Florian Wirtz hasn’t even kicked a ball for Liverpool yet, and already there’s buzz about the number on his back. The 22-year-old German sensation, signed from Bayer Leverkusen in a blockbuster move worth up to £116 million, will take on the iconic No. 7 shirt at Anfield—a jersey steeped in history, expectation, and greatness.
But before the number was confirmed, a small storm was brewing around the digits Wirtz would choose.
As soon as news of Wirtz’s arrival broke, speculation started swirling about his shirt preference. Many assumed he was eyeing the No. 10—a number he wore at Leverkusen and often associated with creativity, flair, and a central role in the team. But at Liverpool, that number already belongs to World Cup-winning Argentine Alexis Mac Allister.
Rumors began to spin a narrative that Wirtz was unhappy with the situation, even suggesting he refused to wear any other number if the No. 10 wasn’t available. That narrative, however, didn’t last long.
Wirtz quickly took to Instagram to shut it down with a direct and respectful message: “Who says I want the 10? I respect players. Don’t believe everything that’s written.” With that, he made it clear—he wasn’t demanding, nor disrespectful. And in doing so, he gained the admiration of many fans before even stepping onto the pitch.
Instead of dwelling on what wasn’t available, Wirtz has now embraced a number that comes with its own legacy. One that’s arguably even more legendary on Merseyside.
The No. 7 shirt at Liverpool is more than just cloth and stitching—it’s a symbol. A badge of honor. It’s the number worn by some of the most electrifying players in the club’s history. Kenny Dalglish made it legendary. Kevin Keegan gave it flair. Luis Suarez brought fire. James Milner gave it grit. And now, it’s Florian Wirtz’s turn to write the next chapter.
The shirt has been vacant since Luis Díaz’s transfer to Bayern Munich, leaving an open space for a player ready to shoulder both the number and the expectations that come with it. Wirtz, a creative force with vision beyond his years, fits the mold. But Liverpool fans aren’t just hoping he lives up to the shirt—they believe he will.
Social media lit up the moment the kit reveal dropped. “Wirtz 7 just looks right,” one fan tweeted. Another echoed the sentiment: “Flo Wirtz takes on the iconic No.7 shirt. The legacy continues.” It’s not often supporters are this confident in a new arrival, but there’s something about Wirtz—his maturity, his class, his quiet confidence—that suggests he belongs.
Liverpool will need every bit of that confidence heading into the new season. Wirtz has a chance to make an early mark and potentially lifting silverware in the Community Shield against Crystal Palace. From there, it’s the Premier League opener against Bournemouth, and the real work begins.
