Marc Ter-Stegen’s Unique Jersey Number and Key Save in Girona Debut

omidbasir- Marc Ter-Stegen was the standout player on Monday night in Girona, making a remarkable debut against Getafe. His decisive save in the 96th minute secured a point for Míchel’s team, but what made his appearance even more intriguing was the unusual jersey number he wore.

According to the regulations set by the Royal Spanish Football Federation for both the First and Second Divisions, goalkeepers on the first-team roster must don jersey numbers ‘1’, ’13’, or ’25’. These numbers are specifically reserved for goalkeepers within the numbering system from ‘1’ to ’25’ that players on the first-team roster are required to use throughout the season.

An exception arises in rare situations like Girona’s current scenario, where the club has four goalkeepers on their first-team roster. Dominik Livakovic wears the ‘1’, Paulo Gazzaniga has the ’13’, and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov is assigned the ’25’. Consequently, Ter-Stegen was required to wear a different number.

The situation became more complex as, in Girona’s case, all 25 roster spots were occupied, leaving no available numbers. However, the departure of Jhon Solís to Birmingham freed up the ’22’, which was the only number left when Ter-Stegen’s transfer to Montilivi was finalized. Both LaLiga and the RFEF approved this number for a goalkeeper.

Had the only available number been one traditionally assigned to outfield players—ranging from ‘2’ to ’11’—it would have resulted in an unprecedented situation in Spanish football.