As he celebrates his 22nd birthday today (Wednesday), Facundo Pellistri has shared why the number 28 holds such great meaning for him.

The Manchester United winger, who is the newest Red in the driver’s seat for our Fans’ Q&A series in collaboration with Melitta, answered many queries from fans across the world.

When asked why he selected his shirt number, the Uruguayan international replied that it was obvious it was the right choice because Cristiano Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in the same one.

Responding to the question from Ellen R. in Australia, he said: “Well, thanks Ellen. Well because, when I came here to Manchester, I was playing in Penarol and I had the no.10. So the two plus the eight, they sum up to 10. So that’s why I take it. And, later, I realised that number was the one Ronaldo also made his debut in and all that. So, for me, that number is very special.”

When Ronaldo first made his breakthrough in Lisbon, he also wore number 28, and he wore that shirt when he famously appeared against Sir Alex Ferguson’s United in a preseason friendly in 2003, just before securing his transfer to Old Trafford. 

Pellistri represents his nation by donning numbers 8 or 11. Thanks to his outstanding performance on the international scene, Marcelo Bielsa’s team advanced to the second place in the South American standings after six games played on the route to the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The team defeated Argentina and Brazil in World Cup qualifying.

The diligent wide player made his eighth Premier League appearance of the year last weekend against Liverpool, coming off the bench. In the UEFA Champions League, he participated in three matches, starting the away match against Bayern Munich. Additionally, he played the entire ninety minutes in the Carabao Cup third-round victory against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.