A Solid Debut… and a Detail That Didn’t Go Unnoticed

Marc-André ter Stegen made his debut this Monday with Girona FC following his loan move from FC Barcelona until the end of the season. He started in a 1–1 draw against Getafe CF, producing a crucial save in stoppage time that proved vital in securing the result.

Beyond his performance between the posts, one detail stood out above all else: the German goalkeeper took the field wearing the No. 22, an extremely unusual number for a starting goalkeeper in Spanish football.

The Only LaLiga Goalkeeper Wearing No. 22

Ter Stegen’s situation is unprecedented this season. He will be the only LaLiga goalkeeper registered with the first team competing with the No. 22 on his back—a rarity that clashes with tradition… and with standard regulations.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) clearly states in its competition rules that squad numbers must range from 1 to 25, with 1, 13, and 25 specifically reserved for goalkeepers. In theory, any first-team goalkeeper should occupy one of those numbers.

When the Rule Runs Out of Space

In this case, the issue was not regulatory, but practical. At Girona, all three goalkeeper numbers were already taken: Dominik Livaković wears No. 1, Paulo Gazzaniga has No. 13, and Vladyslav Krapyvtsov is assigned No. 25.

Given that scenario—and with approval from both LaLiga and the RFEF—Ter Stegen was authorized to wear No. 22, a number that had recently become available following Jhon Solís’ move to Birmingham City.

Not a Unique Case in Spanish Football

While uncommon, this is not an isolated case. A recent example is Álvaro Ferllo, signed by Deportivo La Coruña during the winter transfer window. With the 1, 13, and 25 already taken, the former RCD Espanyol and Sevilla FC goalkeeper is currently playing with the No. 24.

Exceptional cases that confirm that when regulations leave no room, football always finds a way—even if it means wearing an unexpected jersey number.

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