Yes, strikers absolutely can wear the number 10, though traditionally the #9 is the classic striker's number, while the #10 is the creative playmaker or second striker; however, in modern football with flexible tactics (like a false nine), strikers often take the #10, as seen with legends like Lionel Messi, making it a coveted number for top attackers.
Attacking midfielder
Depending on tactics, formation and game state, the number 10 role can take a variety of different forms, but it generally applies to either an advanced, creative midfielder or a slightly more withdrawn support striker.
"10" is one of the most emblematic squad numbers in football, due to the sheer number of football legends that have worn the number 10 shirt; playmakers, second strikers, and attacking midfielders have worn this number.
Traditionally allocated the number 9 &/or 10 jerseys
Also referred to as “striker”, the main role of a Centre Forward in football is to score goals. Whilst centre forwards have a number of other responsibilities on the pitch, they are often judged by the number of goals that they've scored at the end of a given season.
As general guidelines , 2-6 for defenders, 9 for a striker, 7 for a winger, 8 is a box to box midfielder(usually) but to be honest do what you want to. I like to use numbers of great players in that position.
In youth leagues and the brightest stages of the World Cup, it signals that a team's most creative and reliable player is stepping on the field. Jersey numbers were once assigned by position alone, but over time, No. 10 became an honor and something players around the world chase.
⚽️ At that point, Zlatan had just finished a fantastic debut season in 2016–17 wearing the No. 9 shirt. But after Rooney's exit, and upon re-signing with United for the 2017–18 season, Zlatan took over the No. 10 shirt.
Position: Attacking midfielder
The classic No. 10 was a string-pulling midfielder, typically with technique dripping from every pore, playing in the hole behind his team's central striker.
The Central Attacking Midfielder, commonly known as the CAM or "number 10," operates in soccer's most coveted real estate—the space between the lines. This position demands a rare combination of technical brilliance, tactical intelligence, and physical endurance that few players can master.
Lamine Yamal has been handed the iconic Barcelona No. 10 shirt previously worn by Lionel Messi, the Catalan club confirmed Wednesday. Yamal, who celebrated turning 18 on Sunday, inherits the number next season from Ansu Fati, who completed a seasonlong loan move to AS Monaco earlier this month.
Sachin Tendulkar presenting the number 10 jersey to the number ten of football. The two of the greatest, the two of the greatest ladies and gentlemen.
A number 10 is an attacker who operates in the spaces between central midfield and the front line. They often receive between the opposition's midfield and defence – a space commonly referred to as 'between the lines'.
Yet, despite being the essence of the number 10, the really strange thing about Zidane is that, apart from the French national team, he never wore number 10, accompanying Del Piero first, and then Figo: while in Turin he chose number 21, in Madrid he decided to wear number 5.
29 at the FIFA Club World Cup but now takes on the symbolic No. 10, following the legacy of former greats like Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko. Everton manager David Moyes expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition, highlighting Grealish's Premier League experience and technical skill.
He who plays the number 10 role or wears the number 10 jersey has the feeling of carrying the entire team on his shoulders. The one that plays the number 10 role is considered to be the playmaker of the team and he has a free role to be everywhere in the field. He demonstrates a lot of creativity.
10 – Attacking Midfielder (AM)
The attacking midfielder sits between the midfield and the offensive line. They must know how to score goals and dribble well to avoid the opponent's defenders. They should attack the ball when the other team is in possession and not hang back like other positions on the field.
Great Number 10s have excellent ball control, make solid decisions, and show good leadership. By looking at how famous Number 10s play and adjusting to modern football, players can improve their skills. Keeping fit and being mentally strong are key to doing well in this role.
Before Pelé, the number 10 was just any number. It was Pelé's achievements, along with him wearing the number 10 for the first time in the 1958 World Cup, that transformed the number 10 into a soccer icon. A symbol of talent and excellence that continues to inspire generations of players and fans around the world.
Legends like Ruud Gullit, Dejan Savićević, Zvonimir Boban, Rui Costa, and Clarence Seedorf all wore the number with pride, orchestrating play and delivering moments of brilliance that shaped Milan's golden eras.
Not the number Beckham is traditionally associated with for his time at United – or his career – the English winger was awarded the No. 10 shirt ahead of the 1996-97 season as a mark of his increased importance to Sir Alex Ferguson's side.
Law 10: Determining the Outcome of a Match
If the goalkeeper throws the ball directly into the opponents' goal, a goal kick is awarded. If a referee signals a goal before the ball has passed wholly over the goal line, play is restarted with a dropped ball.
Number 10 is basically a second striker supporting the front line. 8 sits a little deeper contributing to attack and defence linking up play . Others will also call it a holding role .