SANDY — What is the significance of a number? Some numbers represent luck, while other numbers represent misfortune.
In soccer, the No. 10 is more than just a number. Wearing the No. 10 on your jersey is an honor and a responsibility.
For Real Salt Lake’s Luis Gil, who is switching from No. 21 to No. 10 this season, there is pride in being selected to wear the number, understanding the recognition and responsibility that comes with wearing the famed number.
“It’s [known] all around the world. The No. 10 is ‘that player,’” said Gil when asked why the No. 10 is important to him.
Soccer numbers are historically given to players in order of the player’s position. Goalkeepers typically wear the No. 1, defenders wear 2-5, and so on.
Traditionally, the No. 10 has been given to the “playmaker” of the team, if not the best player on the team. Some of the greatest soccer players in history have worn the No. 10, including Diego Maradona, Pelé, Michel Platini and Lionel Messi. In U.S. soccer, the recently retired Landon Donovan wore the No. 10 for the U.S. national team as well as for the Los Angeles Galaxy for many years.
If you wear the No. 10 in soccer, you are not only good, but there are expectations that you will be the playmaker, creator of goals and lead your team to wins.
In January, RSL manager Jeff Cassar spoke to the local media and announced Gil will wear the No. 10 this upcoming season. (Former RSL and U.S. Men's National Team striker Robbie Findley wore it last year.)
“He's an attacking-minded midfielder, and why not?" said Cassar. "It's exciting, it's new, it can give him a little bit of a breath of fresh air and he deserves it.”
Cassar acknowledged the importance Gil has now that he’ll be “that player” for RSL. “When you put that (No. 10) jersey on, there's some responsibility that comes with that. Hopefully he grabs that and runs with it.”
For Luis Gil, he knows all the responsibilities that come with wearing the No. 10, and welcomes it.
Talking to him prior to Real Salt Lake’s trip to Portland to face the Timbers in the 2015 season opener, Gil acknowledged feeling added responsibility now that he will be wearing the No. 10 for RSL.
“Definitely I do, especially using it in the midfield when we used to have forwards using it,” said Gil. “Always having that number, to me, personally is an honor to have that number and a little bit more responsibility.” Gil said the last time he wore the No. 10 was with the U.S. men’s Under-20 national soccer team and mentioned he’s always worn the No. 10 throughout his youth national team career.
When asked who is his favorite No. 10 of all time, Gil mentioned one of the most recognized Brazilian soccer players in history. “Ronaldinho,” said Gil. “I have to say he’s my favorite No. 10.”
Cassar recognized that Gil being the No. 10 for RSL is more than just a responsibility on the pitch. It’s an off-the-pitch responsibility as well. “I think it's just about being an impactful player all the time: in the locker room, on the field, after games, taking care of yourself, everything. It's about taking that next step, and I think he's ready for it.”
For Luis Gil, wearing the No. 10 for Real Salt Lake is more than just a number, it signals the beginning of a new chapter in his young career.
“At this point in my career, it’s another step I’m taking in the right direction.”
Xoel CÀrdenas, MA, is a writer with Deseret News: Sports. Xoel is also a columnist at SB Nation, the largest sports blog site in the country, where he covers FC Barcelona. Follow him on Twitter @XoelCardenas.