Name and Number on a Soccer Jersey: Placement, Size and Printing

On a soccer jersey, the name goes across the upper back, between the shoulder blades, and the large number sits centred beneath it. Many shirts, especially national team shirts, also carry a smaller number on the front, and some leagues add one on the shorts. At FashionOwn, you can add a name of up to 12 characters and a number of up to two digits to products that offer it, with a live preview, and printing is currently free.

Here's how it all works: where each element goes, how names and numbers are applied, how to choose what to print, and what to check before you order.

Where the name and number go

• Name: centred across the upper back, usually in capital letters, following the curve of the shoulders or in a straight line.
• Back number: centred below the name and much larger, so it can be read from the stands.
• Front number: smaller, usually on the chest. It's standard in international tournaments and on many retro shirts.
• Shorts number: a small number on one leg, used in some competitions.

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  Argentina 1998 World Cup Away Retro Soccer Jersey: shown in our photos with a number 9 on the front, in the style of 1990s tournament shirts.
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  Brazil 2002 World Cup Home Retro Soccer Jersey: shown with a number 9 on the front.
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  Juventus 2025/26 ADP Pre-Match Soccer Jersey – #10: a pre-match shirt with the number 10 already printed.
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  Colombia 1990 World Cup Home Retro Soccer Jersey – #10: a 1990 World Cup design with the number 10.

How names and numbers are applied

Most names and numbers on football shirts are a thin printed or flocked layer bonded to the fabric with heat and pressure. Once applied, they're durable in normal wear and washing. The thing they don't like is more heat: hot washes, tumble dryers and irons are what make letters crack and lift. Our washing guide explains how to keep them looking new.

How personalisation works at FashionOwn

1. On a product that offers it, find the Personalise it section.
2. Type a name (up to 12 characters) and a number (up to two digits). Both are optional.
3. Check the preview. Your text is printed exactly as typed.
4. Add it to your cart. Printing is currently free.

Personalised shirts are made for you, so they can't be returned. Processing can take a little longer for printed shirts; if your order needs more time, we'll let you know.

Choosing what to print

• A current player: ties the shirt to that player's time at the club. If they transfer, the shirt becomes a snapshot of that season.
• A legend: on a retro shirt, the player who made the shirt famous is a classic choice.
• Your own name: never goes out of date, and makes a good gift.
• A meaningful number: a birthday, an age or a year, if it fits in two digits.
• Nothing at all: keeps the shirt clean and fully returnable.

Our guide to soccer jersey numbers explains what the classic numbers traditionally mean by position.

Numbers

Numbers

Before you order: a checklist

1. Spell the name out loud, letter by letter. Check accents and double letters.
2. Decide on the size first. A personalised shirt can't be swapped for a different size.
3. If it's a gift and you're unsure of the size, consider ordering without printing.
4. Look at the preview one last time before adding it to your cart.

Care for printed shirts

Wash inside out on a cold (30°C) gentle cycle, with no bleach or fabric softener. Hang to dry. Never tumble dry, and never iron over the name or number.

Frequently asked questions

Keep reading

The Football EditSoccer Jersey Numbers: What Each Number Traditionally MeansThe Football EditHow to Wash a Soccer Jersey With a Printed Name and NumberThe Football EditHow to Choose a Football Jersey You'll Actually Wear (or Frame)