Adding a name and number to a shirt is one of the least reversible decisions when buying a football shirt. The wrong print, a transferred player, a retired number: the shirt can quickly become difficult to wear. This practical guide answers all the questions you have before placing your order.
Your first name or a player's name: the first question
The most enduring option. Your first name will never leave the club during the transfer window. Ideal if you want a personalised shirt that won't risk going out of date. Some people add their amateur player number or a symbolic number.
The most common choice. Prioritise players on long-term contracts or with a strong connection to the club. Avoid players whose contracts are ending or who are mentioned in transfer rumours.
Zidane at Juventus, Cantona at United, Bergkamp at Arsenal: some players are so closely associated with a club that their name remains relevant decades after they leave. The choice for a committed collector.
The recipient's first name or a confirmed favourite player. Never make a guess about the player for a gift: the risk of getting it wrong is high. If in doubt, leave the shirt unprinted and include a gift card.
Which number to choose
The number is just as important as the name. In modern football, players have assigned numbers that rarely change from one season to the next at major clubs. If you print a player's name on a shirt, always use their current number at the club. The wrong number on the right name is a visible mistake that any knowledgeable fan will spot.
Legendary numbers to know
Warning: some clubs retire shirt numbers in tribute to legendary players. These numbers are no longer assigned and cannot be worn by other players. Check before printing a historic number associated with a specific club.
What the official rules allow
| Type of name and number printing | Official store | Independent workshop | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| First name / last name | Yes | Yes | No restrictions |
| Number of your choice | Yes | Yes | Except for officially retired numbers |
| Current player’s name | Yes | Yes | Check that the player is still with the club |
| Official competition patch | Yes | No | Reserved for licensed stores |
| Title stars | Depends on the club | Not recommended | Reserved for the club |
| Name of a retired player (legend) | Yes (retro) | Yes | Common practice among collectors |
| Personalized message | No | Yes | Official stores often refuse |
Common mistakes to avoid
The riskiest time of year. A player linked with a club in a rumor on Friday could sign for another club the following Monday. If you buy between June and the end of August, either choose a player whose future is certain or opt for your own name.
Players sometimes change numbers when they join a new club. Always check the current number on the club’s official website before placing your order, not on an external source that may be out of date.
Check the name and number printing as soon as your order arrives, before removing the tags. A misaligned letter, a missing accent, an incorrect font: this is your only opportunity to request a correction or refund.
The away jersey often changes more dramatically than the home jersey from one season to the next. If you have an uncertain player’s name and number printed on an away jersey, you could end up with a jersey whose design is no longer current AND a player who has left after just one year.
Discover our collection of official club jerseys at Elite Fanstore, available with official name and number printing.