What’s in a Kit Number? (The Number 9)

The 9 is the classic striker—the player leading the line, playing closest to goal, and expected to score.

Traditionally, the 9 is the center forward, strong enough to battle defenders, sharp enough to finish chances, and always in the right place when the ball comes into the box. If you think of football in simple terms, the 9 is the goal-getter.

Just like in baseball, where the cleanup hitter (the 4th batter) is expected to bring runners home, the 9 in football is expected to put the ball in the net.

And often the role matches the shirt: when a player wears the number 9, you can usually bet they’re the main striker.

For example, Erling Haaland wears the number 9 for Manchester City, and he embodies the role—leading the line, bullying defenders, and scoring goals by the dozen.