Many observers scoffed when Birmingham City retired their number 22 shirt in honour of Jude Bellingham in 2020 – but events have since proven their decision was a canny one and followed in some illustrious footsteps.
After just 44 appearances, the 17-year-old Bellingham was sold to Borussia Dortmund and the Championship club took the decision to mark his achievements.
“The 22 shirt has become synonymous with Jude, his rise to the first team aged just 16 years and 38 days and these qualities,” a club statement read.
“And as such the club have decided it would be fitting to retire this number, to remember one of our own and to inspire others.”
After his move to Real Madrid, Bellingham is firmly established as one of the best midfielders in world football before turning 20.
And we’ve taken a look at 9 more iconic figures who received the honour of having their shirt number retired in their honour.
Pele
Widely regarded as the greatest ever footballer, at least until Lionel Messi came along, Pele was shown a significant amount of respect by New York Cosmos where he spent the last two years of his career.
‘The Black Pearl’ plied his trade for his boyhood club Santos for almost two decades, and his move to America only increased his popularity and reputation.
Pele made 107 appearances scoring 64 goals for the Cosmos. After his retirement, the club retired his number 10 shirt in an entirely fitting tribute to one of the most famous sportsmen ever.
