There's no single best jersey number, but some carry meaning: 1 for goalkeepers and captains, 9 for strikers, 10 for playmakers, and famous retired numbers like 99 in the NHL and 42 in Major League Baseball. On TeamGear's own custom jerseys, the most popular numbers are 1, then matching doubles like 55, 22 and 11.
Need jerseys with names and numbers for the spring season? We make custom jerseys with names and numbers in Canada with no minimum order. Design work is free, names and numbers are included, and your team sees a mockup before you pay. Start your free design here.
What Numbers Mean in Each Sport
- Soccer: 1 goalkeeper, 2 and 3 full-backs, 4 and 5 centre-backs, 6 defensive midfielder, 7 and 11 wingers, 8 central midfielder, 9 striker, 10 playmaker. See our soccer positions guide.
- Hockey: goalies traditionally wear 1, 30, 31 or 35. The NHL retired 99 for every team to honour Wayne Gretzky.
- Baseball and softball: 42 is retired across Major League Baseball for Jackie Robinson. Position numbers 1 to 9 are for scorekeeping, not jerseys; see our softball positions guide.
- Basketball: 23 and 33 are famous for the players who wore them; 0 and 00 are popular in rec leagues.
The Most Popular Numbers on Our Custom Jerseys
We went through our own orders: the most common number on TeamGear jerseys is 1, often for the captain or the team's star. After that come matching doubles: 55, 22 and 11. Single digits are less common, and players who want one often go for 02 or 05. The least popular double is 66. Read the full breakdown in what letter and number is used the most on our jerseys.
Number Rules to Check Before You Order
- Most leagues just require every player on a team to have a different number.
- Many leagues don't allow three-digit numbers, which is part of why they're so rare on our jerseys.
- Some leagues ask goalkeepers or goalies to wear specific numbers or colours.
- Leave a few spare numbers for players who join mid-season.
How to Pick Your Number
- Your birthday, an anniversary or a lucky number.
- Your number from minor sports, or a family member's.
- Your position's traditional number.
- A matching double: easy to read from across the field.
FAQ
What is the most popular jersey number?
On TeamGear's custom jerseys, 1. After that, matching doubles like 55, 22 and 11.
Can I have a three-digit jersey number?
Only if your league allows it. Many don't, so check before you order.
Conclusion
Pick a number that means something to you, make sure no teammate has it, and check your league allows it. Names and numbers are included on every TeamGear jersey.
Ready for spring? Tell us your colours and logo, and we'll send a free mockup of your custom jerseys with names and numbers. No minimum order, made in Canada, and about 4 weeks to your door once approved, so order by February for an April start. Start your design.
