Several persistent myths surround the number 17 in football, often rooted in superstition rather than evidence. Let's examine the most common beliefs:
The "Unlucky 17" Superstition
Myth: The number 17 is inherently unlucky, bringing misfortune to players who wear it or teams associated with it.
Truth: This belief primarily stems from Italian culture, where XVII rearranged as VIXI translates to "I have lived," interpreted as "my life is over." However, football success or failure correlates with team quality, tactics, and management, not a jersey number. Players like Thierry Henry (Arsenal) and Ruud van Nistelrooy (Man Utd) excelled wearing 17.
Number 17 & Relegation
Myth: Teams whose squad number 17 player is sold, injured, or underperforms are more likely to be relegated.
Truth: Relegation is a complex outcome. Linking it to a single player's number is statistically unfounded. Teams face relegation due to:
- Persistent poor performance throughout the season
- Defensive fragility or lack of goals
- Ineffective transfers or managerial instability
Attributing relegation to a specific jersey number ignores these primary, quantifiable factors.
The "Curse" on High-Profile Signings
Myth: Star players signed to wear number 17 inevitably underperform or suffer career setbacks.
Truth: Player form fluctuates due to:
- Adaptation period to a new league/club
- Fit within the tactical system
- Injuries unrelated to squad number
- Broader team dynamics
Examples like Marcos Reus (long-term success at Borussia Dortmund wearing 17) and Eden Hazard (strong seasons at Chelsea with 17) directly counter this myth. Performance is multi-factorial.
The Italian Anomaly: Juventus & Number 17
Myth: Juventus retiring the number 17 proves its inherent bad luck.
Truth: Juventus retired number 17 in 2006 solely to honor defender Gianluca Pessotto after his hospitalization, coinciding with the club's post-Calciopoli relegation. This was a tribute gesture, not a superstition-based decision. The relegation was due to the Calciopoli scandal, not the number. Many other Italian clubs continue using 17 without notable ill effects.
Conclusion: Beliefs surrounding the number 17 in football are largely superstitions amplified by selective memory and confirmation bias. No statistical evidence links the number itself to team relegation or individual player misfortune. Performance hinges on tangible factors like skill, strategy, fitness, and club management, not arbitrary jersey assignments. Assigning meaning to the number 17 is a cultural quirk without grounding in on-pitch reality.
