A stupid rule.
I’m not sure if you know this, but LaLiga has a very stupid rule.
Well, several.
But today we’re talking about just one.
At the end, I’ll simply remind you that I run a training program to make your ankles bulletproof.
But first, the stupid rule.
In LaLiga, teams can only register 25 players.
Meaning: only 25 official roster spots.
And the squad numbers go from 1 to 25.
Numbers 1, 13, and 25 are reserved for goalkeepers.
The only players who can wear numbers outside that range are academy players. They can wear 26 to 50.
So why do I say this rule is stupid?
Very simple:
It makes it nearly impossible for clubs to honor their legends.
In other leagues, they do this all the time.
For example, in Italy, AC Milan’s number 3 can only be worn by someone from the Maldini family.
Maradona’s number 10 at Napoli is retired. Nobody touches it.
And if you’re from the U.S., this will sound familiar — in the NBA, MLB, NFL… there are tons of retired numbers.
But in Spain?
Nope.
Clubs can choose not to use a number, but that means losing one roster spot. Which affects squad planning. A lot.
For example:
Sevilla retired number 16 in honor of Antonio Puerta, who passed away days after collapsing during a match.
Espanyol used to have number 21 retired for Dani Jarque, the captain who died in 2009 during preseason.
But they recently decided to honor him in another way that doesn’t harm the roster.
From now on, number 21 will be worn by a homegrown player who earns his way into the first team — just like Dani Jarque did, who joined the academy back in 1995.
Their academy is literally called “La 21”.
So the player who carries that number each season continues the legacy.
Closes the circle.
Keeps the meaning alive.
Honestly?
That’s a beautiful way to honor someone who gave everything to the club.
Still, the league should allow teams to retire numbers under very rare, exceptional conditions.
And here’s the key:
To earn that kind of tribute, you need longevity, loyalty…
and to avoid being ruined by injuries.
That starts with the basics.
Your feet.
Your movement.
Your durability.
Start with the foundation.
¡Vamos!