AS Roma, one of the most successful football clubs in Italy, has had several iconic players in their history. However, the “Number 10” position, which is usually given to the most creative and skilled player on the field, has always been special for the club and its supporters. In this article, we will delve into the history of AS Roma's Number 10 and explore the players who have worn this iconic shirt.
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The Importance of the Number 10
The Number 10 shirt is not just a jersey number; it's a symbol of creativity, skill, and leadership. The position has been associated with some of the greatest footballers of all time, such as Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, and Pele, to name a few. The Number 10 is usually worn by an attacking midfielder or forward who has the ability to create chances, score goals, and dictate the pace of the game.
AS Roma's Number 10 – A Brief History
AS Roma's history dates back to 1927 when the club was founded. However, it wasn't until the 1950s and 60s that the club started to make a name for itself. The first player to wear the Number 10 shirt for AS Roma was Francesco Rocca, who played for the club from 1950 to 1961. Rocca was a versatile forward who could play on either wing or as a center forward. He was known for his dribbling skills, pace, and ability to score goals.
Giacomo Losi – The Eternal Captain
However, it was Giacomo Losi who truly made the Number 10 shirt iconic for AS Roma. Losi, who played for the club from 1954 to 1969, was a versatile defender who could play as a center-back or a right-back. He was known for his leadership skills, tactical awareness, and ability to read the game. Losi was also known for his loyalty to the club, having spent his entire career with AS Roma.
Paulo Roberto Falcao – The Creative Genius
In the 1980s, AS Roma had one of their most successful periods, winning the Serie A title in 1983 and reaching the final of the European Cup in 1984. The creative force behind this success was Paulo Roberto Falcao, who wore the Number 10 shirt for the club from 1980 to 1984. Falcao was a Brazilian attacking midfielder who was known for his vision, passing ability, and clinical finishing. He was one of the most technically gifted players of his generation and was a key player in AS Roma's success in the 1980s.
Francesco Totti – The King of Rome
However, it was Francesco Totti who truly made the Number 10 shirt iconic for AS Roma in the modern era. Totti, who played for the club from 1992 to 2017, was a one-club man who spent his entire career with AS Roma. He was a versatile forward who could play as an attacking midfielder, a second striker, or a center forward. Totti was known for his creativity, vision, passing ability, and clinical finishing. He was also known for his loyalty to the club, having turned down several offers from other top European clubs to stay with AS Roma.
Totti's Legacy
Totti is considered by many as the greatest player in AS Roma's history and one of the greatest Italian players of all time. He won several individual awards during his career, including the Ballon d'Or in 2000. Totti's influence on AS Roma went beyond his on-field performances. He was a true leader and ambassador for the club, and his passion for AS Roma inspired a generation of fans.
Who Wears the Number 10 Shirt Now?
Since Totti's retirement in 2017, several players have worn the Number 10 shirt for AS Roma. However, none of them have been able to live up to the expectations that come with wearing such an iconic shirt. The current holder of the Number 10 shirt is Lorenzo Pellegrini, who is a talented attacking midfielder. Pellegrini has shown glimpses of his potential, but he still has a long way to go to match the achievements of his predecessors.
Final Thoughts
AS Roma's Number 10 shirt is not just a jersey number; it's a symbol of creativity, skill, and leadership. The players who have worn this iconic shirt have left a lasting legacy on the club and its supporters. From Francesco Rocca to Francesco Totti, each player has contributed to the rich history of AS Roma in their own way. As AS Roma continues to search for its next Number 10, one thing is for sure – whoever wears this iconic shirt will have big shoes to fill.
