Image shows Ronaldo playing in a number 7 shirt.

Nargiz Mammadzada

The number seven jersey holds a special place in football history, worn by some of the most iconic and talented players to grace the game.

These ten legends have donned the coveted number, each leaving their unique mark on the sport.

1. Garrincha (1933–1983)

Nicknamed “Garrincha” after a small, agile songbird, Manuel Francisco dos Santos was anything but small on the field. Despite overcoming physical limitations, he became a spectacular right winger, renowned for his unpredictable dribbling and pinpoint crosses.

Garrincha’s peak came during his time at Botafogo FR, where he played from 1953 to 1965 — scoring 232 goals in 581 matches. He was instrumental in securing two World Cup victories for Brazil in 1958 and 1962, even leading the team to glory in 1962 when Pelé was injured.

2. George Best (1946-2005)

George Best, the “Belfast Boy,” was a winger who mesmerised fans with his dazzling footwork and audacious skill. He spent the prime of his career with Manchester United, where he played from 1963 to 1974.

During this period, he scored 179 goals, leading the club to two league titles in 1965 and 1967, alongside the coveted European Cup in 1968.

Best’s peak coincided with the “Busby Babes” era, a team renowned for its attacking flair and youthful exuberance. He formed a formidable attacking trio alongside Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, terrorising defences with their speed, creativity and goalscoring prowess.

3. Kenny Dalglish (1951- )

Scottish legend Sir Kenny Dalglish transcended the role of a mere player. As a prolific forward, he amassed astonishing statistics, scoring 167 goals in 320 appearances for Celtic and 169 goals in 501 appearances for Liverpool.

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His peak came during the late 70s and early 80s, leading Liverpool to three European Cups and six league titles. He later returned as a manager, adding another three league titles and two FA Cups to his remarkable Anfield legacy.

Dalglish’s impact goes beyond trophies — he embodied the club’s spirit and remains an iconic figure in football history.

4. Eric Cantona (1966- )

Eric Cantona, the “King of Old Trafford,” was more than just a footballer — he was a cultural icon.

Cantona’s peak came during his five years at Manchester United (1992 to 1997), where he scored 82 goals in 186 appearances. He led the Red Devils to four league titles and two FA Cups.

Beyond the trophies, Cantona’s impact transcended the pitch. His iconic kung-fu kick aimed at a fan in 1995 resulted in an eight-month suspension. This only cemented his rebellious image and cult status among fans.

5. Luís Figo (1972- )

Luís Figo, the elegant Portuguese winger, enjoyed a stellar career spanning across four renowned clubs. His peak arguably unfolded during his time at Barcelona (1995 to 2000) and later at Real Madrid (2000 to 2005).

“This move tarnished his relationship with Barcelona fans.”

At Barcelona, he amassed 45 goals in 249 appearances, contributing to two La Liga titles and the 1997 Copa del Rey. His accolades include the 2000 Ballon d’Or and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award. However, Figo’s most controversial moment came in 2000, when he moved from Barcelona to their arch-rivals, Real Madrid. This move, despite his success at Real Madrid, tarnished his relationship with Barcelona fans.

6. Raúl González (1977- )

Raúl González, affectionately known as “Mr. Real Madrid,” embodied the spirit and values of the Spanish giants for 16 seasons, from 1994 to 2010. He spent 1992 and 1993 at Real Madrid U1, before moving to Real Madrid U18 from 1993 to 1994. He remains the club’s all-time top scorer, with a staggering 323 goals in 741 appearances.

His peak arguably spanned the late 90s and early 2000s, leading Real Madrid to six La Liga titles and three Champions League victories. He also captained the team for several years, holding the record for most appearances as captain in the Champions League. Beyond club success, Raúl was a prolific scorer for the Spanish national team — netting 44 goals in 102 appearances.

7. David Beckham (1975- )

David Beckham transcended football, becoming a global phenomenon renowned for his pinpoint crosses, trademark free kicks and iconic fashion sense. While his peak came during his time at Manchester United (1992 to 2003), he enjoyed success throughout his career.

At Manchester United, he amassed 85 goals in 394 appearances, contributing to six Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the iconic 1999 Champions League triumph. He later added La Liga and MLS titles to his collection, with Real Madrid and LA Galaxy respectively.

8. Andriy Shevchenko (1976- )

Andriy Shevchenko, nicknamed “Golden Sheva,” is a Ukrainian legend who carved his name in history with both club and country. His peak arguably spanned the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading Dynamo Kyiv to five consecutive Ukrainian Premier League titles from 1995 to 1999, before embarking on a successful spell at AC Milan (1999 to 2006).

“Shevchenko remains the all-time top scorer for the Ukrainian national team.”

At Milan, he blossomed — scoring 175 goals in 322 appearances. He proved vital to their 2003 Champions League victory, earning the coveted Ballon d’Or that same year. He also secured a Serie A title in 2004, solidifying his place as one of the club’s greatest strikers.

9. Franck Ribéry (1983- )

Franck Ribéry, nicknamed “The Flicker” for his electrifying pace and agility, was a dominant force on the wing for over a decade.

He established himself as a club legend during his time at Bayern Munich (2007 to 2019), racking up an impressive 425 appearances, scoring 124 goals and providing 182 assists. He was irreplaceable in their domestic dominance, securing nine Bundesliga titles and the 2013 Champions League trophy.

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (1985- )

Cristiano Ronaldo, a name synonymous with footballing excellence, has redefined the goalscoring landscape. It is difficult to pinpoint a single peak within his incredible career, as he continues to maintain phenomenal form at the age of 39.

Across his times at Manchester United (2003 to 2009), Real Madrid (2009 to 2018), Juventus (2018 to 2021), his second spell at Manchester United (2021 to 2022) and Al-Nassr (2023 to present), he has amassed a staggering 738 goals in 966 appearances.

He is the all-time top scorer in both the Champions League with 140 goals and for the Portuguese national team, with whom he lifted the Euro 2016 title. In December 2023, Ronaldo celebrated playing in 1200 senior matches during his record-breaking career. Individual accolades highlight his dominance, including five Ballon d’Or awards and numerous league and European Golden Boot titles.

The Number 7 Legacy Continues

The number seven jersey has adorned the backs of some of football’s most captivating players, each leaving their unique mark on the game. The legacy of the number seven continues to inspire, with young talents like Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. carrying the torch, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter for this iconic number.

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Featured image courtesy of  via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image license found here.

Nargiz Mammadzada is the head of our Sports Section. She is from Baku, Azerbaijan, but currently lives in Gdansk, Poland. She also writes for various platforms in the United States, Australia, Canada and United Kingdom.

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