Leagues Cup sees 3-digit jersey numbers: is this allowed in all leagues?

3-digit shirt numbers are not unusual in LigaMX and Mexico but are they used elsewhere around the world?

Roddy ConsRoddyConsUpdate: Jul 24th, 2023 17:34 EDT

Mark SmithUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

What’s in a soccer jersey number? Well, rather a lot, it would appear. Certain numbers – 7 and 10 especially – have mythical status all around the globe, while the relatively recent trend of squad numbers has opened up the possibility of players choosing all kinds of jersey numbers as a result of superstition or in recognition of one thing or another.

Real Madrid jersey numbers in demand

If we consider Real Madrid alone, much fanfare was made over summer signing Jude Bellingham taking the number 5 jersey, following in the footsteps of the legendary Zinedine Zidane, one of his idols. Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo started their careers in the Spanish capital wearing the 11 and 9 jerseys respectively, but couldn’t switch fast enough when their favoured 9 and 7 shirts became available.

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We got to see Jude Bellingham in Real Madrid colours last night 😍🇪🇸 pic.twitter.com/KKax6NvPcC

— LiveScore (@livescore) July 24, 2023

And let’s not forget David Beckham, who wore 23 in Spain in honour of NBA star Michael Jordan, with no chance of Blancos legend Rául giving up his number 7.

Elsewhere, Ronaldinho wore the number 80 jersey when at Milan, while Italian international Stephan El Shaarawy currently sports number 92, the years of their births. When Ronaldo signed for Inter in 1997, meanwhile, Chilean striker Iván Zamorano famously had to give up his number 9 jersey and picked 1+8, such was his fondness for his previous shirt number.

Why do Mexican players wear three-digit jersey numbers?

The three-digit shirt number, however, is a lesser-seen phenomenon, but one which has come to light in the Leagues Cup. We’ve seen Atlas forward Jorge Guzmán wearing 209 and Pumas attacker Emanuel Montejano with 210 on his back. Surely that’s not down to superstition?

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New York City FC defender Mitja Ilenic fights for the ball against Atlas’ Jorge Guzman.Brad PennerUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con