This jersey number inarguably has the best number 7 players of all time and has given rise to the finest players. One would agree that the number 7 is indeed a lucky number.
Traditionally, soccer players who don the number seven jersey tend to play as attacking wingers or second strikers, following the lead of the number nine.
They often occupy forward positions and are frequently the top goal-scorers for their teams.
While there is some flexibility in assigning jersey numbers to players based on their positions, the number seven has traditionally been associated with specific on-field roles.
Many soccer legends have worn this iconic number and left an indelible mark on the beautiful game, setting records and making significant contributions to the game.
Greatest Number 7 Soccer Players
The number is reserved for wide midfielders who possess attacking flair, creativity, and goal-scoring ability.
However, there have also been prolific strikers who have worn this iconic number. Given its prestige, the number 7 jersey is highly coveted in soccer.
Here is an all-star selection of players who have donned this revered jersey in soccer history.
Garrincha
Manuel Francisco Dos Santos, pet name ‘’Garrincha’’ (translated to “little bird” in Portuguese) was one of the best dribblers that were loved by fans around the world during the time he wore the number 7 jersey.
The little bird became renowned for playing alongside Pele. He was a shining star to Brazil as they never lost a match.
He also played an essential role in Brazil’s successful National team and helped bring consecutive World Cup trophies in 1958 & 1962.
Garrincha served Brazil from 1955 to 1966 and plays 50 games in total. He became a Nation icon and was nicknamed “Alegria do povo” in Portuguese which translates to “People’s Joy” or “Joy of the People”.
George Best
The Northern Irish man started his career when he was just a teenager and at the age of just 17, he made a debut for the club, Manchester United.
His passion for soccer was recognized through his dribbling speed, talent, strategy, and swift motion, no sooner was he scouted by Manchester United and brought to England.
Although he changed his jersey number a few times during his career with Manchester United. There he remains one of the finest players to have worn the number 7.
During his time with Manchester United, he won two League titles, two Charity Shields, and European First Cup in 1968.
Luis Figo
Luis Filipe Madeira Caeiro, formally known as Luis Figo wore the number 7 jersey during his time at Sporting Lisbon and later at the football club Barcelona.
Luis Figo played an essential role in bringing home 7 trophies when he served for Barcelona which includes 2 La Liga titles, and 1 UEFA Cup.
He went further deep into success by winning Ballon d’Or in 2000 but unfortunately, he took a turn to join Real Madrid in that same year. This action goes down in history as one of the most disputable transfers.
His success didn’t stop there until he made history again by winning the 2002 Champions League trophy for Real Madrid.
Luis seemingly again left Real Madrid for Inter in 2005 and won another 7 gold medals for the club.
He is inarguably the best number 7 player of all time who after leaving a club does greater things for the club he joins. He retired in 2009.
Kevin Keegan
The history of the number 7 football players in Liverpool is incomplete without Kevin Keegan. He was signed into Liverpool at the age of 20 in 1971.
The legendary Liverpool manager, Bill Shankly moved the then-right mid-fielder to a central striker as a result of his skill and mastery of the game.
During his servitude to Liverpool, he had a total of 95 goals, 59 assists, and 303 appearances.
His success story can also be recognized in his ability to win three League titles, a European Cup, and two Ballon d’Or awards.
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Eric Cantona
The French player started his career at the age of 17 with Auxerre. He served Auxerre as a second strike and at times, an attacking midfielder.
To carry on his mastery of the game, he left Auxerre for Leeds United in 1991. There, he took over the number 7 jersey.
After two seasons with Leeds, he signed a contract to serve the Red Devils and appeared as one of the leaders in Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.
He landed Manchester United with 81 goals & 62 assists in 181 games. He also secured the club with 4 Premier League titles.
Although at 31, he put out to grass his football career.
David Beckham
David Beckham even after his retirement remains an icon and one of the best number 7 players of all time. Although, just like George Best, he changed his jersey number quite several times.
Although his go-to number was the number 7 during his servitude to Manchester United and England.
His career at Manchester United came to an end with him bagging 13 trophies from 1992 to 2003 plus his historic ternary during the 1988-1999 season.
He bagged 4 Premier League trophies, five Super Cups, and 2 FA Cup titles.
He then moved to Real Madrid where he changed his jersey number to 23. He scored a total of 61 iconic goals with 81 assists in the history of soccer.
Frank Ribery
Frank Ribery, although started his career in his homeland France, he was able to evolve and finally, he played for Bayern Munich in 2007. During his evolution, he was recognized for his talents and was given the honor to wear jersey number 7.
Years later, he joined Arjen Robben who together coined the renowned “Robbery” due to the duo desecration of the flanks with Robben on the right and Ribery on the left.
Although injured during his 12-season servitude, he scored 124 goals with 182 assists and bagged 23 Cups including the Champions League trophy in 2013 for Bayern Munich.
Andriy Shevchenko
The Ukrainian player started his career in 1993 playing for Dynamo Kyiv senior team. Later, he joined AC Milan where he wore jersey number 7 and won the 2004 Ballon d’Or award.
Concluding his second spell, he scored a total of 175 goals for Rossoneri and is Ukraine’s League’s all-time top scorer with 48 goals in 111 games.
Raul Gonzalez
The Real Madrid striker is one of the best number 7 players of all time. He played for Real Madrid where he wore jersey numbers 16, 14, and 17 before he wore number 7 during the 1995 -1996 season.
He became Real Madrid’s all-time top scorer with 323 goals and Spain’s National team with 44 goals.
Raul left the club for Schalke in 2010 but of course, after bagging six League trophies and three Champions League titles. He was succeeded by the current successful best player, Cristiano Ronaldo.
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Cristiano Ronaldo
The history of the best number 7 players is incomplete with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The legendary Portuguese player is quite famous for being the one who can compete with Lionel Messi and rocked jersey number 7.
When he joined Manchester United, he started wearing the number 7 alias known as “CR7”
During his stay at Manchester, he scored 118 goals with 68 assists and 9 titles. He is considered the greatest footballer on planet Earth to have graced football history.
The Portugal player holds countless honors like five Ballon d’Or awards alongside many others.
Wrapping it up
The number 7 has a tie with the folk tales and the misconception of being a “lucky number.” It is no surprise the best number 7 players chose this lucky number to be printed on their shirts.
FAQs
What is number 7 in soccer?
The number 7 jersey typically players who occupy the position of right-wingers, midfielders, and center-back.
Who made soccer jersey number 7 famous?
The number 7 jersey got quite famous when worn by iconic players like David Beckham, George Best, Kenny Dalglish, Garrincha, and of course Cristiano Ronaldo.