Union Berlin disregards the notion of the "perfect 10" in their first match.

In an exciting start to the new season, 1. FC Union Berlin's current player, Ilyas Ansah, has made a memorable impression by scoring a brace in the season opener against VfB Stuttgart, donning the coveted number 10 jersey.

The number 10, often associated with creativity and brilliance, has been worn by some of the greatest footballers in history, including Ferenc Puskás, Pelé, and Diego Armando Maradona. Ansah joins a prestigious list of players who have worn the number 10 for 1. FC Union, such as Michael Paschek, who impressed during the 1975/76 promotion season, and Olaf Seier, who holds the second-highest number of goals in the DDR's highest league with 26.

However, the number 10 jersey was not in use at 1. FC Union for three years before Ansah's arrival. The absence of a player wearing this number is now a thing of the past, as Ansah demonstrated his potential in the 2:1 win against VfB Stuttgart.

Meanwhile, other clubs have chosen to retire certain numbers in honour of their legends. Manchester City has permanently retired the number 23 for Marc-Vivien Foe, who tragically died of sudden cardiac death. Naples, Italy, honours the legacy of Diego Maradona by giving out the number 10. AC Milan last issued the numbers 3 to Paolo Maldini and 6 to Franco Baresi.

In the world of ice hockey, the Berlin Polar Bears, a German record champion, have retired the jersey numbers of several legends, including Sven Felski (11), Stefan Ustorf (14), Mark Beaufait (19), Denis Pederson (20), André Rankel (24), Florian Busch (26), Steve Walker (27), and Rob Zepp (72). Dynamo Dresden has retired the number 3 for Hans-Jürgen Dörner, who was selected for the "Dream Eleven 40 Years of Oberliga."

As for Borussia Dortmund, the number 12, traditionally reserved for the backup goalkeeper, remains unassigned. The club identifies their fans as the "12th Man," a testament to their passionate support. The match between 1. FC Union and Borussia Dortmund is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Sunday, marking 1. FC Union's first Bundesliga away game of the season.

In the past, the numbering system in the DDR Oberliga was different, with numbers sometimes redistributed from match to match in 1. FC Union. Today, however, the number 10 on Ansah's back is a permanent fixture, and football fans eagerly anticipate his future performances.