At Manchester City, some shirt numbers carry a special kind of weight. Some are just numbers printed on the back of a jersey, while others come loaded with pressure, history, and expectation. The number 10 shirt is one of them. It’s more than just a digit on fabric—it’s a symbol of star power, flair, responsibility, and legacy. For Manchester City, the number 10 has always been sacred. And now, with the future of Jack Grealish hanging in the balance, that legendary shirt could soon be vacant once again.
Over the past decade, the number 10 shirt at the Etihad has been worn by some of the club’s greatest attacking talents. It represents not only skill, but big moments, title-winning goals, and unforgettable memories. Few shirts in English football carry the kind of energy that Manchester City’s number 10 does. From Sergio Agüero’s heroics to Edin Džeko’s underrated impact, and more recently, Jack Grealish’s emotional highs and frustrating lows—this shirt tells a story. And now, that story might be about to turn another page.
Jack Grealish arrived at Manchester City in 2021 as the most expensive British footballer in history. £100 million. That number echoed across football headlines all summer. He was the golden boy of English football—the charismatic winger with dazzling feet, headband swag, and fearless creativity. He was meant to bring something different to Pep Guardiola’s already incredible team. And in his first season, he struggled. But in his second, he became a key part of the treble-winning machine. He worked hard off the ball, learned Pep’s tactical demands, and became a fan favourite.
Now, just four years later, there’s a strong feeling that Grealish could be on his way out. Injuries, inconsistent form, and increased competition in the squad have put his place under serious threat. Guardiola is planning another evolution of his team. The likes of Jérémy Doku, Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, and even the returning loanees are pushing for more minutes. And Pep, famously ruthless with his squad decisions, seems ready to move forward without Grealish if needed.
If Jack Grealish does leave this summer, that means the iconic number 10 shirt will be available for the 2025/26 season. And when a shirt with that much history is suddenly free, it becomes more than just a kit number. It becomes a statement. The question then becomes: who is worthy of wearing it next?
To understand the gravity of this moment, we have to go back to the legends who built the number 10 legacy at City. First, Sergio Agüero. The greatest goalscorer in the club’s history. The man who wore the number 10 with unmatched class, scoring 260 goals for Manchester City and delivering the most famous goal in Premier League history—*“Agüeroooooooo!!!”* His last-minute strike against QPR in 2012 didn’t just win City the league—it changed the entire narrative of the club. He made the number 10 shirt legendary. Every player who wore it after him would always be compared to Agüero, whether fair or not.
Before Agüero, there was Robbie Fowler, and before him, Shaun Goater, who wore it in the club’s lower-division days. But after Agüero, came Edin Džeko, a striker who often flew under the radar but was crucial in so many big moments. The Bosnian was powerful, intelligent, and lethal. He was the kind of number 10 that didn’t just shine individually—he helped win trophies.
Then came Jack Grealish, taking over the shirt in 2021. It was a big moment. He wasn’t a striker like Agüero or Džeko, but a wide playmaker, a dribbler, a creator. His arrival brought excitement and pressure. And while his performances have divided opinions, there’s no doubt he’s worn the shirt with pride. He fought hard to earn Pep’s trust. He celebrated wildly with fans. He became a key figure in City’s Champions League-winning campaign. But injuries and squad changes have made the future uncertain.
If Grealish does depart, who could be the next to wear the number 10? There are several candidates, both inside and outside the club. Phil Foden is an obvious contender. He’s a Manchester lad, a lifelong City fan, and arguably the most talented English player of his generation. He currently wears number 47, but fans have often suggested that he deserves one of the club’s historic numbers. Giving him the 10 shirt would be a natural next step as he continues to grow into a leadership role. He has the ability, the passion, and the connection with the fans to carry that legacy forward.
But there’s another name being whispered around the Etihad—Jude Bellingham*. Yes, he’s a Real Madrid player, and yes, he’s one of the biggest stars in world football. But Guardiola has always admired him. If Madrid make a Galáctico move for Kylian Mbappé or Erling Haaland next summer, could Bellingham be tempted by a Premier League return? It’s unlikely, but in football, anything is possible. And if he ever did move, the number 10 shirt at Manchester City would be waiting for him.
Internally, young players like Oscar Bobb and Jérémy Doku are also rising fast. Doku has the dribbling flair and creativity that would suit the number 10 shirt. Bobb, though still developing, is quickly becoming a fan favourite due to his composure and intelligence on the ball. Guardiola loves players like him—clever, humble, and hardworking. But it might be too soon to hand such a historic shirt to a youngster.
City might also look abroad. The transfer market is filled with number 10-type players—attacking midfielders or wide forwards with flair and precision. There have been links to Florian Wirtz of Bayer Leverkusen. He’s only 21 but already looks like a future Ballon d’Or contender. If City sign him, the number 10 shirt would be a perfect match.
There’s also the marketing side of the number 10 shirt. It’s one of the most valuable shirt numbers commercially. It sells. The player who wears it becomes a poster boy for the club. That’s why the decision isn’t just about tactics—it’s about image. City are now a global brand, and whoever gets that number must be someone the club can promote as a superstar.
But more than the image and history, the number 10 represents a responsibility. It’s the shirt that carries pressure, expectations, and the demand to deliver when it matters most. The number 10 is expected to produce magic, to win games, and to be the face of the club during big moments. That’s what Agüero did. That’s what fans hoped Grealish would do consistently. And that’s what the next player must understand.
Firstly, the Jack Grealish situation needs to be resolved. Despite all the exit rumours, there’s still a chance he stays. He could fight for his place, prove his critics wrong, and reclaim a regular spot in the team. Guardiola has never been afraid to back players he trusts. But if the right offer comes, and if Pep feels it’s time to move on, the club could allow Grealish to leave. There have been reported interests from Saudi Arabia and even some Premier League ririvals.m
If he does go, expect a huge debate among fans over who should take the number 10 next. And City won’t rush that decision. They’ll wait for the right moment, the right player. What’s certain is that the number 10 shirt at Manchester City will never just be a shirt. It’s a badge of honour. A symbol of excellence. A legacy passed from one star to the next.
Whether it’s a homegrown hero like Foden, a global signing like Wirtz, or a surprise name nobody expects, the number 10 will find a new owner soon. And when it does, the spotlight will shine bright. Because when you wear number 10 for Manchester City, the world is watching. And greatness is expected. Until then, the shirt might hang quietly in the Etihad dressing room, waiting for its next chapter. But one thing’s for sure: Whoever dares to wear it next, must be ready to make history.
