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The small three-digit numbers on Tottenham Hotspur's players' shirts are 'legacy numbers'.

Each number is unique to a player and sits at the back of their shirts, beneath the collar.

Numbers are assigned when a player has made a competitive appearance for the club, dating back to Spurs' first match in 1894.

The first time legacy numbers were displayed on shirts was during Spurs' win over Crystal Palace in 2023 - they have been displayed in every match since then.

The legacy initiative was launched to commemorate the contributions of every player that has represented the club.

New signing Xavi Simons was the latest to receive his number. The Netherlands player was given legacy number 898 after his debut in a 3-0 win against West Ham.

A total of 898 players have been assigned a legacy number as of 16 September 2025.

The first 11 numbers were given to Spurs' starting XI in their FA Cup tie against West Herts on 13 October 1894.

Spurs said during the research process, specific criteria were applied to ensure each player was given the correct legacy number.

They say you should not fall in love with a loan player.

Too late. I am already head over heels for Joao Palhinha.

Criticised by some fans for not progressing the ball enough, Palhinha demonstrates a different, but equally integral skill set.

Indeed, without the Portugal international's impressive ability to disrupt the opposition and confidently regain possession, Spurs would not have as many opportunities to move the ball up the pitch - and certainly nowhere near the number they had against West Ham on Saturday.

Palhinha won more duels (10) and made more tackles (five) than any other player against the Hammers.

What gives Palhinha the edge over his opponents is his strong ability to read the game and correctly predict the movement of others. Footballing intelligence, if you like.

His smart positioning puts him in the right place at the right time, and his calm and careful approach means he makes skilful interceptions - unlike the one he was on the receiving end of from Tomas Soucek.

It is important to remember that positive play looks different depending on your role and responsibilities. Palhinha may not play 40-yard diagonal defence-splitting passes, but he will successfully regain possession and redistribute to a team-mate who can.

He will block and redirect the opposition, limiting their options and protecting the defenders behind him, significantly increasing his team's chances of keeping a clean sheet.

He will disrupt play so expertly and with such seeming effortlessness, that his importance in the team could go unnoticed by some.

Much has been made of our attacking options this season, and although Palhinha is not shy in front of goal - as he proved against Manchester City - his defensive attributes are arguably what make him the sort of player we have been missing the most.

Chief football writer Phil McNulty has been answering your questions.

Harry asked: I'm not a Tottenham fan but their Champions League run is something which I am excited to see given how they gained entry. How do you rate their chances of getting through the league stages? Do you think the new leadership and signings are ready?

Phil answered: If I was a Spurs fan, I would be very excited by new manager Thomas Frank and the early signs have been very promising, apart from the home loss to Bournemouth.

They have some very tough games, especially a trip to holders Paris St-Germain, but they played well against them in the Super Cup final so there should be no fear.

I'll say definitely play-off at the very least.

Thomas Partey is expected to play for Villarreal at Tottenham in the Champions League despite being due to appear in court - just hours later - on rape and sexual assault charges in London on Wednesday.

Ghana midfielder Partey, 32, was charged last month with five counts of rape against two women and a charge of sexual assault against a third woman.

It will be the first match he has played in England since the allegations first came to light, if he is selected to play at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

The conditions of his bail do not prevent Partey from playing football, but he must notify police of any international travel 24 hours in advance and must not contact the complainants.

The alleged offences took place between 2021 and 2022 when he was playing for north London club Arsenal.

Partey denies the charges with his lawyer Jenny Wiltshire adding he "welcomes the opportunity to finally clear his name".

He was granted conditional bail and two days later signed for Spanish side Villarreal, who finished fifth in La Liga last season.

Partey will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday for a plea hearing.

Villarreal signed Partey on a free transfer following his release by Arsenal, despite pressure from supporters not to.

More than 1,000 supporters have signed a petition set up by online content hub Villarreal Report to protest Partey's signing.

Partey made his debut on the opening weekend of the La Liga season at home to Real Oviedo on 15 August and each touch during his 15-minute cameo was met with whistling from the home crowd.

He has since made two further substitute appearances, before making his first start of the season against another former club - Atletico Madrid - at the weekend. And he is now set to feature against Tottenham.

"I am totally convinced that he is mentally prepared and technically prepared to play tomorrow," said Villarreal head coach Marcelino on Monday.

"For sure he will be ready. We are very happy Thomas is with us for his football capacity, football ability and his presence as a human."

"He is a great player with a lot of experience. He has played for a lot of top clubs. We know he has a great level."

When Marcelino was asked if he had spoken to Partey about the hostility he could face from Tottenham fans, the Spaniard said he was focusing on the football.

"We're interpreting stuff about and talking about a player that could be totally innocent," said Marcelino.

"We're playing a game of football tomorrow where the important thing is football.

"This is where football was invented after all. Do you understand me? Thank you."

Partey played 167 times for Arsenal after joining in 2020, scoring nine goals.

Opta's supercomputer has ranked Tottenham as the 13th-most likely team to win this season's Champions League.

The model estimates the probability of each match outcome (win, draw or loss) by using betting market odds and Opta power rankings. Both these areas are based on historical and recent team performances and the computer runs 10,000 simulations to create its predictions.

The Europa League winners win the Champions League trophy in just 1.1% of simulations.

Despite having to face an away trip to last season's champions Paris St-Germain in the league phase, Spurs have been given the fourth-most favourable draw according to Opta's rankings.

If they reach the knockout phases, the supercomputer gives Thomas Frank's side a 22.9% chance of reaching the quarter-finals.

They go on to reach the semi-final in 8.5% of simulations and the final in 2.8%.

Having sacked Ange Postecoglou after their European success in May, it means new boss Thomas Frank manages in Europe's top club competition for the first time in his career.

Tottenham captain Cristian Romero has said he is "very happy" at the club and he "never" expressed his desire to leave, despite being heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid over the summer.

The 27-year-old Argentina centre-back had criticised the club's board for a lack of investment last season and posted a cryptic message supporting departing manager Ange Postecoglou and the "many obstacles" he overcame just an hour after Thomas Frank was appointed as his replacement.

However, Frank named Romero as his captain and he signed a new four-year deal in August to keep him at the club until 2029.

"I never said I wanted to leave the club," the World Cup winner said in a pre-match news conference before Spurs' Champions League opener against Villarreal on Tuesday.

"Nothing came from me in that effect. It is important what the manager and president say.

"I am very happy here, it is like a family. I like the manager. I like the way we work, the way we train. Always things can improve but I think everyone here at all levels are taking the right steps to improve. I am very happy here."

On the team's performances so far under Frank, Romero added: "We always focus on our jobs and our work. We have a great manager. We have a great defensive coach. We always want to improve.

Frank confirmed Dominic Solanke is "not ready to be involved" but is "taking steps in the right direction so that's positive".

Randal Kolo Muani is available: "If we needed him to play, he could play 90 minutes, but can he play at the intensity and the level that we want? But he's ready and he'll be involved, so that's the most important thing."

On managing his first game in the Champions League, Frank said: "It's a fantastic opportunity and experience. It's a big thing. I'm hugely looking forward to it. I know it'll be special when we have that Champions League anthem playing. Now it's preparation, there's a few more cameras, but it's business as usual."

More on his personal story: "I was manager of Brentford in the Championship at Griffin Park, a small, compact stadium, and on Tuesday we're playing in one of the best stadiums in the world, in front of our own fantastic fans. It's a European night and we know they'll be absolutely on it. It'll be so special."

On how far can Spurs go in Europe: "I believe I have a fantastic squad and we would like to go as far as possible. I think the most important thing is that it's one game at a time."

Post

Tottenham Hotspur v Villarreal (20.00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Thomas Frank says he is "very proud" to manage Spurs in the Champions League.

We will have full quotes from him and Cristian Romero shortly.

Familiar faces in the Villarreal squad

Tottenham v Villarreal (Tue, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Tuesday's game will also see Tottenham renew acquaintances with Argentina defender Juan Foyth, who joined Villarreal in October 2020 initially on loan.

The 27-year-old is one of several former Premier League players in the Villarreal squad, including ex-Arsenal pair Thomas Partey and Nicolas Pepe, with the latter scoring twice in their four league games so far.

Former Newcastle and Leicester forward Ayoze Perez is also with 'the Yellow Submarine', while Israel winger Manor Solomon is permitted to play against his parent club having just joined Villarreal on a season-long loan from Spurs.

Solanke misses training - reports

Tottenham v Villarreal (Tue, 20:00 BST)

Evening Standard

Dominic Solanke again missed training for Tottenham today, according to the Standard.

The England striker has been out with an ankle injury after coming off the bench as a late substitute in last month's 2-0 win at Manchester City.

The 28-year-old also had a problem with his ankle in pre-season.

If he is ruled out for Tuesday's game then Richarlison could start up front against Villarreal. The Brazil striker came off the bench in Saturday's win at West Ham after returning late from international duty, with Mathys Tel having started in the middle of a front three.

Frank and Romero to speak at media conference

Tottenham Hotspur v Villarreal (20.00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

We will be hearing from Spurs manager Thomas Frank and captain Cristian Romero from around 15.30 BST today.

They will be previewing their opening Champions League fixture against Villarreal, plus providing team news updates and answering other Spurs related questions.

Frank prepares for first-ever Champions League game

Tottenham v Villarreal (Tue, 20:00 BST)

Tuesday's game will be Thomas Frank's first in the main competition of a European tournament.

The Danish boss was in charge for Tottenham's European Super Cup defeat by Paris St-Germain last month and previously led Brondby to the third qualifying round of the Europa League in 2014-15.

Tottenham are guaranteed at least eight games in the league phase of this season's Champions League, which will be a measure of whether Spurs can keep building under Frank after his predecessor Ange Postecoglou led them to Europa League glory last season.

When did Spurs last play in Europe?

Tottenham v Villarreal (Tue, 20:00 BST)

Tottenham qualified for the Champions League after winning last season's Europa League, which also set up a clash with Champions League winners Paris St-Germain for the European Super Cup on 13 August.

Spurs looked set to lift the trophy in Udine after centre-backs Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero scored either side of half-time, but Lee Kang-In pulled a goal back for PSG on 85 minutes before Goncalo Ramos made it 2-2 deep into stoppage time.

The game went straight to a penalty shootout and although Vitinha fired wide from the opening spot-kick, Van de Ven and Mathys Tel failed to convert for Spurs as PSG clinched a 4-3 win on penalties.

Who started Spurs' last Champions League match?

Tottenham Hotspur

Tottenham's most recent Champions League match came on 8 March 2023, where they drew 0-0 at home to AC Milan in their round of 16 second-leg fixture. As a result, Spurs lost 1-0 on aggregate.

Of the starting XI, just three players remain at the club - captain Cristian Romero, defender Ben Davies and forward Dejan Kulusevski.

get involved

Get Involved - how far can Spurs go in the Champions League?

Click 'Get Involved' at the top of this page to have your say

Tottenham fans, we want to hear from you.

You have seen the first few games of the Thomas Frank era, and you know what fixtures lie ahead in the Champions League group stage.

How far do you think you can go in Europe's premier competition? What kind of run in the Champions League would you be happy with?

Send us your thoughts using the 'Get Involved' button at the top of the page.

How Spurs returned to the Champions League

Tottenham Hotspur v Villarreal (20.00 BST)

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs are back in the Champions League for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign - and they reached it in unconventional style.

Tottenham finished down in 17th place in the Premier League, scoring only 38 points and losing 22 of their 38 league games.

It was a different story in Europe however, as they beat Manchester United in the Europa League final. Winning that competition ensured their qualification for this season's Champions League.

No side has ever qualified for Europe's top club competition while finishing so low in their domestic league that season.

When are the matches?

All kick-off times BST

Champions League

Matches are spread across Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the opening two gameweeks of the Champions League, before the other European competitions start.

That means some unusual scheduling, which is a topic that has angered many fans of the six Premier League clubs taking part.

Here are the games this week featuring Premier League sides...

Tuesday

Athletic Bilbao v Arsenal - 17.45

Tottenham Hotspur v Villarreal - 20.00

Wednesday

Bayern Munich v Chelsea - 20.00

Liverpool v Atletico Madrid - 20.00

Thursday

Manchester City v Napoli - 20.00

Newcastle v Barcelona - 20.00

The Champions League is back!

Champions League

Fire up the George Frideric Handel, because European football's top club competition returns this week.

As last season, we will have full live text coverage, radio commentary and video highlights from the Champions League here for you on BBC Sport.

Here's what we have to look forward to on matchday one...

It cannot be disputed that Spurs are in a far stronger financial and infrastructural state thanks to Levy.

Forbes values Tottenham at $3.3bn (£2.25bn) - ranking them inside the top 10 most valuable clubs on the planet.

The stadium is the envy of the world, while the training ground is excellent - so much so that England use the facility when they are in town.

From that perspective, Levy's reign has been a resounding success.

Of course, football success, certainly for supporters, isn't measured on those parameters and the trophy haul under Levy's watch left plenty to be desired.

Two in nearly 25 years is a poor outcome for a club of Spurs' stature.

Levy's reputation for a reluctance to spend big in the transfer market is, for many, at the root of the club's on-pitch failures over the years. It is hard to absolve Levy of any blame.

Up until recently, his reluctance to meet Crystal Palace's conditions for Eberechi Eze saw Spurs lose out on the England international to Arsenal.

Of course, we don't know how much influence de facto owner Joe Lewis had on the apparent hesitancy to spend heavily on transfer fees. But to stay at the top, you have to push the boundaries of spending - Spurs, under Levy, didn't do that.

Will that change now with Levy gone and Lewis' involvement at Tottenham minimal? Well, the younger generation of the Lewis family, who will take the reins from Joe - the patriarch - are making all the right noises.

They say their priority is sporting success. Those are encouraging soundbites and if those promises are delivered then Tottenham could well compete for the top prizes.

As ever with these things, though, the proof will be in the pudding.

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