This guide covers Raphinha’s squad numbers during his two seasons at Leeds United. It is written for fans buying a shirt, collectors seeking a specific item, and anyone who wants to understand the context behind each squad number. After reading, you will know which number he wore, when he wore it, and which one to buy based on your priorities.
The Arrival at Leeds – Initial Squad Number
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Raphinha joined Leeds United in October 2020, during the season delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. He was assigned the No. 17 shirt for the 2020/21 campaign.
The number was available because the previous holder, Hélder Costa, had left the club on loan. Raphinha made his debut as a substitute for Jack Harrison in the 82nd minute of a home match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. That first appearance gave fans a glimpse of the dribbling and directness that would define his early months at the club.
The Switch to Number 10 – A Statement of Status
For the 2021/22 season, Raphinha inherited the No. 10 shirt. The previous holder, Ezgjan Alioski, had left the club at the end of his contract.
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At Leeds, the No. 10 carries specific weight. It has been worn by playmakers and forwards such as Mark Viduka, Harry Kewell, and Tony Yeboah. Giving it to Raphinha was a clear signal that the club viewed him as its primary attacking talent. His performances that season justified the elevation: he led the team in goals and was the focal point of nearly every attack.
This change happened between seasons, not during one. He never switched numbers mid-campaign.
No. 10 vs. No. 17 – Which Shirt Number Is More Meaningful?
The two numbers represent different phases of his Leeds career. Here is a direct comparison:
| Attribute | No. 17 (2020/21) | No. 10 (2021/22) |
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | 30 | 36 |
| Goals | 6 | 11 |
| Assists | 9 | 3 |
| Historic weight at Leeds | Standard squad number | Iconic, historically significant |
| Tenure at Leeds | One season | One season |
| Association with player | Breakthrough season | Peak form, club talisman |
The No. 10 carries more weight because of its history at the club. However, it was only worn for one season, which limits its long-term legacy. The No. 17 represents his arrival and adaptation to English football, but it lacks the prestige of the No. 10. Neither number was worn long enough to define a Leeds era. This is an honest tradeoff: No. 10 is the more iconic choice, but No. 17 captures the raw beginning.
Who Each Number Is Best Suited For
No. 17 is for fans who followed him from the start or who value the debut-season narrative. This number is also the one for collectors seeking a kit from the 2020/21 campaign, as those shirts are harder to find.
No. 10 is for fans who remember his peak form in a Leeds shirt. It is also the better choice for anyone who wants a shirt that looks like a classic Leeds number, since the No. 10 carries more visual and historical authority on the back of a kit.
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For signed shirts, the No. 10 commands a higher value. The stronger association between Raphinha and the No. 10 means that collectors and buyers consistently prefer that signature on a No. 10 shirt over a No. 17.
Real-World Use Cases – Buying a Raphinha Leeds Shirt
If you are buying an authentic match shirt, the No. 10 home shirt is easier to find in standard retail channels. The No. 17 home shirt was only produced for the 2020/21 season and is now limited to second-hand markets, specialist dealers, or remaining stock from that year.
The purple third kit from the 2021/22 season is a specific collector item. Raphinha wore the No. 10 on that purple shirt. These are rare because Leeds only used that kit for a handful of matches. Finding one in good condition, especially with the correct name and number printing, requires patience and a higher budget.
For signed shirts: authentication matters. A signed No. 10 shirt will typically sell for more than a signed No. 17 shirt, but you must verify the signature through a recognised authentication service. Fakes are common for both numbers, and the premium for a No. 10 makes it a more frequent target for forgeries.
Common Questions and Misconceptions
Did Raphinha ever wear No. 7 at Leeds? No. That number was used by Ian Poveda and later by Brenden Aaronson during the 2022/23 season, after Raphinha had left.
Why did he not take No. 11? Jack Harrison wore No. 11 throughout Raphinha’s entire tenure at the club. That number was never available.
Was his number the same in European competitions? Raphinha never played in the Champions League or Europa League for Leeds. He only appeared in the Premier League and the EFL Cup. His shirt numbers in those competitions matched his league numbers for the same season.
Did he change number mid-season? No. The switch from 17 to 10 happened only between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.
Direct Recommendation – Which Number Should You Get?
For matchday authenticity in a modern context: choose No. 10. This was his final and most famous Leeds shirt, and it is the one most fans identify with his time at the club.
For rarity and sentimental value: choose No. 17. The debut-season shirt is harder to find, and it represents his breakthrough into European football.
For collectors: the purple No. 10 or any signed No. 10 shirt are the most valuable items. The limited production run of the purple kit and the stronger association of the No. 10 with his peak make these the prime targets.
Honest caveat: Raphinha wore each number for only one season. Neither number defines a long Leeds career. However, the No. 10 is the iconic choice because of its history and his performance while wearing it.
Verdict
Raphinha wore No. 17 in 2020/21 and No. 10 in 2021/22. For most purposes, No. 10 is the clear answer: it is more recognisable, more historically significant at Leeds, and associated with his best form. No. 17 has its own place for fans who want the debut-season story or a rarer item. Neither number was worn for multiple seasons, so your choice comes down to which period of his rapid rise you value more.
Conclusion
Raphinha’s shirt numbers at Leeds reflect a two-season arc from emerging winger to club talisman. No. 17 marks the beginning. No. 10 marks the peak. Whether you pick one or the other, you are buying a piece of a thrilling but brief chapter in Leeds United history.
Summary
Raphinha wore No. 17 during the 2020/21 season and No. 10 during the 2021/22 season. The No. 10 is the more iconic choice due to its history at Leeds and his peak performances. The No. 17 represents his breakthrough and is rarer to find. The purple third kit with No. 10 and any authenticated signed No. 10 shirt hold the highest collector value. Use this guide to decide which shirt matches your priorities: sentiment, rarity, or historical significance.
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FAQ
Did Raphinha ever wear No. 7 at Leeds?
No. Ian Poveda and later Brenden Aaronson wore No. 7 during Raphinha’s time at the club.
Why did Raphinha not wear No. 11 at Leeds?
Jack Harrison held the No. 11 shirt throughout Raphinha’s entire Leeds tenure, so it was never available.
Is the purple Leeds shirt with Raphinha’s name rare?
Yes. The 2021/22 purple third kit was used for only a few matches, making authentic shirts with correct No. 10 printing difficult to find and expensive on the secondary market.
Which Raphinha Leeds shirt is worth more signed?
A signed No. 10 shirt commands a higher price than a signed No. 17 shirt due to the stronger association with his peak form. Always verify the signature through a recognised authentication service.
Did Raphinha change his shirt number mid-season?
No. The switch from No. 17 to No. 10 occurred only between the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons.