Back to the Premier League Newsfeed

Spot the difference! Why do Premier League stars' shirts look different during European competitions?

Riyad Mahrez scoring for Leicester has become a regularity but fans would have noticed something slightly different about the number on his shirt during Tuesday's Champions League win.

The Algerian playmaker scored in the 40th minute to ensure Claudio Ranieri's side won their third consecutive game during their first season in the prestigious competition.

However why was the number on the back of his shirt different to the one he wears in domestic competitions?

Riyad Mahrez's shirt number in the Champions League looks slightly different to the one he wears in the Premier League
Mahrez speaks to former Leicester team-mate N'Golo Kante

Riyad Mahrez's shirt number in the Champions League (left) looks different to the one he wears for Leicester in the Premier League (right)

Son Heung-min's Premier League shirt has the league's emblem on the back
His Champions League shirt has the Tottenham crest on the bottom of his number 7

Son Heung-min's Champions League shirt (right) has the Tottenham crest on the bottom of his number 7 while his Premier League shirt has the league's emblem on the back

UEFA stipulate the height of a players' name for European competitions
UEFA stipulate the height of a players' name for European competitions
The European body also state what the maximum width of a number should beu00a0
The European body also state what the maximum width of a number should be

The answer is simple.