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

Analysis of Premier League shirt numbers reveals No 10 has the highest cumulative market value (€766m), while No 41 boasts the highest average value per player.

A data-driven look at Premier League shirt numbers shows how player valuations and squad number trends have evolved since squad numbers were introduced in the early 1990s.

Using Transfermarkt's market value data, the analysis reveals that traditional numbers still carry significant weight. No 10 leads with a cumulative market value of €766m across the division, ahead of No 9 (€752m) and No 7 (€683.5m). However, when measuring average value per player rather than total, No 41 ranks highest, boosted by Arsenal's Declan Rice alongside Estêvão, Harry Amass and Jacob Ramsey.

The data shows every number from 1 to 99 has been worn by at least one current Premier League club, with numbers above 45 rarely used. Everton presents an unusual case, having issued a second No 10 in the 2026-27 season while lacking a No 7 or No 9. The article notes that shirt numbers have become increasingly important to players' personal brands, sometimes mattering more than the club itself.