5 famous number 36 in football: Ex-Man United duo, Arsenal’s midfield architect

For many, a jersey number is a second skin, a brand, and a statement of intent. Naturally, the lower digits from 1 to 11 remain the prime real estate of the pitch. However, the famous number 36 in football has carved out a unique niche. It is rarely the first choice for an established superstar; instead, it often signifies a beginning, a "squad number" handed to a hungry academy graduate or a temporary loanee looking to disrupt the status quo. 

Alternatively, for some, it represents a nostalgic return to their roots. Whether it is a symbol of a rising star or a veteran’s comeback, Flashscoremobi explores how this unusual double-digit has decorated the backs of some of the game's most intriguing figures.

Ranking 5 players who wore the famous number 36 in football

5. Finley Stevens

Stevens was a player who embodies the classic "academy-to-first-team" transition associated with the number 36. Stevens, a tenacious defender and currently the captain of the Wales U-21 national team, donned the 36 shirt during his breakthrough at Brentford. After being released by Arsenal’s academy, he rebuilt his reputation in Brentford’s B team before earning a rapid promotion. While still early in his journey, Stevens has used the 36 to establish a foothold in one of the world's most competitive leagues.

4. Matteo Darmian

Darmian brought a touch of Italian tactical discipline to the number 36 during his tenure at Manchester United. Joining the Red Devils in 2015 from Torino, Darmian opted for the number 36, a choice he had also made earlier in his career at AC Milan. At Old Trafford, Darmian was a versatile defensive asset, capable of playing both right and left-back. He made 92 appearances for United, contributing to the club’s 2016 FA Cup victory and the 2017 UEFA Europa League triumph. Darmian was often praised by Louis van Gaal for his "functional" and "steady" approach. 

3. Anthony Elanga

In the third position is Elanga, who became a fan favorite at Man United while sporting the number 36. Elanga’s rise was meteoric under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The Swedish winger, known for his blistering pace and directness, famously scored a crucial equalizer against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League Round of 16 in 2022. During his time wearing 36 for United, he made 55 appearances and scored 4 goals. Elanga eventually transitioned to the number 25 before moving to Nottingham Forest in 2023.

2. Martin Zubimendi

Currently, Zubimendi stands as the most prominent active figure associated with this number. In a move that surprised many in 2025, the Spanish midfield maestro took the number 36 upon joining Arsenal. Having spent his entire prior career at Real Sociedad, where he wore number 4 and became a European champion with Spain, Zubimendi’s choice of 36 at Arsenal was seen as a nod to a new beginning. 

As a deep-lying playmaker, Zubimendi’s statistics are elite, he consistently maintains a pass completion rate above 90%. His ability to dictate the tempo of Premier League matches from the "6" position has already drawn comparisons to legendary Spanish midfielders. Experts describe his style as "the brain of the operation”.

1. Dele Alli

While Alli wore the number 20 during his peak years at Tottenham Hotspur, his move to Everton in 2022 saw him select the number 36. This wasn't a random choice, it was a sentimental return to the number he wore during his breakout years at MK Dons, where he first stunned the English football world as a teenager. At MK Dons, wearing 36, Alli played 88 games and scored 24 goals, earning the Football League Young Player of the Year award. 

When he arrived at Goodison Park, he stated he chose 36 because it was the number where it "all started." Although his time at Everton has been marred by injuries and form struggles, the narrative of a star trying to recapture his youthful magic through his original jersey number remains one of the most poignant stories in modern football.

Summary of the top 5 most famous number 36s:

Dele Alli (Everton / MK Dons)

Martin Zubimendi (Arsenal)

Anthony Elanga (Manchester United)

Matteo Darmian (Manchester United)

Finley Stevens (Brentford)

Flashscoremobi.com has just highlighted the 5 most famous number 36 in football history. Which of these players left the strongest impression on you? When you take to the pitch for a local match, have you ever considered choosing the number 36 as your companion in battle?

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