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.
FC Barcelona 27-28 Home Kit Leaked - 2 Real Images
Footy Headlines can leak two real images of the new Barcelona 27-28 home kit. However, these still appear to be products created based on a previous concept. They have an accuracy of about 80% and will differ slightly from the final version.
Deportivo Cali 1965 First Title Commemorative Kits Released
Colombian club Deportivo Cali and their technical sponsor Hillside have launched a special-edition capsule celebrating the club's historic first league championship won in 1965. The release consists of two retro-inspired jerseys — one in green and another in white — that pay tribute to the monumental title won over six decades ago.
Both shirts embrace a classic mid-60s aesthetic, anchored by an open polo-style collar. The green shirt features a contrasting white collar and cuffs, complemented by a tonal sublimated pattern of stripes, pennants, and historic club insignia across the fabric. In turn, the white version offers a clean, elegant look highlighted by rich emerald green trim. On the collar ribbing, knit detailing spells out "19 CAMPEÓN 65" in tribute to the landmark campaign.
Each jersey is adorned with a vintage Deportivo Cali crest topped by a single embroidered golden star representing that maiden triumph. Additional commemorative touches include a retro script Hillside graphic at the lower back and a stitched authentic crest patch near the hem displaying "Cali - Un Amor para toda la Vida 1912". The limited-edition pieces are delivered in custom collector's packaging alongside a certificate of authenticity.
BG Pathum United 26-27 20th Anniversary Kit Released
Thai League side BG Pathum United have officially released a special 20th anniversary kit for the 26-27 season. Produced by Nike and launched under the club's "Side by Side" campaign, the commemorative shirt celebrates two decades since the team was originally founded in 2006 as Bangkok Glass FC, reviving the historic green color from the club's early years.
The Nike BGPU 26-27 20th anniversary shirt combines a vibrant green base with contrasting black accents on the crew neck collar and sleeve cuffs, flanked by white side panels. It features clean monochrome white applications throughout, including the club crest, the Nike Swoosh, and the front sponsor. Two variations of the jersey are available: the domestic Thai League version featuring Leo branding on the chest, and an AFC Champions League Two version with Singha Corporation and a Thai flag detail on the sleeve.
White shorts and white socks complete the throwback look. The BG Pathum United 26-27 20th anniversary kit is now on sale through the club's official online shop and at the BGPU Mega Store, priced at 999 THB for the standalone jersey. The club has also made a limited "Side by Side" collector's boxset available for 2,000 THB, containing two shirts, two commemorative scarves, and a sticker sheet.
