Wearing the number 7 in soccer is much more than just a badge; it’s a legacy of greatness and excellence. Over the generations, this number has been worn by legends who not only defined their era but also left an indelible mark on the history of the sport. These soccer players wearing the number 7 embodied talent, perseverance, and success, inspiring millions of fans and future athletes around the globe.
This article highlights these icons, whose exceptional careers have helped make the number 7 a symbol of prestige and exception in world soccer.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo, a living symbol of footballing excellence, wears the number 7 with rare distinction. His talent shines through with Al-Nassr FC and the Portuguese national team. He has won an impressive succession of awards, dominated by five Ballon d’Or trophies. His imprint is indelible, from Manchester United to Real Madrid, via Juventus, before he arrives at Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet also boasts over 30 major honors. His achievements at Manchester United include several Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph. Later, at Real Madrid, he spearheaded four Champions League titles. At Juventus, two Serie A titles attest to his consistency at the highest level.
Remarkably, Ronaldo is the all-time leading goal scorer in the history of soccer, with over 900 goals across club and international competitions. This unparalleled feat cements his place among the greatest ever to play the game.
His influence extends beyond clubs; with Portugal, Ronaldo triumphed at Euro 2016 and in the UEFA Nations League in 2019. These successes, brilliant under the number 7 shirt, testify to an exceptional career, marked by a relentless quest for excellence.
2. David Beckham
David Beckham, renowned for his precision and masterful free-kicks, wore the number 7 shirt at Manchester United before continuing his career at LA Galaxy. His time at Manchester United was marked by a string of victories, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League title. Beckham, who also shone for England, collected an impressive number of trophies throughout his career, confirming his status as a soccer legend.
3. Andriy Shevchenko
Andriy Shevchenko, a name that resonates brightly in soccer history, wore the number 7 with remarkable grace and efficiency. Throughout his career, the number became synonymous with his exceptional talent and ability to change the course of a match. Shevchenko rose to prominence at AC Milan, where his remarkable performances led to numerous triumphs, including a UEFA Champions League victory.
His contribution was not limited to his Italian club. Shevchenko also shone on the international stage with Ukraine, leading his country with pride and determination. In addition to her club exploits, her legacy includes unforgettable moments in her country’s colors, illustrating her versatility and impact beyond national borders. Moreover, his honors list includes several Serie A titles with Milan, affirming his status as a soccer legend. His career, illuminated by the number 7, remains a model of perseverance, excellence, and passion for the game.
4. Luis Figo
Transcending rivalries, Luis Figo is a true soccer legend. His career took him from FC Barcelona to Real Madrid, then on to Inter Milan, where his talent shone unceasingly. His refined technique and vision set him apart as an exceptional winger.
Wearing the number 7 shirt, Figo lit up the pitches of some of Europe’s biggest clubs. Additionally, he played a key role in their success, winning national championships and a UEFA Champions League.
Figo also left his mark on the Portuguese national team. He has guided the national team in numerous international competitions, demonstrating unfailing commitment.
That said, the highlight of his career was winning the Ballon d’Or in 2000. The award crowned a year in which his influence on and off the pitch was unrivaled, celebrating his status as an elite player.
5. George Best
Manchester United legend George Best is often regarded as one of the most natural talents to ever grace the pitch. He wore the number 7 shirt, becoming a symbol of creativity and excellence at the English club. With Manchester United, Best won the Champions League in 1968 and the Ballon d’Or that same year. His legacy, enriched by unrivaled talent, continues to inspire future generations.
6. Raúl González – New York Cosmos & Spain
Raúl González, a Real Madrid icon, wore the number 7 shirt with distinction, becoming the symbol of the Madrid attack. Before ending his career with the New York Cosmos, he left an indelible mark on Spain, racking up an impressive number of goals. Raúl lifted three Champions Leagues with Real Madrid, among many other national and international titles. His ability to be decisive at key moments has made him a legend in Spanish and world soccer.
7. Kevin Keegan
With a career that has seen him shine on the English and German stages, Kevin Keegan is an outstanding footballing figure. During his time at Hamburg SV, he was honored with two consecutive Ballon d’Or awards in 1978 and 1979, a remarkable feat. This exceptional talent, renowned for his commitment and influence on the pitch, has accumulated several trophies, confirming his status as an exceptional player. The number 7 he proudly wore symbolizes his significant contributions to the sport.
8. Manuel Francisco dos Santos (Garrincha)
Garrincha, nicknamed “The Angel with the Crooked Legs”, captivated soccer fans with his sheer talent and ability to dribble past opponents. At Botafogo, where he spent most of his career, he left an indelible legacy, being considered one of the best wingers of all time. Representing Brazil, he played a key role in the 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories. The No. 7 shirt has helped him make history, contributing to his impressive list of honors.
9. Eric Cantona
Eric Cantona, known for his charisma and daring style of play, was a key figure at Manchester United in the 1990s. His impact on the pitch was immediate, leading the club to several Premier League titles. Cantona, with his iconic number 7, embodied creativity and audacity, becoming a hero to the fans. His legacy at the club and his contributions to French soccer remain unforgettable, underlining a career adorned with success.
10. Kenny Dalglish
Liverpool legend Kenny Dalglish was a dominant force on the pitch, directing the attack with exceptional mastery. His role was crucial to the club’s domestic and European successes in the 1970s and 1980s. Dalglish, wearing the number 7 shirt, embodied the spirit of Liverpool, winning numerous trophies and leaving a lasting legacy both with the club and the Scottish national team.
11. Franck Ribéry
Franck Ribéry, with his electrifying style of play, has marked an entire era of soccer. His exceptional career, particularly distinguished at Bayern Munich, bears witness to his creativity and determination on the pitch. His ability to outwit opposing defenses and the quality of his passing have made him one of the most feared wingers of his generation.
In his club career, Ribéry has been a key figure in Bayern’s conquest of numerous titles, including several Bundesligas and a UEFA Champions League in 2013. His contribution has been crucial to the team’s success, regularly providing moments of genius.
Ribéry has also made a significant impact with the French national team, representing his country with pride and passion. Although he narrowly missed out on the Ballon d’Or in 2013, his exceptional season left no doubt as to his extraordinary talent.
What’s more, his commitment to the game and his ability to inspire his teammates have been widely recognized. Ribéry’s every dribble, every acceleration, and every goal have helped forge his legend, making him a true artist of the round ball.
12. Robert Pires
Robert Pires, an attacking midfielder, left a significant mark with Arsenal and the French national team before ending his career with FC Goa. Renowned for his technique and vision, Pires played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s successes, including the 2004 “Invincibles” team. Wearing the number 7 shirt, he demonstrated his importance on the pitch, contributing to the conquest of numerous trophies and making his mark on the history of his sport.
