The number 40 in football history is often associated with emerging talents or iconic players making statements, typically worn during pivotal career moments rather than as a mainstay jersey. Below are the top five great players known for donning this unique number at key junctures.
Top 5 Great Players Who Wore the Number 40
- Frank Lampard: The English midfielder, renowned for his Chelsea legacy, debuted in the number 40 at West Ham United in the late 1990s, signaling his rise before switching to iconic numbers.
- John Terry: As a foundational English defender for Chelsea, he wore the number 40 during early reserve appearances in the early 2000s, prior to becoming captain.
- Zlatan Ibrahimović: The Swedish striker controversially adopted the number 40 at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012-13, using it to challenge age-related stereotypes during a prolific goal-scoring run.
- Carlos Vela: The Mexican forward frequently wore 40 across clubs like Arsenal and Real Sociedad, highlighting his dynamic career peak in the mid-2010s.
- Jan Vertonghen: The Belgian defender chose the number 40 during his formative years at Ajax Amsterdam, before establishing himself as a top Premier League center-back.
