The concept of kit numbers at various clubs, including FC Barcelona, may at first seem like a completely aesthetic choice based on the numerical preferences of a player’s choice. However, the actual context behind specific numbers often times means much more than meets the eye.
At Barcelona, several squad numbers have attained legendary statuses courtesy of the immortal players that have worn them and consequently immortalized the legacy of the numbers alongside their own contributions.
Ranging from the number 10 to the number 9, various greats of the sport as a whole have donned these specific numerical values on the back of their shirts across various time periods at Barcelona.
Today, this intent to become one of those names engraved alongside the legacy of these numbers remains as strong as ever at the Catalan club. Now two Barcelona forwards have chosen new numbers to adorn for the 2023/2024 season.
26-year-old Brazilian winger Raphinha and 23-year-old Spanish forward Ferran Torres have both been assigned new squad numbers heading into the new season with Barcelona set to kick off against Getafe in their upcoming La Liga clash.
The Brazilian winger, previously donning the number 22, has taken over from his Spanish teammate and has been given Torres’s number 11 jersey with the former Leeds winger holding a special connection to that number in particular as he requested for it himself not too long ago.
On the flip side, Ferran Torres takes over from departing French winger Ousmane Dembele and will don the number 7 jersey at FC Barcelona heading into the 2023/2024 season, a number that has become synonymous with the likes of Barca heroes such as David Villa and Pedro.
It will be interesting to see if these new squad numbers are able to provide their new recipients any newfound surges of motivation and determination as they look to represent Barcelona in what is set to be a challenging and competitive official season ahead.
