Hicham Zerouali is the only professional player to wear the number 0
In the long and colourful history of football jersey numbers, only one man ever stepped onto a professional pitch wearing 0 on his back, and that man was Moroccan forward Hicham Zerouali.
A player whose flair, warmth, and cult status made him unforgettable. His nickname, “Zero,” was born naturally from his surname, but at Aberdeen, it became a symbol of personality, entertainment, and a bond with supporters that remains unmatched to this day.
Zerouali arrived in Scotland in 1999, a wiry forward with dazzling feet and a habit of attempting the outrageous. Fans adored him instantly.
They chanted his nickname endlessly, begged the club to let him wear the number, and when the Scottish Premier League agreed, history was made.
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For the first time, and ultimately the only time, a professional player officially wore the number 0 shirt. It was daring, quirky, and perfect for a player who thrived on unpredictability.
On the international scene, Zerouali was just as inspiring. He earned eighteen caps for Morocco, scoring six times, including a memorable brace in a 2–1 win over Burkina Faso at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations in Mali.
His style was fearless: quick, sharp movement, sudden bursts of skill, and the ability to create something from nothing. He played with an authenticity that made supporters feel like they were watching someone born to entertain.
But his story took a heartbreaking turn. In December 2004, Zerouali was killed in a car accident in Morocco, just 27 years old.
The news sent shockwaves through Aberdeen and the wider football world. Fans left scarves, flowers, and 0 jerseys outside Pittodrie Stadium. His shirt number was retired, forever his.
Today, two decades later, Hicham Zerouali is remembered not just for the number he wore, but for the joy he brought to every pitch he stepped onto, a life brief but brilliantly lived.
FKA/EB
