From time to time, soccer players surprise us with the numbers that they wear on the backs of their jerseys. Just think of Wolves’ former goalkeeper Rui Patricio wearing number 11, and you will know exactly what we mean!
While we’re aware of such strange numbers appearing in the game from time to time, there is a number that we don’t see very often – the number zero. But why is this? What is it about the number zero in soccer that makes it so unpopular with players? Let’s find out.
Can you wear a number zero jersey in soccer?
In soccer, the laws of the game stipulate that players can wear any number between 1 and 99 on the backs of their jerseys for identification purposes. Therefore, the number zero is not usually permitted by soccer associations around the world. However, as we explore below, there has been an exception to this rule, and one player known affectionately as ‘zero’ was allowed to wear the number on the back of his club’s jersey.
Who in the history of soccer has been number zero?
In 2000, Aberdeen of the Scottish Football League signed a Moroccan striker named Hicham Zerouali. In fairness, most Dons fans probably wouldn’t remember him if it wasn’t the fact that he famously wore the number zero on the back of his shirt.
He wore the number because his nickname when he arrived at the club was zero, which is a little surprising in itself! Aberdeen became the first soccer team in British history to allow a player to wear the number zero, and it didn’t go down well.
The Scottish Football Association introduced a new rule in 2001 stating that the number zero could no longer be used to distinguish players, which put an end to the trend before it could even get started.
However, in the same league, another strange kit number emerged just eight years later. Derek Riordan returned to Hibernian after a short spell at Celtic and wanted to take the number 10 shirt. However, one of his teammates was currently wearing the coveted 10, which led Riordan to wear 01 on the back of his shirt for the season.
Not quite the number zero of Hicham Zerouali, but a strange occurrence all the same!
Why do more players not wear number zero in soccer?
The reason that more players don’t wear the number zero is that it’s technically not permitted in the rules of the game. As mentioned at the start of this article, clubs are instructed to give their players numbers between 1-99 to identify them on the field of play.
This helps the referee, fans, and other players identify one another, which has happened for years. The reason that the number zero isn’t included in the rules of the game is perhaps due to the fact that it quite literally represents nothing, but maybe we’re reading into it too much!
Just like when Aberdeen signed the Moroccan back in 2000, if a player wants to wear the number zero on the back of his or her shirt, they would have to approach the soccer association to receive special dispensation. In other words, it’s probably more hassle than it’s worth, given the huge variety of other numbers available to players.
What is the purpose of squad numbers in soccer?
Squad numbers are given in soccer to help identify players on and off the field. They were first introduced in 1911 in Australia and first appeared in British soccer three years later.
In the early days, the number on a player’s back indicated his or her position in the team, with number one being issued to the goalkeeper, number two to the right-back, and so on. Some teams still adhere to the traditional numbering system, while other players aren’t so concerned as far as tradition is concerned.
Some soccer players choose their numbers for personal reasons, be it their birthday or to commemorate another special date in their lives. Ultimately, squad numbers are an important identifier, but there’s not much else to them than that.
Can I wear the number zero for my local soccer team?
Ultimately, there’s nothing stopping you from getting whatever name and number printed on your shirt that you like. But you will find that any club that falls under the rules and regulations of a soccer association can only submit players with numbers 1-99 on their shirts.
But if you play soccer casually with friends or if you participate in an informal local league, there’s no reason why you can’t sport the number zero if you wish. After all, you’re free to choose any name and number that you like, even if it is a little unconventional.
The verdict: The number zero in soccer
In the history of soccer, Aberdeen’s Moroccan striker Hicham Zerouali is the only known player to have worn the number zero. Most soccer associations stipulate that players should distinguish themselves with numbers 1-99, meaning zero is technically outlawed.
But if you play soccer at the local level and you want to try something a little quirky, you can probably get away with sporting the number zero for your team!