Palhinha chooses squad number, reveals poignant meaning to him

We can announce that new arrival João Palhinha will wear the number six shirt for our men’s first team.

The tough-tackling central midfielder joined us on loan from FC Bayern at the weekend and has elected to wear the shirt vacated by Radu Dragusin’s decision to switch to number three.

As the 30-year-old explained, it’s a jersey that has a poignant meaning to him.

“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,” explained the Portugal international, who wore 66 and latterly 6 at Sporting CP, 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. 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.”

Our new 2025/26 home and away kits are now available to purchase with João’s name and number on the back via our Spurs Shops and online.

Supporters are reminded that, aside from Radu Dragusin (3) and new signing Mohammed Kudus (20), squad numbers for all players remain subject to change, with the full finalised list to be confirmed when the club submits its final squad list to the Premier League prior to the opening weekend of the 2025/26 season. As always, please refer to the terms and conditions at point of sale when purchasing any replica shirt personalisation.