The number 4 shirt is a number worn mainly by first team players. In football, the number 4 role is generally called defensive midfielder and is often used for the sweeper or sweeper position. However, many football players have worn the number 4 shirt without having to play that role. The number was worn by many great football legends. Here are some of the famous football players who have worn the number 4 jersey.
1.Ronald Koeman
The retired Dutch centre-back wore his club and country number for most of his career, from the 80s until the mid-90s. At FC Barcelona, Koeman wore the number from 1989-1995. The former Dutch international defender was known for his dead-ball skills and technical sophistication on the ball. Ronald won many titles with Barça, including La Liga, Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League in 1990.
2. Sergio Ramos
Depending on who you ask, the Spanish international is considered a defensive genius or the enfant terrible of the Real Madrid football club. The highly decorated player was considered a great central defender and wore number 4 during his time at the Bernabéu between 2005 and 21. Ramos was a no-nonsense defender, valued for his tenacity and big-game mentality. Sergio was also comfortable with the ball at his feet and had the talent to jump quickly and score important goals. He is also the player with the most red cards in La Liga history.
3. Virgil van Dijk
Virgil van Dijk is considered one of the best defenders of his generation. The Dutch defender is known for his strength, leadership and heading ability. He currently plays as a central defender for Premier League club Liverpool and the Dutch national team. Virgil van Dijk currently wears the number 4 shirt for Liverpool and the Netherlands. He holds the record for being the only defender to be named UEFA Player of the Year.
4. Claude Makélélé
The former French international was a very solid and competent defensive midfielder in his time. Makélélé was highly valued and respected for his ability to effectively protect defenses whilst playing for Real Madrid and Chelsea. At Stamford Bridge, his position was renamed the Makelele role due to the efficiency with which he protected Chelsea's rearguard. Claude wore the number 4 shirt during his time with the Blues between 2003 and 2008. He won several national titles during his time in London.
5. Vicente Kompany
Vincent Kompany proudly wore the number 4 shirt for Manchester City and, for most of that time, the Belgian national team. He is considered one of the best defenders in the Premier League. He won several national trophies with Man City as captain.
6. Cesc Fabregas
The talented Spanish midfielder has worn the number 4 shirt and played for a number of clubs including Arsenal (2006-11), Barcelona (2011-14), Chelsea (2014-18) and currently Monaco. Fabregas is blessed with great technical ability and can play multiple roles in midfield. Cesc won several national, continental and international trophies in his career and is considered one of the best attacking midfielders of his generation.
7. Javier Zanetti
Javier Zanetti, a true football star and fan of the club, wore Inter Milan's number 4 shirt for 18 years. The Argentine was a versatile football player who stood out for both the national team and Inter. Inter Milan retired his number 4 shirt when he ended his career and appointed him vice-president.
8.Samuel Kuffour
The former FC Bayern Munich defender wore the number 4 shirt from 1997 to 2005. The former Ghana international was a reliable defender for Bayern and was known for his solidity and determination. Kuffuor won many trophies with Bayern and is one of the few Africans who performed well and played well for the Munich club.
9. Rafael Márquez
The Mexican legend wore the number 4 shirt for AS Monaco, FC Barcelona and Mexico. The defensive star has won a plethora of trophies at club and international level whilst wearing the number 4 shirt.
10. Rigoberto's Song
The retired African football legend is one of the famous footballers who wore the number 4 shirt. The Cameroonian wore number 4 for Liverpool, Galatasaray and Cameroon. He won the Africa Cup of Nations and still holds the record for most consecutive appearances in the tournament with 35 first-team appearances.
11. David Luis
The Brazilian defender was a member of the Brazilian national team from 2013 to 2016 and at the time wore the number 4 shirt. He also wore the number 4 shirt during his time at Chelsea.
HONEST MENTIONS:
- Pep Guardiola (1995/96 – 00/01) – Barcelona
- Fernando Hierro (1994/95 – 02/03) – Real Madrid
- Sulleu Muntari (2012/13 – 14/15) – Arsenal
- Per Mertesacker (2011/12 – 17/18) – Arsenal
- Juan Sebastián Verón (2001/02 – 02/03) – Manchester United
- Patrick Vieira (1996/97 – 04/05) – Arsenal
- Steven Gerrard – England team
- Kanu Nwankwo – Nigerian national team
- Stephen Keshi – Nigerian National Team
- Keisuke Honda – Japanese National Team.
