Top 10 greatest footballers to wear jersey no 2

In football, jersey numbers are really important and can signify a player’s position.

Jersey numbers become legendary just because of who simply wore them. The no 2 jersey is most commonly associated with the right back position in football. Long before modern managers made use of the two full-back positions for a more attacking lineup, the right-backs were often considered the least glamorous role on the football pitch.

Most right-backs would have stayed in their position at one stage, waiting for an attacker to venture into their area. A modern right-back has to be a defender, a midfielder and a winger all rolled into one.

Over the years, quite a handful of footballers have distinguished themselves by wearing this particular number. Here we will take a look at the top ten greatest footballers to wear the number 2 jersey:

10. Ivan Cordoba

Ivan Cordoba was an experienced, extremely fast, energetic and athletic defender who relied on his pace, stamina, man-marking ability and timing. Those things made him difficult to beat in one-on-one situations. Due to these characteristics, he was also capable of playing as a fullback or wingback on the right flank.

He was a good jumper and an accurate header of the ball. He even had a penchant for scoring goals with his head. Cordoba also stood out for his leadership in addition to his ability as a footballer. During his time at Inter Milan, he won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italias and a UEFA Champions League trophy.

9. Lee Dixon

The former Arsenal FC right-back is one of the players to have worn the number 2 jersey, the longest in the history of the Gunners. Dixon between 1987-2002 made the number 2 his own. He was part of a famously frugal Arsenal defence that also included some top players.

Lee had a very successful spell in North London, winning four league titles, three FA Cups and a European Cup winners Cup trophy in the 1993/94 campaign.

8. Diego Godin

Diego Godin was regarded by pundits as one of the best and most consistent defenders in the world. He was one of the leading centre-backs of his generation. He was mainly known for his leadership, positioning and calm composure, which allowed him to organise his back line, read the game and anticipate plays.

Godin also stood out for his capacity to time his challenges, make blocks, interceptions and win the ball. In addition to his defensive skills, he was also known for his technique, ball-playing ability and capacity to carry the ball out from the defence.

7. Branislav Ivanovic

A tall, brave and physical player, Branislav Ivanovic is well known for his aerial ability, which when combined with his sheer strength has seen him score numerous goals in his career. A versatile defender who was capable of playing anywhere across the back line. He often played as a centre-back as well.

Ivanovic is also known for his tacking ability and overall consistency as a player. He is a Chelsea FC legend for sure and also a legend for his country. He made 105 appearances for Serbia.

6. Kyle Walker

One of the best number 2s currently playing football. England’s Kyle Walker is one of the best defenders in the Premier League. The Manchester City right-back is lightning-fast, versatile and incredibly consistent.

Thanks to his incredible pace Walker is just as threatening going forward as he is bearing down on attackers in his own half. He is a strong and physical defender who is comfortable in one-on-one situations and is adept at making tackles and interceptions. Walker’s defensive ability is further enhanced by his good reading of the game and his ability to anticipate opposition attacks.

5. Lilian Thuram

French international legend Lilian Thuram was one of his generation’s most athletic-focused defenders. Without the ball, Thuram was a rugged, aggressive player, and with the ball, he was elegant and composed. A large, powerful and versatile player who was equally competent offensively as he was defensively.

Thuram could play on either flank or in the centre due to his ability with both feet. Thuram was a nightmare for an opponent to get past, thanks to his aggressive man-marking.

4. Dani Carvajal

Recently he won the Euro 2024 with the Spanish national team. Currently, without a doubt, he is one of the best right-backs in the world. Dani Carvajal is known for his consistency, aggressive style and his ability to assist his team in both attack and defence.

A tenacious and tactically intelligent player. Defensively he is known for his positioning, mentality, tackling, anticipation and ability to intercept loose balls. He also possesses excellent technical skills and crossing ability. Carvajal stands out for his speed, energy and work rate. He is a proper leader on and off the pitch.

3. Gary Neville

A one-club player, Neville joined Manchester United as a youth player in 1991 and would remain fiercely loyal for the next two decades. Neville would eventually become the club captain and helped United to win eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups and two Champions League titles. One of the most decorated English players in history Neville had a desire and determination to win and a ruthless streak that made him stand head and shoulders above the competition.

2. Dani Alves

Dani Alves is one of the most decorated players in history. His tenacious style of play, combined with an ability to dispossess an opponent and then charge upfield with the ball was invaluable to both club and country. He was also gifted with good crossing accuracy and distribution which allowed him to link up with midfielders and makes him an effective assist provider along the right flank.

He was an accurate striker of the ball and was known for his ability to score goals in particular from outside the area or long-range set pieces.

1. Cafu

Brazilian legend Cafu, the most capped Brazilian of all time, is one of the best right-backs in history. He had an incredible stamina and could run for days. His passing was superb, and he used it to significant effect when flying down the right wing and crossing in for teammates. Cafu was also very cheerful and looked like he loved every second of his career.

A two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, Cafu also won many other trophies. He also played as a centre-back. In short, he was a top-quality player.

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