The number 17 jersey in football carries a legacy of versatility, often worn by dynamic attacking players or industrious midfielders. While not as iconic as single-digit numbers, several elite talents have elevated its status with performances that defied positional expectations.
Modern Icons Defining the Number
Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City): Reclaimed prominence wearing 17 from 2015-2022, orchestrating City’s midfield with record-breaking assists and long-range mastery before switching to 10.
Mohamed Salah (Liverpool): Donned 17 at Fiorentina (2015) during his Serie A breakout, scoring 14 goals in 26 games—a precursor to his Premier League dominance.
Johan Cruyff (Ajax, 1970s): Revolutionized "Total Football" wearing 17 after Ajax retired his 14; a symbolic shift merging past glory with tactical innovation.
Unexpected Club Assignments
- Arjen Robben at Real Madrid (2007-2009): Inherited 11 from injury-prone Robinho but chose 17 to shed pressure. Scored 13 goals in his first season, silencing critics who doubted his durability.
- Antonio Rüdiger at Chelsea (2017-2022): Central defenders rarely wear 17, but Rüdiger’s aggressive box-to-box defending transformed it into a symbol of defensive steel during their 2021 UCL triumph.
- Weston McKennie at Juventus (2020-Present): Assigned 17 mid-season after his loan move from Schalke. His high-energy, box-crashing style—atypical for Serie A midfielders—became synonymous with the number.
These choices reflect clubs’ strategic narratives: Robben’s reinvention, Rüdiger’s redefining of a defender’s role, and McKennie’s disruptive energy. The jersey remains a canvas for reinvention, proving its wearers transcend conventional roles to shape eras.
