What’s in a Kit Number? (The Number 4)

The 4 is most often a central defender—one of the players at the heart of the back line, whose job is to stop strikers, win headers, and keep things organized at the back.

Traditionally, the 4 is strong, disciplined, and rarely flashy. They’re the rock you build your defense around. Just like in baseball you know the catcher is the one handling the pitcher every play, in football you know the 4 is anchoring the defense every game.

Sometimes, depending on the country or club tradition, the 4 can also mean a deep-lying midfielder (similar to the 6). But in the Premier League and most of Europe, fans usually picture a center-back when they hear “the 4.”

And yes—football stays literal: many defenders wearing the number 4 shirt actually play in that role.

For example, Virgil van Dijk wears the number 4 for Liverpool, and he’s the perfect example: tall, commanding, and the leader of the defense.