Top 5 most famous number 37 in football: Premier League takes the spotlight

In football, shirt numbers have long carried meaning for both players and fans. They are rarely assigned at random, often shaped by tradition, personal preference, or even superstition developed over time. In some cases, players elevate a number into an identity of its own, turning it into a personal trademark through their performances and reputation, as seen with iconic examples like M10 or CR7.

Against that backdrop, Soccer24.net turns its attention to a less conventional choice. The number 37 is not typically associated with star names or historical significance. However, it has still been worn by several notable players who managed to leave their mark. In this article, soccer24.net ranks the Top 5 most famous number 37 in football, highlighting those who built recognition while wearing an uncommon shirt number.

Top 5 most famous number 37 in football

5. Roberto Pereyra

Unlike many players who quickly abandon unconventional squad numbers once they establish themselves, Roberto Pereyra chose a different path. First wearing 37 during his early spell at Udinese, he held onto it throughout his career, treating it as something of a personal lucky charm.

His consistency was reflected in a career that took him across Italy, England and Argentina. At Juventus, Pereyra played his part in a dominant period, winning two Serie A titles in 2014/15 and 2015/16, along with two Coppa Italia trophies. He then moved to the Premier League, where he became Watford’s record signing in 2016. Still wearing 37, he quickly won over supporters at Vicarage Road thanks to his creativity and tireless work rate, helping the club reach the 2019 FA Cup Final.

Pereyra later returned to Udinese before making the move to AEK Athens in 2024, continuing to wear the number that has followed him throughout his journey.

4. Koobie Mainoo

While many teenagers struggle to cope with the physical demands of the Premier League, Kobbie Mainoo has stood out for his remarkable composure, playing with a calmness that belies his age. A graduate of Manchester United’s Carrington academy, he first appeared for the senior side in early 2023, opting for the number 37 shirt.

However, his real breakthrough came in the 2023/24 season. After an injury disrupted his pre-season, Mainoo returned to establish himself as a regular starter under Erik ten Hag, impressing with his maturity and intelligence in midfield. His rapid rise was further underlined on the international stage, where he delivered a standout full debut for England against Belgium, playing 74 minutes and earning the Player of the Match award on his first start.

Now regarded as one of the club’s brightest prospects, Mainoo represents a new source of optimism at Old Trafford, particularly under a coaching approach that has shown a willingness to trust and develop young talent.

3. Mickey van de Ven

In the evolution of the modern high defensive line, few players have become as vital as Micky van de Ven. Blessed with exceptional pace, he has even recorded a top speed of 37.38 km/h, underlining his importance in systems that demand recovery speed and positional discipline.

Van de Ven first adopted the number 37 during his time at VfL Wolfsburg, and he carried that preference with him to North London. Upon joining Tottenham Hotspur in the summer of 2023 for a reported £43 million, he immediately claimed the number once it was available. He quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Ange Postecoglou’s system, playing a key role in Spurs’ push back into the UEFA Champions League for the 2024/25 campaign.

However, this season has proven more challenging for Tottenham. Results have been inconsistent, and Van de Ven, alongside his teammates, will need to raise their level to ensure the club remains competitive and secures its Premier League status.

2. Martin Škrtel

Martin Škrtel built a reputation as one of Liverpool’s most uncompromising defenders, a towering presence often associated with grit, scars and relentless commitment. Recognisable for his shaved head and tattoos, he became a symbol of resilience at Liverpool FC.

The number 37 had followed him since his early days at Zenit Saint Petersburg, where he first broke through as a promising young defender. Despite having the option to switch to a more traditional defensive number upon his move to Liverpool, Škrtel chose to keep 37, a decision that would come to define his identity at the club.

Over eight and a half seasons, he made 320 appearances, serving as a defensive mainstay under managers such as Rafael Benítez, Kenny Dalglish, Brendan Rodgers and Jürgen Klopp. In doing so, he elevated what was once considered a squad number into something far more iconic, with the No.37 shirt at Liverpool still closely associated with his fearless style.

1. Adama Traoré

Adama Traoré has long stood out as one of the most unique physical profiles in modern football, with his explosive pace and ball-carrying ability often forcing Premier League defenders to adjust their approach. A product of FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy, which is traditionally associated with technical and fluid play, Traoré emerged as a very different kind of talent, combining raw power with direct attacking intent.

He first wore the number 37 during his spell at Middlesbrough FC, where he began to make his mark in English football. That number stayed with him even after his move to Wolverhampton Wanderers for a club-record fee. Despite being offered more conventional attacking numbers, Traoré chose to retain 37, seeing it as part of his identity.

His physical edge even led to unusual measures, including the application of baby oil on his arms to prevent defenders from holding him, underlining just how difficult he is to contain.

Top 5 most famous number 37 in football

5. Roberto Pereyra

4. Koobie Mainoo

3. Mickey van de Ven

2. Martin Škrtel

1. Adama Traoré

Soccer24 has ranked the top 5 most famous number 37 in football

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