Why Balotelli Did Not Receive 'His' Shirt Number 45 In Nice
Update: Former Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli today made his first match for Nice against Olympique Marseille wearing the shirt with number 9 after he previously wore shirts with number 45, at least in club football.
Balotelli Debuts Number 9 Nice Kit
Balotelli's kit ahead of the match.
Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has joined French Ligue 1 club OGC Nice on the last day of the transfer window. However, while is it known which number Balotelli will receive, it's already certain that he will lose his signature shirt number 45 (via footpack.fr).
Ligue 1 Shirt Regulations Forbid Numbers Above 40
Mario Balotelli x OGC Nice Kits - the shirt number 9 is not assigned to a Nice player yet.
Mario Balotelli will not be allowed to wear a shirt with number 45 because of LFP's rule number 670.
"Every Ligue 1 and Ligue 2 club must establish the number assignment list on Isyfoot 72 hours before the start of the competition. This list can not exceed 30 names, the number 30 is the last in the list may be supplemented and updated with every movement in the club. If a club justifies employ over 30 professional players under contract, the board may grant an exception to the preceding paragraph. Whimsical dials are prohibited (example: 45 - 82).
The numbers 1, 16 and 30 are exclusively and necessarily reserved for goalkeepers. Ultimately, the number 40 can be assigned. All teams must have a jersey with number 33 that is not assigned to a player and reserved for breaking replacements. A directory is established early in the season and available to referees and delegates by the LFP."
Are you for or against high numbers? Let us know in the comments below.
Black/Green Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 Boots Spotted
In the opening match between Haiti and Scotland, left-back Martin Expérience was spotted wearing the Nike Mercurial Superfly 11 boots in a black/green colorway. It is expected to be released soon.
Livingston FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Livingston FC have officially unveiled their new 2026027 home kit, made by Joma.
The new Joma Livingston FC 2026-27 home shirt features a dominant amber-yellow colorway and a large polo collar. The jersey also incorporates subtle embossed patterns that add a refined touch to the design.
Hibernian FC 26-27 Home Kit Released
Hibernian FC have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit and simultaneously announced a partnership with Reebok, replacing Joma as the club’s kit supplier.
The new jersey features a dark green base, complemented by a polo collar and raglan sleeves with white accents. Both the collar and sleeve cuffs are white, finished with green trim.
World Cup 'Debut' Patch is Attached to the Boots
Midfielder Luis Romo (31) made a memorable impact in his FIFA World Cup debut, scoring the only goal in Mexico’s 1-0 victory over South Africa. The win also made Mexico the first team to secure a place in the knockout stage.
Making his first-ever World Cup appearance, Luis Romo naturally had the honor of wearing the World Cup “Debut” Patch. Interestingly, however, he chose to attach it to his Tiempo Maestro boots rather than wear it on his shirt sleeve like most other players.
Boca Juniors 26-27 Pre-Match Shirt Leaked - Official Look
@opaleak has leaked 2 new pictures of the new Adidas Boca 26-27 pre-match shirt.
The Boca Juniors 2026-27 pre-match jersey features a half-and-half design in the club's traditional colors, with a yellow right side and blue left side, complemented by contrasting sleeve colors and a blue crew-neck collar.
Special Adidas World Cup 'Match 1000' Referee Shirt
The second Group F match between Japan and Tunisia will mark the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. FIFA has appointed Romanian referee István Kovács to officiate this historic milestone match, which will take place at Monterrey Stadium on June 20.
A special highlight of the occasion will be the referee's commemorative uniform: a bright red jersey featuring three gold stripes on the sleeves, along with a "MATCH 1000 FIFA WORLD CUP" badge.
