Jersey numbers come with weight and meaning. Some numbers have been legendary just because of the great players who wore them.
The No. 2 jersey for example has been somewhat attached to right-backs-a role that for years was one of the less glamorized on the pitch.
Right-backs were defenders, for the most part, hanging back and keeping attackers who would venture into their space at arm’s length.
With it, the role of the right-back has evolved.
Today, right-backs are expected to do so much more than defend. They must be able to attack; they must be able to defend, and if required, they must operate just like midfielders.
Over the years many players who wore the No. 2 jersey have distinguished themselves as some of the finest in the game.
Let’s take a closer look at 10 of the most famous footballers to wear the No. 2 jersey.
1. Cafu
In terms of legendary right-backs, one of the first names to pop up is always Cafu.
The Brazilian is largely considered one of the greats to ever grace the position. His boundless stamina, along with his attacking prowess, made him a different kind of right-back.
Cafu was a two-time World Cup winner with Brazil, in 1994 and 2002, captaining the latter.
Cafu was not only a defender; he could add width with his capability of bombing down the right wing to deliver pin-point crosses.
His ability to mix both defense and offense became the yardstick for full-backs of this modern era. And he wasn’t all about physique and technique; on the pitch, Cafu was much respected for his leadership role, too.
2. Dani Alves
Another Brazilian right-back, Dani Alves, rewrote the dimensions of the modern full-back and is one of the most decorated footballers ever.
With an amazing list of trophies, including 40, making one of the players with the most trophies. He has played for some of the best teams in the world: Barcelona, PSG, and Juventus.
Alves’ playing style was aggressive and dynamic; he had top-class defensive skills, but what made him special was the ability to surge up with speed and link up nicely with midfielders and attackers.
He had excellent crossing accuracy, and more importantly, his goalscoring ability from range or set-pieces made him even more dangerous.
3. Gary Neville
A one-club man, Neville is known with Manchester United. Having spent his entire professional career with the Red Devils, Neville is one of the most successful right-backs in Premier League history.
He won eight Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, and a host of FA Cups in his twenty-year career at Old Trafford.
What made Neville special wasn’t the speed or flair but grit, determination, and leadership.
He was an intelligent player with an innate sense of the game; he also understood the opposition quite well, making him a rock at the back.
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4. Ivan Córdoba
When talking about versatile defenders, Córdoba must be near the top of many lists.
Most of his career was spent at Inter Milan, where he worked his way into the fans’ favorite due to his level of commitment and tireless type of play. Though he often played as a central defender, he was equally good as a right-back.
But despite his general height for a defender at only 5’8″, he was known for his pace, sharp tackling, and aerial ability.
His time at Inter had been filled with success as he won five Serie A titles, four Coppa Italia trophies, and the UEFA Champions League in 2010.
The leadership qualities that he evoked on and off the field made him an indispensable figure at the club.
5. Lilian Thuram
He was an imposing defender and one of the most popular footballers to have played for France. A World Cup winner in 1998 and a European Champion in 2000, Thuram was capable of playing with unprecedented skill as both a center-back and right-back.
He had all that one would expect from a defender: strength, speed, intelligence, and timing.
His intense man-to-man marking made life a nightmare for opposing wingers.
Thuram’s powerful frame and calmness allowed him to comfortably push forward with the ball, making him an indispensable attacker and a solid defender.
His 142 caps for France-assured him a place as one of the greatest defenders in the history of football-are ensured in France’s history books.
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6. Lee Dixon
He was one of the longest-serving players who donned the No. 2 jersey in Arsenal’s celebrated rear guard.
Dixon was with the Gunners for his entire tenure from 1988 to 2002, forming the back four in a famously stingy defense along with Tony Adams, Steve Bould, and Nigel Winterburn.
He wasn’t the flashiest of players but always was consistent, disciplined, and incredibly reliable.
He won four league titles, three FA Cups, and a European Cup Winners’ Cup in 1994. Keown’s ability to read the game and position himself well made him an ideal right-back in a defense-first system.
His work ethic and determination were the defining traits of his career, and he is still considered one of Arsenal’s all-time greats.
7. Branislav Ivanović
Ivanović was Chelsea’s cornerstone during the club’s most successful years, an extremely versatile and physical right-back.
He could operate across the full length of the rear guard, but he was undoubtedly at his best as an orthodox right-back.
His strength, aerial ability, and no-nonsense tackling made him a formidable presence on the field.
Ivanović wasn’t only a defensive stalwart; he often managed to get crucial goals, particularly with his head. In his time at Chelsea, he won three Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League in 2012.
His leadership and toughness made him a crowd favorite at Stamford Bridge, and his legacy at the club remains intact as of today.
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8. Diego Godín
Godín was perhaps more renowned as a central defender, but in his earlier years, he did play as a right-back. An out-and-out leader, always well-positioned and with an excellent reading of the game, Godín was the mainstay of Atlético Madrid’s defense for almost a decade.
His ability to organize his backline and anticipate the attack made him one of the most respected defenders in world football.
Godín was equally dangerous when going forward, especially during set-pieces, when his aerial ability often saw him grab crucial goals.
It is fair to say his leadership on the pitch played a major role in Atlético Madrid’s success, especially their La Liga victory in 2013-14 and their regular runs in the Champions League.
Though he made his way as a centre-back later on, his days as a right-back should not be forgotten.
9. Kyle Walker
It amazes me a lot, especially by the pace and versatility Walker brings on, who is surely one of the best right-backs in modern football.
The Manchester City and England defender has been core to City’s dominance of the Premier League under Pep Guardiola.
This incredible speed allows Walker to cover incredible lengths on the pitch, thus making him a threat both in defense and in attack.
He is also a top-drawer one-on-one defender, having pulled his team out of trouble against some of the best in business.
Reading and anticipation of the game, with physicality matched up, makes him among the most complete right-backs in the game today.
His medal cabinet is home to several Premier League titles, FA Cups, and a Champions League medal.
10. Dani Carvajal
The last player on our list is one of the finest right-backs currently playing the game.
A product of Real Madrid’s famed La Fábrica academy, he has gone on to become a mainstay in the Spanish giants since 2013.
Accustomed to an aggressive and tenacious style, Carvajal is nearly as good defensively as he is offensively.
He is well known for his tackling, intercepting, and reading of the game; thus, he is a nightmare for the opposing wingers.
On the offensive end, his pace combined with his technical ability and great crossing has made him a consistent provider of assists.
He won several honors with Real Madrid, including five Champions League titles, while solidifying his status as one of the best right-backs of his generation.
