With Sachin Tendulkar’s number 10 jersey being unofficially retired by the BCCI, an outpour of extraordinary tributes and sentiments came with it. It’s great to honour a legend of the game but what’s so special about a number that has been worn by a player on the back of his or her jersey?

Numbers on jerseys have had a lot of significance in sports like football and rugby. In the early 1900s, players from these sports wore jerseys simply to be identified or spotted on the field. Further, a number represented the position a player played in. As the years went by, fans got more involved and emotionally connected to the players who made significant strides for their teams. And inevitably, a number becomes forever associated with superstars who elevate their sport.

Here are the most iconic jersey numbers that have been immortalised.