Ultimate Goalkeeper Number Ranking

In sports, numbers are important to figuring out who is who and what they do. It is particularly important for goalkeepers. The recent evolutions in soccer have expanded the numbers that keepers use. Regardless, this ultimate definitive list will clarify for future generations what numbers to choose.

1. 1

The undisputed champion. You are the goalkeeper. The one and only. A starter should always pick this number. ALWAYS.

2. 12

The backup. The next best thing. You are next up and you know it. Your job is to stay ready. At any sign of kerfuffle you jump out of the bench and come to end the fight. Or truly start it. That is your job. If you are lucky, you can come in and play a little.

3. 20, 22

Reasons to choose one of these: You are not the starter and you will not accept your backup position by picking 12; someone claimed one despite being an old semiretired guy. Either way we can see your displeasure. Good luck.

4. 23, (25)

They forgot you. The third goalkeeper. You are an emergency policy. You might not even dress for the game. Collect them checks and keep your mouth shut.

5. 13

LaLiga forced you to take this number as a backup. Insult to injury.

6. 16, 18, 26

Another forced numbering casualty. The very end of the bench (at different eras). More insult to more injury.

7. 0

You are a cool guy aren’t you? They are not letting you do it most likely.

8. Triple digits

Only for special occasions. You know when it is right.

9. 2-11

Someone fucked up. Not your choice.

10. 14, 15, 17, 19

I have questions and some of those are not friendly.

11. 30, 31

Are you playing hockey?

12. Any other two digit number

You better have a really good reason. There are plenty of bad reasons out there.