Squad numbers at Sunderland AFC carry more than just administrative function—they tell stories of loyalty, breakthrough seasons, and the weight of expectation at a club with a rich history and a fanbase that turned a League One final into a 40,000-strong pilgrimage to London. As the Black Cats navigate the 2025/26 season, the numbers on the shirts at the Stadium of Light reflect both continuity from the previous campaign and the fresh faces brought in to strengthen the squad.
#1 – First-Choice Goalkeeper
The number one shirt at Sunderland has historically been reserved for the club's primary goalkeeper. In the modern era, this squad number typically goes to the stopper who starts the season as first choice, though competition for the spot can shift throughout the campaign. The tradition of goalkeepers wearing number one is standard across English football, but at Sunderland, the shirt has been worn by figures who became cult heroes at Roker Park and the Stadium of Light alike. Whoever wears it in 2025/26 carries the responsibility of organising a defence that will face relentless pressure from top-flight attacks.
#2 – Right-Back
The number two shirt at Sunderland is almost exclusively assigned to a right-back or a defender who operates on the right side of a back four. This has been a consistent convention at the club, with the shirt rarely straying into midfield or attacking roles. In the 2025/26 squad, the player wearing number two will be expected to combine defensive solidity with overlapping runs, a key requirement in the modern full-back role. The Tyne-Wear Derby often sees this position tested severely against Newcastle United's wide threats.
#3 – Left-Back
Similarly, number three at Sunderland is traditionally worn by the first-choice left-back. The club's history includes several notable left-backs who have worn this number during periods of success. For the current season, the player in the number three shirt will need to provide balance on the left flank, supporting attacks while remaining disciplined defensively. The role becomes particularly important in away fixtures where Sunderland may face sustained pressure.
#4 – Central Midfielder or Centre-Back
The number four shirt at Sunderland has a dual tradition. In the club's early Premier League eras, it often belonged to a holding midfielder or a central defender who dictated play from deep. More recently, it has been worn by players who sit in front of the back four, breaking up opposition attacks and distributing the ball to more creative teammates. The 2025/26 season will likely see this number assigned to a player who provides tactical discipline, especially in matches against top-six sides where Sunderland may need to absorb pressure.
#5 – Centre-Back
Number five is the classic centre-back shirt at Sunderland, echoing the traditional 1–11 numbering system where the number five was the defensive leader. At the Stadium of Light, this shirt has been worn by commanding defenders who organise the backline and contribute from set pieces. The current squad's number five will be crucial in the Premier League, where aerial duels against physical forwards become a weekly battle. The player wearing this number must also communicate effectively with the goalkeeper wearing number one.
#6 – Centre-Back or Defensive Midfielder
The number six shirt at Sunderland has historically been split between centre-backs and defensive midfielders. In the 2025/26 squad, it is likely to be worn by a player who operates in the deeper defensive or midfield roles, providing cover for the back four. This number often goes to a player with good reading of the game, capable of intercepting passes and starting counter-attacks. The flexibility of the number six reflects modern tactical evolution, where the distinction between defence and midfield can blur depending on the formation.
#7 – Right Winger or Attacker
Number seven at Sunderland carries romantic weight. In the club's history, the number seven was often worn by the team's most dangerous attacker. In the modern game, it is typically assigned to a winger or attacking midfielder who operates on the right side. The 2025/26 season will see this shirt worn by a player expected to provide goals and assists, particularly in home matches where Sunderland will look to attack. The pressure of wearing number seven at a club with such passionate supporters is considerable.
#8 – Central Midfielder
The number eight shirt is traditionally worn by a box-to-box midfielder at Sunderland, a player who contributes at both ends of the pitch. This number has been associated with energetic, hard-working midfielders who cover significant ground during matches. In the Premier League, the number eight must be comfortable receiving the ball under pressure and making late runs into the penalty area. The 2025/26 squad's number eight will be a key figure in transitions, linking defence and attack.
#9 – Centre-Forward
Number nine is the striker's shirt at Sunderland, carrying the expectation of goals. The club's history includes prolific number nines from the First Division championship teams through to more recent Premier League campaigns. In 2025/26, the player wearing number nine will be judged primarily on their goal return, especially in the Tyne-Wear Derby where scoring against Newcastle United can secure instant legend status. The shirt demands a player who can hold up the ball, finish chances, and lead the line against top-tier defenders.
#10 – Attacking Midfielder or Second Striker
Number ten at Sunderland is reserved for the team's primary creative force. This shirt has historically been worn by players who provide the final pass, score from distance, or operate between the lines. In the current squad, the number ten will be the player the team looks to for moments of individual brilliance, particularly in tight matches where Sunderland need to unlock stubborn defences. The role carries significant creative responsibility, and the player wearing number ten must handle the expectation of the Stadium of Light crowd.
#11 – Left Winger or Attacker
Number eleven is traditionally assigned to a left-sided attacker at Sunderland. This shirt has been worn by wingers who use pace and trickery to beat full-backs and deliver crosses into the box. In the 2025/26 season, the number eleven will be expected to provide width and direct running, complementing the number seven on the opposite flank. The player wearing this shirt will also need to track back defensively, as modern full-backs often overlap and create numerical advantages.
#12 – Squad Player or Second Goalkeeper
The number twelve shirt at Sunderland is often worn by a squad player who is not a guaranteed starter but makes significant contributions from the bench. It can also be assigned to the second-choice goalkeeper, following the convention that goalkeepers often take numbers twelve or thirteen when the number one is taken. In the 2025/26 squad, the number twelve will likely be a versatile player capable of covering multiple positions, providing depth for a long season.
#13 – Second or Third Goalkeeper
Number thirteen at Sunderland is historically associated with backup goalkeepers. The number has also been worn by outfield players at times, but the convention at the Stadium of Light leans toward assigning it to a goalkeeper who is second or third choice. The player wearing number thirteen must be ready to step in when called upon, whether due to injury, suspension, or loss of form from the number one. In a demanding season, the backup goalkeeper's role is more important than it often appears.
#14 – Midfielder or Forward
Number fourteen at Sunderland does not have a fixed positional tradition, but it has often been worn by midfielders or forwards who provide energy and goals from deeper or wider positions. This number is sometimes given to a player who is not a guaranteed starter but makes an impact when introduced. The 2025/26 squad's number fourteen will likely be a player who can change the tempo of a match, either by driving forward with the ball or pressing opponents aggressively.
#15 – Defender or Midfielder
Number fifteen at Sunderland has been worn by a variety of positions, though it leans toward defenders and defensive midfielders. The number is often assigned to a player who provides cover across the back line or in front of it. In the current squad, the number fifteen will be a reliable squad player who can step into the starting eleven without a significant drop in quality. Top-flight squads need depth, and the number fifteen represents that reliability.
#16 – Central Midfielder or Utility Player
Number sixteen at Sunderland is typically worn by a central midfielder or a utility player who can fill multiple roles. This number has been associated with players who are tactically intelligent and capable of adapting to different systems. The 2025/26 season will see the number sixteen shirt worn by a player who may not be a headline name but whose contributions in maintaining possession and covering space are vital to the team's structure.
#17 – Winger or Attacking Midfielder
Number seventeen at Sunderland often goes to a wide player or an attacking midfielder who provides directness and creativity. This number has been worn by players who are capable of beating defenders one-on-one and delivering dangerous crosses. In the 2025/26 squad, the number seventeen will be expected to contribute goals and assists, particularly in home matches where Sunderland will look to exploit the width of the Stadium of Light pitch.
#18 – Striker or Attacking Midfielder
Number eighteen at Sunderland is frequently assigned to a striker or an attacking midfielder who operates just behind the main forward. This number has been worn by players who are clinical finishers or creative link players. The 2025/26 season will see the number eighteen shirt worn by a player who provides a different attacking option, whether through physical presence, pace, or technical ability. Squad rotation means the number eighteen will likely see significant minutes.
#19 – Forward or Midfielder
Number nineteen at Sunderland does not have a strict positional tradition, but it has often been worn by forwards or midfielders who offer versatility. This number is sometimes given to younger players breaking into the first team, providing them with a squad number that carries less historical weight than lower numbers. In the 2025/26 squad, the number nineteen could be a player who is developing under the guidance of more experienced teammates.
#20 – Winger or Full-Back
Number twenty at Sunderland has been worn by wingers and full-backs in recent seasons. The number is often assigned to a player who provides pace and energy on the flanks, whether in attack or defence. The 2025/26 season will see the number twenty shirt worn by a player who can cover both wide positions, offering tactical flexibility to the manager. In a demanding campaign, versatility is a valuable asset.
#21 – Midfielder or Defender
Number twenty-one at Sunderland is typically worn by a midfielder or defender who is a regular squad member. This number has been associated with players who are consistent performers without necessarily being the headline names. The player wearing number twenty-one in 2025/26 will be expected to provide stability and reliability, whether starting matches or coming off the bench.
#22 – Goalkeeper or Defender
Number twenty-two at Sunderland has been worn by goalkeepers and defenders in recent history. When assigned to a goalkeeper, it often indicates the third-choice option or a young prospect. When worn by an outfield player, it is typically a defender who provides depth. The 2025/26 squad's number twenty-two will be a player who is part of the matchday squad rotation.
#23 – Utility Player or Youngster
Number twenty-three at Sunderland is often given to a utility player or a young academy graduate making the step up to the first team. This number has become more common in the modern era as squads have expanded and numbers beyond the traditional 1–11 have gained significance. The player wearing number twenty-three in 2025/26 could be a product of the Sunderland Academy, carrying the hopes of the fanbase who value homegrown talent.
#24–#40 – Youth Products and Squad Depth
Numbers in the twenties and thirties at Sunderland are typically assigned to younger players, academy graduates, or squad members who are not yet established first-team regulars. These numbers allow the club to include U21 players in matchday squads without assigning them lower numbers that might carry greater expectation. In the 2025/26 season, several of these numbers will be worn by players from the Sunderland U18 squad who have trained with the first team or earned places on the bench. The academy pathway at Sunderland is a source of pride for the fanbase, and seeing young players wearing numbers in this range during matches is a sign of the club's long-term planning.
What to Check for the Current Season
Squad numbers at Sunderland can change between the start of the season and the January transfer window, particularly if new signings arrive or players depart. The official club website and the Premier League's squad list publication are the most reliable sources for the confirmed numbers for the 2025/26 season. It is also worth noting that pre-season friendlies sometimes feature players wearing numbers that are not their final assignments for the competitive campaign. For the most accurate information, check the squad list published after the summer transfer window closes.
For more on the current squad, visit the players and squad profiles hub. To see which new faces have joined the Black Cats this season, read about the Sunderland new signings for 2025/26. For information on the next generation coming through, explore the Sunderland U18 squad for 2025/26.
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