# The 12 Greatest Footballers to Wear the Number 16

> Captains, anchors, wingers and even a goalkeeper have all carried the same number on very different shoulders. Where do you stand?

*By YPB Team · Published July 26, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-12-greatest-footballers-to-wear-the-number-16*

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## Current results (3 votes)

1. **Sergio Busquets** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 1000/1000)
   The Barcelona anchor who inherited the number 16 shirt and controlled midfields for club and country.
2. **Philipp Lahm** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 1000/1000)
   The Germany full-back who wore 16 and lifted the 2014 World Cup as captain.
3. **Sergio Aguero** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 800/1000)
   Manchester City's record scorer, who wore 16 when he scored the title-winning goal in 2012.
4. **Roy Keane** — 0% (0 votes · score 600/1000)
   Manchester United's fierce captain who wore 16 through the club's trophy-laden treble era.
5. **Abou Diaby** — 0% (0 votes · score 600/1000)
   The elegant Arsenal midfielder whose number 16 career was defined by immense talent and cruel injuries.
6. **Aaron Ramsey** — 0% (0 votes · score 491/1000)
   The Welsh midfielder who wore 16 at Arsenal and scored the 2014 FA Cup final winner.
7. **Rodri** — 0% (0 votes · score 491/1000)
   Manchester City and Spain's holding midfielder, a Ballon d'Or winner who wears 16 for club and country.
8. **Edouard Mendy** — 0% (0 votes · score 491/1000)
   The Chelsea goalkeeper who wore 16 and was named the world's best keeper in 2021.
9. **Mark van Bommel** — 0% (0 votes · score 360/1000)
   The combative Dutch midfielder who wore 16 for the Netherlands at the 2010 World Cup.
10. **Michael Carrick** — 0% (0 votes · score 360/1000)
   The composed deep-lying midfielder who wore 16 across a decorated Manchester United career.
11. **Arjen Robben** — 0% (0 votes · score 360/1000)
   The flying Dutch winger who wore 16 during his Chelsea years before Bayern glory.
12. **Kolo Toure** — 0% (0 votes · score 200/1000)
   The Ivorian defender who wore 16 during Arsenal's Invincibles era and beyond.

Tags: football, players, shirt numbers