From the spark of Pelé to the flair of Maradona, the number 10 jersey has always carried weight—it symbolizes creativity, leadership, and the burden of greatness. So when you ask why does Neymar wear number 10, you’re asking about more than just a shirt; you’re stepping into football history, legacy, identity—and his own path. Today, BraeckBall takes you through the story behind Neymar’s iconic number 10.
What makes number 10 special
The number isn’t just a digit. In football tradition, particularly in Latin America, number 10 is the shirt of the playmaker, the player who makes things happen; the one you look to when the game slows down and magic is needed. It was worn by legends like Pelé, Zico, Maradona, Ronaldinho, Messi. In Brazil especially, the number holds mythical status because of Pelé. Whoever wears 10 takes on expectations—not just to score, but to create, to inspire.
Neymar’s early shirt numbers and preferences
Neymar’s journey toward that sacred 10 didn’t happen overnight.
- In his early career at Santos, Neymar preferred the number 7 (his first idol Robinho wore it). When that wasn’t possible, he went with number 11, another of his favorite choices.
- For Brazil, he initially wore 11 as well. It wasn’t until 2013, for the Confederations Cup, that he officially donned the number 10 shirt for the Seleção.
So, while Neymar didn’t demand, it became the number he grew into—as his role intensified, his influence grew, and everyone around him saw that he was operating at that level.
How he got the number 10
Once Neymar was ready for more responsibility—and recognition—the transition to number 10 was both logical and symbolic.
- In Brazil’s setup, ahead of the 2013 Confederations Cup, former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari was assigning numbers. Neymar told him he liked 7 and 11. But Dani Alves, team-mate and senior figure, looked at Neymar and said: “You are the ten, put it on.” That moment marked he was no longer just one among many: he was Brazil’s creative core.
- When Neymar transferred from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2017, the number 10 shirt was made available. Javier Pastore, who previously wore it, gave it up, in parts a “symbolic gift” to Neymar.
So, both for country and club, it was a mix of his own upward trajectory plus others recognizing that trajectory: confirming him as a leader, creative force, someone meant for number 10.
t number 10 means for Neymar’s identity
The shirt became more than a number—it shaped how fans, clubs, rivals, and Neymar himself saw his role.
- At PSG, number 10 meant expectations: match-winning passes, being involved in crucial moments, being one of the faces of the club both on and off the pitch.
- For Brazil, carrying Pelé’s old shirt (number 10) meant carrying history. Fans measure Neymar against past greats: scoring tallies, inspiration, leadership. The number amplified every success—and every failure.
- On the field, wearing 10 also affected strategy. Teams expect number 10s to drop deep, link up play, create spaces, assist, score. Neymar’s style—dribbling, flair, vision—fits the archetype. It’s not only what he wears; it’s what he plays like.
Misconceptions and interesting moments
Some stories around Neymar’s number 10 are exaggerated, others are surprising. Here are a few worth knowing:
- Neymar didn’t choose number 10 immediately. He initially rejected it, or avoided it, preferring 7 or 11. It was due to hierarchy and respect (e.g. Robinho’s return at Santos) that he wore other numbers.
- At Barcelona, he couldn’t wear 10 because Lionel Messi had that number. So Neymar wore 11. Only when he moved to PSG was 10 free for him.
- Sometimes people assume Neymar chose 10 because of Pelé—but while Pelé’s legacy definitely looms, Neymar’s wearing of 10 comes, and others (like Dani Alves) encouraging the change.
Number 10 now: legacy, expectations, and what’s ahead
As of now, Neymar has fully owned the number 10 label both for Brazil and his clubs. He’s worn it in multiple World Cups, continental tournaments, and Premier league-level competitions.
- He is among Brazil’s top scorers, among their most capped players in number 10.
- As he returns to Santos (his first club), wearing number 10 again carries nostalgia: fans see Pelé’s legacy, Neymar’s early years, and his full circle in Brazilian football.
There are expectations: to deliver, inspire, and leave a legacy that matches or surpasses those who wore 10 before him.
Conclusion
Why does Neymar wear number 10? Because it represents more than a number—it marks the spot where talent, responsibility, legacy, and identity collide. It’s the number he grew into: from preferring 7-or-11, to being told “you are the ten,” to accepting it with honor for club and country.
If you love stories like this—how legendary players become more than their skills—stay tuned to BraeckBall. We’ll bring you player biographies, stat breakdowns, transfer hot takes, and everything in between. For now, tell us: who’s your favourite 10 of all time—and how do you think Neymar matches up?
