Joao Palhinha Reveals Sentimental Reason Behind Tottenham Shirt Number

Tottenham New signing Joao Palhinha

Tottenham's new signing Joao Palhinha explains why he chose the number six shirt, citing a special family connection.

New Tottenham signing Joao Palhinha has revealed the sentimental reason behind his chosen shirt number. The midfielder joined Spurs on loan from Fulham with an option to buy, and the club recently announced his squad number.

Joao Palhinha brings top-flight experience from Portugal, Germany, and England to Tottenham, and the club has confirmed his shirt number.

Palhinha's Number Six

Joao Palhinha will wear the number six shirt for Tottenham, a number he has chosen for sentimental reasons. The number became available after Radu Dragusin switched to number three.

Joao Palhinha has a sentimental attachment to the number six, which is linked to his family. He explained, “I try to choose always a number with a six - sometimes it’s not available, but since I started my career, it was a number that I’ve had with me because of my family.” This is why he opted for number six at Tottenham, following his previous numbers 26 at Fulham and 16 at Bayern.

“It means a lot for me because of my grandfather… It’s the day that he left our family, and since my grandfather died, if I have a look, a lot of important things in my life have happened on this day, with the number six.”

The Significance of Number Six

Joao Palhinha's attachment to the number six is lifelong, tracing back to his family. During his time with Sporting B, he wore numbers 86 and 66. He said, “I try to choose always a number with a six - sometimes it’s not available, but since I started my career, it was a number that I’ve had with me because of my family.”

“I can remember my first goal... everything that has been important in my career - not just the career, but in other things as well - most of the days have the number six. 

“I’m a bit superstitious and I believe always that this number has an important meaning for me and my family, and this is why I want to keep, if possible, the number with me on the shirt.” 

BTS: João Palhinha's signing day 🎬

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— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) August 5, 2025

Ready to Shine

Joao Palhinha is set to debut for Tottenham, potentially against his former club Fulham in a pre-season friendly. He can't wait to wear his number six shirt proudly, saying, “I feel like this number represents me. I have been wearing it in the national team for three years, and I just feel it really represents who I am - someone who is always ready to give everything for the team.”

“Now, I’m really proud to wear it in North London.”