The number 14 carries significant historical and cultural weight across sports and beyond. Here are key legends associated with it:
Football (Soccer) Royalty
Johan Cruyff: The most iconic bearer of the number 14. His revolutionary 'Total Football' style while wearing #14 at Ajax Amsterdam cemented its legendary status. The number became synonymous with creativity, vision, and genius playmaking. Barcelona retired it in his honor.
- Thierry Henry: Adopted #14 at Arsenal, directly inspired by Cruyff, becoming a club legend with prolific goalscoring.
Baseball Durability
Pete Rose: Wore #14 for most of his career, particularly during his record-breaking hits years with the Cincinnati Reds ('Hit King'). Symbolized relentless effort and longevity.
Basketball Icon
Oscar Robertson: The "Big O" wore #14 early in his Milwaukee/St. Louis Hawks career before switching to #1 in Cincinnati. Still recognized as a foundational figure linked to the number.
- Bob Cousy: While primarily associated with #14 at Holy Cross, he wore #14 briefly during his late career with the Cincinnati Royals.
Historical Sovereignty
Louis XIV of France: Known as the "Sun King," his 72-year reign is the longest of any monarch of a major European power. His personal emblem, a sun with the motto "Nec pluribus impar" (Not unequal to many), further reinforced the connection to the number.
Cultural Resonance
- Fourteen Words: Coined by David Lane, representing the controversial slogan. This association is significant but carries negative connotations.
- Valentine's Day: Celebrated globally on the 14th of February.
