Here Is Why Cesc Fàbregas Is Wearing Shirt No. 44 For Monaco
Jan 17, 2019, by Chris
Former Arsenal, FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC legend Cesc Fabregas joined French side AS Monaco on January 11 2019. The Spaniard made his AS Monaco debut in the league match against Olympique Marseille on Sunday wearing the No. 44 shirt instead of his eternal number 4.
Many people asked why he did not wear his No. 4 shirt - we find out why. Thanks to our French friends Footpack for the information and pictures.
Fàbregas made his Arsenal debut not wearing the No. 4 shirt but the number 57 kit. At the start of the 2005-06 season, after the departure of Patrick Vieira to Juventus, Fàbregas was given the Frenchman's number 4 shirt.
The reason for Fabregas preferring the No. 4 shirt is that he idolized Barcelona's then-captain and number four Pep Guardiola, who would later give Fàbregas his shirt. He was also born on 4 May 1987.
Cesc Fabregas Wears No. 44 Kit For AS Monaco Because Of Ligue 1 Rules
The reason for Cesc Fabregas not be able to wear the No. 4 for now can be found in LFP's league rules. The numbers rule is defined in paragraph 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).
AS Monaco has already 30 players under contract, and the No. 4 shirt is already already assigned to Jean-Eudes Aholou. Therefore, the Spanish international will have to be satisfied with a double 4 on his jersey until the end of the season.
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."
It seems likely that Fabregas will take back his favorite number 4 at the beginning of next season.
Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ismael Saibari to Wear Number 34 at Bayern Munich in Tribute to Abdelhak Nouri
Newly signed FC Bayern Munich midfielder Ismael Saibari has chosen to wear the number 34 shirt for the 2026-27 season as a heartfelt tribute to his friend Abdelhak Nouri. Nouri, who wore the number 34 during his time at Ajax, suffered a cardiac arrhythmia on the pitch in 2017, leaving him with severe and permanent brain damage. Explaining his choice, Saibari stated that he wants to support Nouri, noting that while he survived, he has been unable to move without assistance since the tragic incident. By taking on Nouri's final squad number, Saibari joins a list of players across Europe who have honored the former Ajax talent.
Official: Chivas Announces Nike Kit Deal
Mexican powerhouse Chivas has officially announced that Nike will become the club's new kit supplier, starting from the Apertura 2026 tournament (2026-27 season). The announcement was made under the slogan "Futuro Sagrado" and marks the end of Chivas' decade-long partnership with Puma. This deal also sees Nike return to sponsoring a major club in the Mexican Liga MX.
Fans will not have to wait long to see the first designs from the new partnership. The inaugural Nike Chivas 2026-27 uniforms are scheduled to be officially presented on July 18, 2026, just ahead of the team's match against Toluca. The announcement has already generated significant excitement among the fanbase, who are eager to see the iconic Swoosh featured alongside the famous red and white stripes.
Nike Total 90 III 'Croatia' Shoes Released
Nike has released a special edition of the iconic Total 90 III silhouette, dedicated to the Croatian national team.
The Nike Total 90 Checkered 'Croatia' features a striking red and white checkered design across the upper, directly inspired by the famous home kits of the Croatian national team. The classic T90 branding remains prominent on the shoe, maintaining the distinctive look of the original football boot. This release transforms the classic silhouette into a lifestyle sneaker, capitalizing on the ongoing trend of retro football footwear.
The Nike Total 90 III 'Croatia' sneakers have been available on Nike.com and select retailers since late June 2026.
This launch is part of a broader revival of the Total 90 line throughout 2026, which has included various re-releases and high-profile collaborations.
Reebok's First German Kit: Hansa Rostock 26-27 Home Kit Released
Following the announcement of their new partnership back in March, Hansa Rostock and Reebok have officially unveiled the club's new 2026-27 home kit. This release is particularly notable as it marks Reebok's first-ever stint as a kit supplier for a German football club, taking over from previous supplier Mizuno.
The Reebok Hansa Rostock 2026-27 home shirt draws heavy inspiration from the club's history, specifically the legendary "Travimpex" kit from the 1993-94 season. It features the traditional blue and white vertical stripes, interrupted by a distinct white chest block that houses the main sponsor logo. The classic Reebok vector logo is placed on the right chest, complementing the traditional club crest on the left.
Designed in collaboration with club members and fans, the Hansa Rostock 2026-27 home kit successfully combines a retro aesthetic with modern details. The new kit is available to purchase starting July 1, 2026.
Neftci PFK 26-27 Away Kit Released
Following the release of their classic black and white striped home shirt in late June, Azerbaijan Premier League side Neftci PFK have now unveiled their new Kappa away kit for the 2026-27 season. The new Neftci PFK 2026-27 away jersey introduces an often seen black and gold look.
Torquay United 26-27 Third Kit Released
Torquay United have officially launched their new 2026-27 third kit, manufactured by VX3. The shirt features an "English Riviera" theme, paying homage to the club's coastal location and encouraging fans to take a piece of the local area wherever they go.
Nike AFC Richmond Ted Lasso Season 4 2026 Kit Released
AFC Richmond will get a new kit for the highly anticipated fourth season of Ted Lasso. The design imagines how the fictional club's gear could evolve while staying true to its established identity and its partnership with Nike.
The Richmond 2026 kits features AFC Richmond's traditional blue and red color scheme, applying it in a half-and-half design separated by a thin yellow line.
A subtle all-over logo pattern rounds off the look.
New Balance West Ham 26-27 Home Kit Teased - No More Umbro
West Ham United have officially teased their new 2026-27 home kit, giving fans a first glimpse at their inaugural release with new kit supplier New Balance. The club posted a close-up image of the shirt on social media today, signaling that a full reveal is imminent. This marks the beginning of West Ham's partnership with New Balance, who take over from previous long-term supplier Umbro.
The teaser image highlights several key design elements of the new shirt. Most notably, the kit features a distinct checker pattern on the collar and sleeve cuffs, adding a bespoke touch to the classic claret and blue colors. The close-up also reveals a textured fabric and a return to traditional sky blue sleeves.