The number 5 jersey is traditionally worn by centre-backs in football, but like most numbers, players in other positions sport it depending on their countries of birth or other preferences.

The number 5 shirt is usually reserved for the centre-backs in a team, although some are exempted; the exemptions have been few and far in-between. For example, Zinedine Zidane wearing five at Real Madrid during his playing days despite being a midfielder.