned plenty of plaudits.
Barry surpassed 600 Premier League appearances during his career—a remarkable achievement for a midfielder competing well into his late 30s.
1998–2009 | Aston Villa | 365 | (41) |
---|---|---|---|
2009–2014 | Manchester City | 132 | (6) |
2013–2014 | → Everton (loan) | 32 | (3) |
2014–2017 | Everton | 99 | (2) |
2017–2020 | West Bromwich Albion | 52 | (2) |
Total | 680 | (54) |
Jurgen Klinsmann
When Jurgen Klinsmann signed for Tottenham in 1994, his reputation as one of Europe’s great strikers preceded him.
The German lived up to expectations wearing Spurs’ number 18, blitzing 20 goals in his debut Premier League campaign.
Klinsmann brought bags of confidence to White Hart Lane, scoring every type of goal with power, precision, and majestic headers.
His telepathic understanding with Sheringham and Anderton carved open many defences as Spurs challenged for honours.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1981–1984 | Stuttgarter Kickers | 61 | (22) |
1984–1989 | VfB Stuttgart | 156 | (79) |
1989–1992 | Inter Milan | 95 | (34) |
1992–1994 | Monaco | 65 | (29) |
1994–1995 | Tottenham Hotspur | 41 | (20) |
1995–1997 | Bayern Munich | 65 | (31) |
1997–1998 | Sampdoria | 8 | (2) |
1997–1998 | → Tottenham Hotspur (loan) | 15 | (9) |
2003 | Orange County Blue Star | 8 | (5) |
Total | 514 | (232) | |
International career | |||
1980–1981 | West Germany U16 | 3 | (0) |
1984–1985 | West Germany U21 | 8 | (3) |
1987–1988 | West Germany Olympic | 14 | (8) |
1987–1998 | West Germany / Germany | 108 | (47) |
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes’ ability to dictate games from central midfield positions wearing Manchester United’s 18 made him a bona fide Old Trafford legend.
Scholes won 11 Premier Leagues and two Champions Leagues thanks to his flawless technique, visionary passing, strong tackling, and penchant for screaming goals from a distance.
Despite his unassuming nature and small stature, Scholes bossed midfielders for United and England for the best of two decades with effortless grace.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1993–2011 | Manchester United | 466 | (102) |
2012–2013 | Manchester United | 33 | (5) |
Total | 499 | (107) | |
International career | |||
1993 | England U18 | 4 | (1) |
1997–2004 | England | 66 | (14) |
Roberto Baggio
Sublimely talented Italian Roberto Baggio graced number 18 during the peak of his illustrious playing career.
Baggio oozed flair and creativity as a floating playmaker capable of splitting defences with incisive through balls. He steered Italy to the 1994 World Cup Final, their goals in the tournament including Baggio’s all-time great strike against Czechoslovakia.
For Juventus and AC Milan, Baggio dazzled Serie A crowds, winning Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player awards in his pomp.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
1982–1985 | Vicenza | 36 | (13) |
1985–1990 | Fiorentina | 94 | (39) |
1990–1995 | Juventus | 141 | (78) |
1995–1997 | AC Milan | 51 | (12) |
1997–1998 | Bologna | 30 | (22) |
1998–2000 | Inter Milan | 41 | (9) |
2000–2004 | Brescia | 95 | (45) |
Total | 488 | (218) | |
International career | |||
1984 | Italy U16 | 4 | (3) |
1988–2004 | Italy | 56 | (27) |
Jordi Alba
Fleet-footed full-back Jordi Alba has been central to the success of the all-conquering Barcelona and Spain sides this past decade.
Alba consistently exploited space down the left for club and country wearing 18, combining perfectly with contemporaries like Messi, Iniesta and Ramos.
Beyond his sizzling pace and dribbling ability, Alba’s delivery into the box created countless goals. His pinpoint crosses helped Spain win Euro 2012 while his penetrative overlapping was a hallmark of Barca’s dominance under managers Guardiola and Enrique.
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
---|---|---|---|
2006–2007 | Cornellà | 15 | (3) |
2007–2009 | Valencia B | ||
2008–2009 | → Gimnàstic (loan) | 35 | (4) |
2009–2012 | Valencia | 74 | (5) |
2012–2023 | Barcelona | 313 | (17) |
2023– | Inter Miami | 7 | (1) |
Conclusion
The number 18 shirt holds a special place in football culture, having been donned by generational talents like Paul Scholes along with World Cup heroes such as Miroslav Klose.
Midfield generals, goal-getting wide men and clinical strikers have all thrived wearing this iconic jersey number for club and country.
Despite diverse playing styles and positions, these famous 18s share common traits like intelligence, technical ability, leadership skills and in most cases, an eye for crucial goals.
Their impact and achievements wearing the fabled squad number 18 have etched their names into football heritage.