Here’s a detailed breakdown of Sunderland’s squad numbers for the 2024/25 season, including their historical significance, notable past holders, and the players currently assigned to each number.
Sunderland AFC 2024/25 Squad Numbers
1 – Anthony Patterson
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable past holders: Craig Gordon, Jimmy Montgomery, Chris Turner, Thomas Sørensen
Anthony Patterson has been Sunderland’s undisputed number-one goalkeeper since the 2022/23 season. He has continued to impress between the sticks, making crucial saves and playing a key role in Sunderland’s defensive setup.
2 – Niall Huggins
Position: Defender
Notable past holders: Phil Bardsley, Stephen Wright, Cecil Irwin, Dick Malone, John Kay
Niall Huggins has struggled with injuries over recent seasons, limiting his playing time. However, when fit, he provides energy and defensive stability at full-back.
3 – Dennis Cirkin
Position: Defender
Notable past holders: Patrick van Aanholt, Michael Gray, Nick Pickering, Len Ashurst
Dennis Cirkin has been a mainstay in Sunderland’s defense since the 2022/23 campaign. His attacking runs and solid defensive work have made him a crucial part of the squad.
4 – Dan Neil
Position: Midfielder
Notable past holders: Corry Evans, Stan Anderson, Gary Bennett, Liam Bridcutt
Following the departure of former captain Corry Evans last summer, Dan Neil, who has developed into a leader in midfield, assumed the number four shirt. Now the team’s captain, he continues to be a key figure in Sunderland’s setup.
5 – Dan Ballard
Position: Defender
Notable past holders: Wes Brown, Fred Hall, Anton Ferdinand, Terry Butcher, Charlie Hurley
Dan Ballard has worn the number five shirt since the 2022/23 season. A reliable, no-nonsense defender, he has been a cornerstone of Sunderland’s backline.
6 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Danny Batth, Max Power, Lee Cattermole, Mark Proctor, Rob Hindmarch, Jim McNab
Timothée Pembélé wore the number six shirt in the 2023/24 campaign, but he is currently on loan at Le Havre, leaving the shirt vacant.
7 – Jobe Bellingham
Position: Midfielder
Notable past holders: Sebastian Larsson, Carlos Edwards, Bobby Kerr
Jobe Bellingham arrived from Birmingham City in the summer of 2023 and was handed the number seven shirt. He has since become a fan favorite due to his technical skills and ability to influence games in midfield.
8 – Alan Browne
Position: Midfielder
Notable past holders: Elliot Embleton, Jack Rodwell, Craig Gardner, Gavin McCann
Alan Browne took over the number eight jersey after Elliot Embleton left for Carlisle United. An experienced midfielder, Browne brings leadership and composure to Sunderland’s midfield.
9 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Charlie Wyke, Steven Fletcher, Fabio Borini, Niall Quinn, Brian Clough
The iconic number nine shirt is currently vacant, with Luís Hemir Semedo out on loan at Juventus Next Gen.
10 – Patrick Roberts
Position: Forward
Notable past holders: Jermain Defoe, Nick Pickering, Connor Wickham, Jordan Henderson, Kevin Phillips
A key playmaker for Sunderland, Patrick Roberts has worn the number 10 shirt since the 2022/23 season, playing a crucial role in creating and scoring goals.
11 – Chris Rigg
Position: Midfielder
Notable past holders: Lynden Gooch, Darren Bent, Stan Cummins
With Mason Burstow leaving the club, highly-rated youngster Chris Rigg was given the number 11 shirt, marking his status as a rising star in Sunderland’s squad.
12 – Eliezer Mayenda
Position: Forward
Notable past holders: Tom Flanagan, Matthew Kilgallon, Danny Dichio, Ally McCoist
Eliezer Mayenda took over the number 12 shirt, previously worn by goalkeeper Alex Bass, after showing promise in the squad.
13 – Luke O’Nien
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Notable past holders: Callum McManaman, Jordan Pickford, Darren Ward
Typically a goalkeeper’s number, 13 has been used by Luke O’Nien since the 2018/19 season. He remains one of Sunderland’s most versatile and committed players.
14 – Romaine Mundle
Position: Forward
Notable past holders: Ross Stewart, Duncan Watmore, Jack Colback, Tommy Miller
Romaine Mundle currently wears the number 14 shirt after joining the club and is expected to contribute to Sunderland’s attack.
15 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Nazariy Rusyn, Carl Winchester, Jack Baldwin, Joleon Lescott
The number 15 shirt is currently unassigned following Nazariy Rusyn’s loan move to Hajduk Split.
16 – Blondy Nna Noukeu
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable past holders: Amad Diallo, Michael Chopra, John O’Shea, Jason McAteer
Goalkeeper Blondy Nna Noukeu has been given the number 16 shirt this season.
17 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Abdoullah Ba, Dennis Cirkin, Jozy Altidore, Kenwyne Jones, Jody Craddock
With Abdoullah Ba on loan at Dunkerque, the number 17 shirt remains vacant.
18 – Wilson Isidor
Position: Forward
Notable past holders: Ellis Taylor, Danny Graham, Jermain Defoe, Grant Leadbitter
Wilson Isidor initially joined Sunderland on loan but made his move permanent in January 2025. He retains the number 18 shirt.
19 – Jewison Bennette
Position: Forward
Notable past holders: Aiden McGeady, Paddy McNair, Titus Bramble
Jewison Bennette continues to wear the number 19 shirt, hoping to make a bigger impact this season.
20 – Salis Abdul Samed
Position: Midfielder
Notable past holders: Jack Clarke, Anthony Patterson, Steven Pienaar, Andy Reid
Following Jack Clarke’s transfer to Ipswich Town, summer signing Salis Abdul Samed took the number 20 jersey.
21 – Simon Moore
Position: Goalkeeper
Notable past holders: Alex Pritchard, Jack Diamond, Yann M’Vila
Veteran goalkeeper Simon Moore has taken the number 21 shirt at Sunderland.
22 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Adil Aouchiche, Will Grigg, Sebastian Coates, Simon Mignolet
The number 22 shirt remains unoccupied following Adil Aouchiche’s loan move to Portsmouth.
23 – Jenson Seelt
Position: Defender
Notable past holders: Jack Diamond, Grant Leadbitter, James McClean
Jenson Seelt continues to wear the number 23 shirt, providing depth in Sunderland’s defensive options.
24 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Aaron Connolly, Darren Gibson, Trevor Carson, Paul Heckingbottom
The number 24 shirt is currently vacant.
25 – [Vacant]
Notable past holders: Nectarios Triantis, Vito Mannone, Louis Saha, Chris Waddle
Following Nectarios Triantis’ loan move to Hibernian, the number 25 shirt remains unassigned.
This is Sunderland’s squad number list for the 2024/25 season, reflecting both historical significance and current assignments. Squad numbers may change due to transfers, loans, or squad adjustments over time.