He The number 10 has a unique mystique in football, built from the legends who have worn that shirt and turned it into a symbol of talent, leadership and greatness.. Its brilliance has transcended generations and has been closely linked to recognitions such as the Ballon d’Or at the World Cup, won by figures such as Zinedine Zidane and Lionel Messi.
It was in Argentina 1978 when FIFA began to officially award the award to the best player of the tournament. Since then, 12 awards have been given.in a history where a t-shirt has imposed almost absolute hegemony.
The bearers of legendary number 10 have won seven of those awards, representing 58.3% of the total, a figure that confirms the historical weight of the game’s great leaders in football’s biggest event.
The first to inaugurate this list was the Argentine Mario Alberto Kempes in 1978. ‘El Matador’ He took on the challenge of wearing the number 10 and led the Albiceleste to their first world title with decisive goals.
Eight years later, in Mexico 1986, Diego Armando Maradona elevated that heritage to another level, with an unforgettable performance that combined individual genius and collective leadership to consecrate Argentina and consolidate the legend of the number.
The magic of 10 in the 21st century
It took two decades for another 10 shirt to once again dominate the World Cup stage. Zinedine Zidane achieved it in Germany 2006, leading France until the final with a display of talent, although their tournament was marked by the outcome against Italy.
In South Africa 2010, the Uruguayan Diego Forlán broke the predictions and won the prize with the 10 of the Celeste, thanks to his scoring ability and his impact on the historic campaign that took his team to the semifinals.
The phenomenon was consolidated in the present century. Lionel Messi won the award in Brazil 2014 after leading Argentina to the final, although without being crowned champion.
In Russia 2018, Luka Modrić inherited that tradition from the Balkans, leading Croatia until their first World Cup final with elegant and dominant football that captivated the world.
The orThe summit came in Qatar 2022, when Messi not only won the World Cup, but also became the only player to win two Ballon d’Ors at the tournament.reaffirming the historical connection between number 10 and excellence.
Looking ahead to the World Cup United States, Mexico and Canada 2026, the expectation revolves around who will take over from this dynasty in a more demanding tournament, with 48 teams and a longer path to the title.
The main figures of world football will once again wear the number 10 with the ambition to leave his mark, aware that in a World Cup that shirt is not just a numberbut a symbol reserved for the chosen ones.