In-Depth Bundesliga Kit Rules: Why João Cancelo Could Not Get Any Shirt With Number 7 for Bayern Munich

Update: FC Bayern have signed Portugal international João Cancelo on loan from Manchester City. The 28-year-old full-back moves to Munich on an initial deal through to the end of the current season. He chose FC Bayern Munich's Number 22 shirt, as all shirts that include his usual Number 7 were occupied.

João Cancelo Gets Bayern Munich Number 22 Kit

João Cancelo could choose between FC Bayern Munich's numbers 3, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36. He opted for Number 22. The reasons on why he chose number 22 are not known.

January 30 2023: In-Depth Bundesliga Kit Rules: Why João Cancelo Won't Be Able to Wear Any Shirt With Number 7 for Bayern Munich

João Cancelo, the Portuguese defender, is reported to join Bayern Munich from Manchester City. He currently has the number 7 shirt at Manchester City but won't continue to wear it at Bayern for the rest of the season - we find out why.

Joao Cancelo was wearing the number 7 shirt for Manchester City to honor the memory of his mother, who was tragically killed in a car accident nine years ago.

"Seven was my mum's favorite number and it was the day she was born: 7 February. I decided to pick that number because it is meaningful for me and for my mum. I hope I can represent her with this number as she is one of the most important people in my life."

Various Reasons - Why Cancelo Can't Wear Any Number That Includes 7 For Bayern

There are several reasons why Cancelo won't be able to get a shirt with the number 7, so we have split it up to make it easier to understand.

1: All Numbers With 7 (Including Number 7) Occupied & SHirt Number Exchanges Not Allowed During Season

First and foremost, all numbers between 1 and 40 that include a 7 have already been assigned. Bundesliga kit rules do not allow players to change or exchange a number during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.

Unfortunately, the club's new goalkeeper, Yann Sommer, has just been assigned the number 27 shirt.

2: Bundesliga Do Not Allow Numbers Above 40

The Bundesliga kit rules also say that players should be assigned numbers 1 to 40. If a club's roster should include more than 40 players, the remaining numbers should be consecutively assigned. Bayern's squad, however, has less than 40 players, so a number above 40 (and 47) is no option.

A change or exchange of numbers is not possible during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.

Bundesliga Number Rules

The players should be assigned numbers 1 to 40, with number 1 reserved for a goalkeeper. For other goalkeepers, any number between 12 and 40 can be chosen. If a club's roster should include more than 40 players, the remaining numbers should be consecutively assigned. A change or exchange of number is not possible during the season. Only upon a player's departure, the resulting free number can be reassigned.

Which Number Could João Cancelo Get? Number 3 Most Likely

Currently, FC Bayern Munich's numbers 3, 9, 12, 16, 22, 24, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, and 36 are free. The most plausible choice for Cancelo would be number 3 therefore.

Cancelo to Get New Shirt Number For 23-24 Season?

If João Cancelo would stay longer at Bayern Munich, there are many options to get him a number that includes the 7. We think that Gnabry would be open to giving away his number 7, with the number 9 free currently (but this would be also the perfect number for target Harry Kane).ä

Regardless of his kit number, João Cancelo could be a valuable addition to Bayern Munich's squad, especially with Pavard keen to leave the club.

Key Facts - João Cancelo Kit Number

• João Cancelo wears the number 7 to honor the memory of his late mother.
• All numbers that include the number 7 are occupied - the Bundesliga restrict the number assignments to 1 to 40 only.
• The Bundesliga kit rules do not allow players to change or exchange numbers during the season.
• Number 3 is the most likely shirt number option for João Cancelo if he joins Bayern Munich.
• If Cancelo stays longer at Bayern, there is a possibility to get him a number that includes the number 7.

It is... complicated. Which number will João Cancelo choose if he joins Bayern? Let us know in the comments below.