Everton midfielder Merlin Rohl, with NBA logo insert
Credit: Imago
Evan Lloyd
Wed 3 September 2025 7:40, UK
Merlin Rohl has revealed the fascinating reason behind his choice to wear the number 34 at Everton.
Everton signed Rohl on loan from SC Freiburg on transfer deadline day, with the Toffees set to pay a £21.6million obligation next summer.
The Germans’ arrival marked the end of a busy summer for Everton, with nine new players arriving on Merseyside to join up with David Moyes’ squad.
Rohl is expected to predominantly challenge for Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s position, but can also perform in several roles across the midfield.
The former Chelsea man has started the season well and scored the winner as Everton beat Wolves 3-2 on Saturday.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall playing for Everton
Credit: Imago
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Merlin Rohls cites Giannis Antetokounmpo as reason behind number selection
Everton’s new midfielder has an interesting back story. Rohl was discovered through a scouting app called Tonsser, with FC Ingolstadt subsequently inviting him for a trial.
From there, the German went to Freiburg and established himself as an exciting young talent – appearing for the Germany Under-21 team at the Euros in June.
With the midfielder now set to wear Everton blue in the Premier League, he has explained the reasoning behind his selection of the number 34.
“I wore it in the past, it was my first number for a professional team,” Rohl told the Everton media team following his arrival.
“I personally came from a really nice family, good surroundings, I had a lot of possibilities, and I’m really grateful for that. The number stands for Giannis Antetokounmpo.”
Antetokounmpo was born in Greece to Nigerian immigrants. His family struggled to make money during the basketball star’s early life, and he was only granted his Greek citizenship just two months before the NBA draft.
The 18-year-old would be selected by the Milwaukee Bucks and has gone on to win the NBA championship once and the league’s most valuable player twice, establishing himself among the most iconic basketball stars in the world.
A number with meaning.
Love this from Merlin Röhl. 🫶
— Everton (@Everton) September 2, 2025
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What Everton players have worn 34 before Merlin Rohl?
The last player to wear the number 34 for Everton was Anwar El Ghazi, who wore the number for a season on loan from Aston Villa.
Former Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers and centre-back Shane Duffy are among the other players to have worn the number.
Everton – Number 34s Period
Merlin Rohl 2025-
Anwar El Ghazi 2021-22
Nathan Broadhead 2020-22
Beni Baningime 2018-20
Oumar Niasse 2017-18
Shane Duffy 2009-13
John Irving 2007-09
Matt McKay 1999-00
Francis Jeffers 1997-99
Paul Holmes 1995-96
Rohl will hope to give the 34 a new history at Everton, with the German having worn it for much of his career.
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