Why do Spurs have small numbers on the back of their shirts?
- Published
The small three-digit numbers on Tottenham Hotspur's players' shirts are 'legacy numbers'.
Each number is unique to a player and sits at the back of their shirts, beneath the collar.
Numbers are assigned when a player has made a competitive appearance for the club, dating back to Spurs' first match in 1894.
The first time legacy numbers were displayed on shirts was during Spurs' win over Crystal Palace in 2023 - they have been displayed in every match since then.
The legacy initiative was launched to commemorate the contributions of every player that has represented the club.
New signing Xavi Simons was the latest to receive his number. The Netherlands player was given legacy number 898 after his debut in a 3-0 win against West Ham.
A total of 898 players have been assigned a legacy number as of 16 September 2025.
The first 11 numbers were given to Spurs' starting XI in their FA Cup tie against West Herts on 13 October 1894.
Spurs said during the research process, specific criteria were applied to ensure each player was given the correct legacy number.
A 'legacy' number is given to a Tottenham player after making their first competitive appearance
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Current players legacy numbers
796 - Ben Davies
849 - Dane Scarlett
853 - Cristian Romero
860 - Dejan Kulusevski
861 - Rodrigo Bentancur
864 - Yves Bissouma
865 - Richarlison
866 - Djed Spence
868 - Pape Matar Sarr
870 - Pedro Porro
873 - James Maddison
874 - Destiny Udogie
875 - Micky van de Ven
876 - Guglielmo Vicario
878 - Brennan Johnson
882 - Radu Dragusin
884 - Dominic Solanke
885 - Lucas Bergvall
886 - Archie Gray
887 - Wilson Odobert
890 - Brandon Austin
891 - Antonin Kinsky
894 - Kevin Danso
895 - Mathys Tel
896 - Mohammed Kudus
897 - Joao Palhinha
898 - Xavi Simons
Players who have not been assigned a legacy number yet:
Kota Takai
Randal Kolo Muani
Thank you to Lochan in Milton Keynes for the question.
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