In-Depth Bundesliga Kit Rules: Why João Cancelo Could Not Get Any Shirt With Number 7 for Bayern Munich
Jan 31, 2023, by Chris
Update: FC Bayern have signed Portugal international João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. The 28-year-old full-back moves to Munich on an initial deal through to the end of the current season. He chose FC Bayern Munich's Number 22 shirt, as all shirts that include his usual Number 7 were occupied.
João Cancelo Gets Bayern Munich Number 22 Kit
João Cancelo could choose between FC Bayern Munich's numbers 3, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36. He opted for Number 22. The reasons on why he chose number 22 are not known.
January 30 2023: In-Depth Bundesliga Kit Rules: Why João Cancelo Won't Be Able to Wear Any Shirt With Number 7 for Bayern Munich
João Cancelo, the Portuguese defender, is reported to join Bayern Munich from Manchester City. He currently has the number 7 shirt at Manchester City but won't continue to wear it at Bayern for the rest of the season - we find out why.
Joao Cancelo was wearing the number 7 shirt for Manchester City to honor the memory of his mother, who was tragically killed in a car accident nine years ago.
Cancelo wears number 7 because of his late mother
"Seven was my mum's favorite number and it was the day she was born: 7 February. I decided to pick that number because it is meaningful for me and for my mum. I hope I can represent her with this number as she is one of the most important people in my life."
Various Reasons - Why Cancelo Can't Wear Any Number That Includes 7 For Bayern
There are several reasons why Cancelo won't be able to get a shirt with the number 7, so we have split it up to make it easier to understand.
1: All Numbers With 7 (Including Number 7) Occupied & SHirt Number Exchanges Not Allowed During Season
First and foremost, all numbers between 1 and 40 that include a 7 have already been assigned. Bundesliga kit rules do not allow players to change or exchange a number during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.
New keeper Sommer just got the Number 27 kit
Unfortunately, the club's new goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, has just been assigned the number 27 shirt.
2: Bundesliga Do Not Allow Numbers Above 40
The Bundesliga kit rules also say that players should be assigned numbers 1 to 40. If a club's roster should include more than 40 players, the remaining numbers should be consecutively assigned. Bayern's squad, however, has less than 40 players, so a number above 40 (and 47) is no option.
A change or exchange of numbers is not possible during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.
Bundesliga Number Rules
The players should be assigned numbers 1 to 40, with number 1 reserved for a goalkeeper. For other goalkeepers, any number between 12 and 40 can be chosen. If a club's roster should include more than 40 players, the remaining numbers should be consecutively assigned. A change or exchange of number is not possible during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.
Which Number Could João Cancelo Get? Number 3 Most Likely
Currently, FC Bayern Munich's numbers 3, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36 are free. The most plausible choice for Cancelo would be number 3 therefore.
Cancelo to Get New Shirt Number For 23-24 Season?
If João Cancelo would stay longer at Bayern Munich, there are many options to get him a number that includes the 7. We think that Gnabry would be open to giving away his number 7, with the number 9 free currently (but this would be also the perfect number for target Harry Kane).ä
Number 9 is free as well
Regardless of his kit number, João Cancelo could be a valuable addition to Bayern Munich's squad, especially with Pavard keen to leave the club.
Key Facts - João Cancelo Kit Number
- João Cancelo wears the number 7 to honor the memory of his late mother.
- All numbers that include the number 7 are occupied - the Bundesliga restrict the number assignments to 1 to 40 only.
- The Bundesliga kit rules do not allow players to change or exchange numbers during the season.
- Number 3 is the most likely shirt number option for João Cancelo if he joins Bayern Munich.
- If Cancelo stays longer at Bayern, there is a possibility to get him a number that includes the number 7.
It is... complicated. Which number will João Cancelo choose if he joins Bayern? Let us know in the comments below.
Boca Juniors 26-27 Home Kit Spotted on Sale Early
The upcoming Adidas Boca Juniors 26-27 home kit has already landed on store shelves ahead of its official launch. Pictures taken inside an Adidas store in New York confirm that the authentic player version jersey is currently on sale for $160 USD. Thanks to @marto_m3.
The 26-27 home shirt stays true to the club's traditional look, featuring a classic blue base highlighted by the iconic yellow chest stripe. Bright yellow detailing covers the collar trim, Adidas logo, and three stripes along the shoulders. Sponsor logos include Betsson across the yellow chest band, Cetrogar on the sleeves, and DirecTV on the lower back, while XENEIZE is printed in yellow on the upper back neck.
KV Mechelen 26-27 Home Kit Released
Belgian Pro League club KV Mechelen have officially unveiled their new 2026-27 home kit. Made by Erreà, the shirt celebrates the club's historic 1946 league title.
The Erreà KV Mechelen 2026-27 home shirt features a wide central yellow panel framed by bold red side panels and sleeves. Yellow trim appears on the crew-neck collar and sleeve cuffs, while the club crest is positioned centrally on the chest alongside the Erreà logo and sponsor, creating a clean and balanced look. The kit is completed with black shorts and matching socks featuring yellow and red detailing.
What do you think of KV Mechelen's new 2026-27 home kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Galatasaray 26-27 Fourth Kit Leaked
Based on the leaked images, @Formaholic has recreated the new Galatasaray 26-27 fourth kit concept to show what it could look like on the pitch.
The Puma Galatasaray 26-27 fourth shirt features alternating red and orange vertical stripes across the front and sleeves, complemented by an elegant red polo collar. A white Puma cat logo sits on the right chest, while the club's iconic crest complete with its four stars rests on the left. The classic color setup and tailored collar create a refined look that bridges historical heritage with modern sportswear.
The new Galatasaray 26-27 fourth jersey is expected to be officially launched in February 2027. It will complement the club's home, away, and third kits for the season, offering a classic striped option during the second half of the campaign.
AS Roma 26-27 Away Kit Spotted On Sale Early
The unreleased Adidas AS Roma 26-27 away kit has been spotted available for purchase early inside a Sports Direct store. X user @nftotti shared a photo of the jersey on display well ahead of its scheduled official launch.
The kit features an 'Ecru' (off-white) base color, a red and yellow horizontal chest band, and an old Roma logo from 1945-1949, complemented by the Adidas Trefoil.
This early in-store sighting provides a complete look at the final retail version of the kit, featuring Adidas Climacool technology branding at the lower hem. AS Roma and Adidas are set to officially launch the 26-27 away kit on August 8.
Adidas Hide Clever River Plate Detail on Socks
Adidas have hidden a clever tribute to River Plate's iconic identity on the club's 2026-27 home socks. Rather than using a standard "RIVER" wordmark, the German brand has subtly reshaped one side of the "V" to recreate the club's famous red diagonal sash.
The detail references one of football's most recognizable shirt designs. According to club tradition, River Plate's iconic sash originated in 1905, when members of the club took a red ribbon from a carnival parade and placed it diagonally across a plain white shirt, creating a design that has remained synonymous with the Argentine giants ever since.
This detail does not appear on the black sock option.
Special thanks to @KamilBerberler for the information and to @jerseystory_vn for the graphic.
PSG Announce Multi-Year Google Partnership Featuring Gemini and Pixel
Paris Saint-Germain have officially announced a multi-year Premium Partnership with tech giant Google, running through 2029. Under the agreement, Google Gemini becomes the official AI assistant of the French club, while Google Pixel steps in as the official smartphone of Paris Saint-Germain.
The collaboration will see Google's hardware and software integrated across PSG's content production and digital operations. The club's internal media teams will use Google Pixel devices to capture behind-the-scenes content and matchday moments. Simultaneously, Google Gemini will be utilized to help develop new creative and interactive content for supporters.
As part of the deal starting ahead of the 26-27 season, a dedicated Google space will also be introduced at the Parc des Princes. The area will host guests, creators, and partners to experience the tech brand's latest artificial intelligence innovations first-hand.
