Who are the most famous number 12 football players of all time?

The number 12 often represents appreciation for the fans, considering them the “12th man” and their support as an extra player on the field. Many major clubs around the world have permanently retired the number 12 jersey to honor their supporters, meaning no player in the squad is allowed to wear it.

However, many players have still chosen this number and achieved significant success. Here, goaloomobi.com points out who are the most famous number 12 football players of all time.

Who are the most famous number 12 football players of all time?

1. Marco Van Basten

Usually associated with the number 9 jersey, Van Basten’s use of the number 12 holds special significance. He wore the number 12 at Euro 1988, where the Netherlands won the title. At that time, Van Basten was not the first-choice player under coach Rinus Michels due to injury. He chose the number 12, and unexpectedly, it became part of a historic success.

After the Netherlands lost their opening match against the Soviet Union, Michels brought Van Basten into the starting lineup, and he immediately scored a hat-trick against England. From that point, he became the main striker and led the team to the championship. His iconic volley from a tight angle in the final against the Soviet Union secured the title and became one of the most famous goals in football history.

2. Thierry Henry

Following Van Basten is Thierry Henry. Although he usually wore the number 14 at Arsenal, Henry chose the number 12 for the French national team. According to him, this choice was to honor Marco Van Basten, who wore number 12 when leading the Netherlands to success. Henry wore this number in major tournaments such as the 1998 World Cup, EURO 2000, and the 2006 World Cup.

Henry also wore the number 12 shirt briefly during his return to Arsenal. In his second debut against Leeds United in the FA Cup, he scored the only goal with a signature finish. His emotional celebration in the number 12 shirt became a memorable moment for Arsenal fans.

3. Marcelo

One of the greatest left-backs in football history, Marcelo’s career is closely linked with the number 12. He joined Real Madrid in 2007 at the age of 18 to replace Roberto Carlos and chose the number 12 shirt, keeping it until his departure in 2022. He won 25 trophies with the club, including 5 Champions League titles and 6 La Liga titles, making him one of the most decorated players in the club’s history.

Unlike many players who choose numbers based on position or idols, Marcelo’s reason was personal: it represents his birth date (May 12). He had used this number since his early days at Fluminense and even named his personal brand and projects “M12.”

4. Julio Cesar

It is quite rare for a goalkeeper to wear the number 12, but for Julio Cesar, it became a symbol of success. Under Jose Mourinho at Inter, he played a key role in a historic season, helping the club win the Serie A title, Coppa Italia, and the Champions League.

At international level, Julio Cesar also wore the number 12 in major tournaments. Despite some difficult moments, his achievements, including the 2004 Copa América and the Confederations Cup titles in 2009 and 2013, confirmed his status as a top-class goalkeeper. Players like Cesar, Henry, and Marcelo helped change the perception that the number 12 is only for substitutes.

5. John Obi Mikel

John Obi Mikel is one of the most recognizable players of Chelsea’s modern era. During his 11 seasons at the club, he made the number 12 shirt a symbol of stability and success. After joining Chelsea in 2006, he was given the number 12 and kept it until leaving in 2017.

Under managers such as Jose Mourinho, Guus Hiddink, and Roberto Di Matteo, Mikel’s role was essential. He played as a disciplined holding midfielder, focusing on breaking up play and distributing the ball simply and effectively. In the 2012 Champions League final in Munich, he delivered an outstanding performance, helping Chelsea secure their first European title.

Goaloo Mobi has answered the question: Who are the most famous number 12 football players of all time, while also reviewing why this jersey number became meaningful. To discover more football predictions, click on the link to our page.