The number a footballer wears can often carry personal significance or establish a unique identity. One such number that has been embraced by several noteworthy players is number 31. This article dives into the lives and careers of seven top footballers who don the number 31 jersey with pride.
Table of Contents
1. Daniel Iversen
With Kasper Schmeichel long gone to French side Nice, its left a number 1 spot at Leicester City that needed to be filled.
So who better to come in then Daniel Iversen a Danish keeper who has recently enjoyed spells at Preston North End where he has spent time at loan.
Beginning his professional career at Leicester City the 6ft 4 Dane has had to wait until the back end of the 2022/23 season to get any game time for his parent club.
However this was perfect for him, as he was able to showcase his exceptional agility, shot stopping at vital times and distribution in front of the Foxes fans.
Unfortunatetly despite his best efforts, he wasn’t able to keep Leicester City up has they were relegated to the Championship.
But its likely we will be seeing much more of him in a blue shirt come the 23/24 season, with all the traits and quality he has put on display so far.
2. Leon Bailey
Next on the list of footballers who wear number 31, we have the speedy dynamic winger Leon Bailey. One of his nations highest earners aswell as the spearhead of his national side, he made the switch from Bayer Leverkusen in late 2021 for Aston Villa, in which he has enjoyed mixed success.
While injuries have plagued him at times, his ability to show moments of class when needed, with some top class finishes and work ethic to support team mates is a reason why the midlands side will be enjoying Europa Conference League football next campaign.
Leon Bailey will be looking to wear the number 31 shirt again, just like he did at both of his previous clubs Bayer Leverkusen and Genk, where he set himself on the world stage.
3. Noni Madueke
With all the signings Chelsea made over the 2022/23 campagign, it was the young gifted Noni Madueke that almost went under the radar.
Over shadowed by the massive signings of Joao Felix, Enzo Fernandez and Mudyrk, Noni found himself being one of the most consistent players to enter Stamford Bridge.
Coming through neighbours Tottenham Hotspur youth set up, moved abroad early in his career to get gametime and establish himself at a top European club in PSV Eindhoven, where he chose the number 31 shirt.
Sticking with it now at Chelsea, and four years his move to Eindhoven, the u21 international is now a lethal forward, bossing both skills and trickery making it a tall order for any opposing full back.
With how his time at Fulham Broadway has started its likely we will not only see more of him in the next few years but a shirt number to symbolise is continued rise to prominence.
4. Ederson Moraes
Now a treble winning keeper after clinching Manchester City’s first champions league title, Ederson Moraes is considered as one of the best keepers currently in the world.
Known for his pinpoint distribution and calmness on the ball to manager Pep Guardiola’s liking, he has been a key figure in City’s dominance over the past 6 years.
With over 217 appearances for Manchester City since his move from Benfica, you would be shocked to hear he is only second fiddle for country.
As for Brazil it is Alisson of Liverpool who has claimed the spot.
5. Robin Knoche
From one footballer who wears 31 to complete a Champions League feat to another.
Now while Robin Knoche hasn’t quite won the Champions League title, for those of his side Union Berlin it will certainly feel like that.
The German centre half who used to play for Wolfsburg, helped his side clinch qualification to the tournament on the back of 2022/23 campaign, in which they finished 4th.
At 31 years of age, he has been a mainstay in the side, showing his consistency and ability to provide that defensive structure that made it hard for other sides to score past him.
6. Robin Knoche
Previously of the Bundesliga, Kevin Volland has been a key figure for AS Monaco since taking the number 31 jersey in 2020.
A top forward who possesses everything needed to be a top striker, from great movement off and on the ball, to finishing of clinical nature.
Kevin Volland previously played for 1860 Munich where he grew has a striker, before embarking on 1899 Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen where he made over 100 appearances at each.
7. El Chadaille Bitshiabu
To end the list we have El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who with the shirt of 31 aged 18 is someone we could see as a future star in the future.
This young and promising French defender made just 3 appearances for the PSG B team before being called up to the first team, where he has made 14 appearances, 13 of which came in the 2022/23 campaign.
A giant at 6ft 6in combined with a presence at the back along with his defending traits, will likely make him a valuable player for the Parisians in years to come.
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