While Pierre-Emérick Aubameyang’s arrival at Borussia Dortmund is widely embraced, there is a lingering discontent among some traditionalist fans regarding his choice of jersey number. The Gabonese striker has opted for number 17 as he embarks on his journey with the Yellows and Blacks. However, this number holds a special status among conservative supporters of the Ruhr club, considering it a legendary symbol.
The last player to don the number 17 jersey was the revered Brazilian, Leonardo de Deus Santos, also known as Dédé (pictured at the bottom right). Dédé spent over a decade at the club, earning the status of a legend. Between 1998 and 2011, he valiantly defended the team’s colors, even captaining the side at one point. Dédé notably secured the Bundesliga title in 2002 (alongside Rosicky, Jan Koller, and Evanilson) and again in 2011 before moving to Turkey to play for Eskisehirspor.
After Dédé’s departure, a petition circulated among fans, urging that the number 17 be retired as a mark of respect. However, Borussia Dortmund did not heed the call. Consequently, some fans, viewing Aubameyang as a potential new legend for the club, are expressing their desire for him to have a distinctive number. Winning over these supporters, as those before him have done, would likely involve a significant goal-scoring contribution.
For the time being, Aubameyang will retain the number 17 jersey, at least for this season. The anticipation is that, with Robert Lewandowski’s impending departure to Bayern Munich next year, Aubameyang will have the opportunity to switch to the coveted number 9 that he favors.
