Is No 10 still the best, or No 41? The myths and maths of Premier League shirt numbers

Premier League shirt numbers still carry meaning, but squad numbers have made them less predictable since their introduction in 1993. Traditional numbers seven to 11 have produced the most goals, while current market values show that a number’s prestige does not necessarily match the players wearing it.

Opta’s figures show the five highest goal totals belong to shirts numbered seven to 11; No 14 has also passed 1,300 goals, helped by Thierry Henry. Transfermarkt values put No 10 first for combined player value at €766m, ahead of No 9 at €752m and No 7 at €683.5m. No 41 has the highest average value, with Declan Rice among its players, while Erling Haaland is the league’s most valuable individual player.