Brazilian Football: 7 Players Who Wore the Iconic #10 Jersey

March 23, 2026 Lucas Fernandez – World Editor World

Raphinha debuted with the number 10 for Brazil against Venezuela on November 14, 2024, continuing a lineage of prominent players who have worn the iconic jersey following Pelé. The assignment of the number marks a continuation of a tradition steeped in Brazilian football history, a practice that began after Pelé’s retirement.

Immediately following Pelé’s departure from the national team, Roberto Rivellino inherited the number 10 shirt in 1973, though he had previously worn number 11 during Brazil’s 1970 World Cup victory. Rivellino’s tenure with the number 10 lasted until 1978, a period marked by reaching the semi-finals of the 1978 World Cup.

Arthur Antunes Coimbra, widely known as Zico, then assumed the responsibility of the number 10 from 1978 to 1987. Zico distinguished himself as a highly skilled attacking midfielder, renowned for his precision in free kicks and prolific goal-scoring record, exceeding 500 goals throughout his career. Despite his individual brilliance, Zico’s era with the national team did not yield the same level of team success as Pelé’s, falling short of World Cup triumphs.

Paulo Silas wore the number 10 for the 1990 World Cup in Italy, a tournament where Brazil was eliminated in the round of 16 by Argentina. His time with the shirt was less celebrated than his predecessors.

Raimundo Souza Vieira de Oliveira, or Rai, took over the number 10 from 1990 to 1994, culminating in Brazil’s victory at the 1994 World Cup in the United States. Even as Rai was a key member of the squad, the tournament was largely defined by the performance of Romário.

Rivaldo followed Rai, wearing the number 10 after the 1994 victory, leading Brazil to the final of the 1998 World Cup in France, where they were defeated by the host nation. He was also part of the team that secured the pentacampeonato – their fifth World Cup title – in 2002. Rivaldo remains the last player to have lifted the World Cup trophy while wearing the number 10 for Brazil.

Ronaldinho Gaúcho also donned the number 10, playing a significant role in Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning team. However, the 2006 World Cup in Germany saw Brazil eliminated in the quarter-finals against France, despite Ronaldinho’s individual contributions throughout the tournament. Diego also briefly held the number 10, partnering with a promising Robinho as the team’s attacking organizer during the 2007 Copa América.