Some of the most legendary players in the sport have donned the number 7 jersey over the years. The number seven jersey has tended to be worn by a winger or a forward. Many star players including the likes of Raul, Ribery, Keegan, etc have worn the Number 7 jersey and helped to give it such a legendary status over the decades. There have truly been some iconic number 7’s who have graced our sport. So, let’s have a look at the top five of the best players in the sport, who have worn the iconic number 7 jersey. (in no particular order)
David Beckham
David Beckham is one of the greatest midfielders and set-piece makers of all time. Beckham made his debut at age 17 in 1992. He was well known for his freekicks and corners. He won the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.
In the final league game of the 1999 season, in a must-win game for United against Tottenham Hotspurs, Beckham scored the equalizer in the last few minutes and as a result, United claimed the league title. He is still the most loved player at Manchester United.
Luis Figo
Regarded as one of the greatest wingers of his generation, Figo was well known for his goal-scoring ability and create set pieces. He won back-to-back league and Spanish Cup titles for Barcelona. He is also second on the list for the most assists in La Liga, only behind Lionel Messi. Figo won the 2000 Ballon d’Or, 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year. In 2004, Pelé named him in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players. For Portugal, he scored 32 goals, representing the nation at three European Championships and two World Cups. The 48-year-old was one of the best number 7s to ever grace the game.
George Best
One of the great number 7s to play for Manchester United, George Best was well known for his magical dribbling skills. In 1968 he won the European Cup with Manchester United. He was named the European Footballer Of The Year and FWA Footballer Of The Year. He won five trophies at United. The Irish football association described him as the “greatest player to ever pull on the green shirt of Northern Ireland”. Best netted 179 goals in 470 appearances for the club. The Irish winger was one of the best players never to have won a major international tournament like the Euros or the FIFA World Cup.
Garrincha
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players and the best dribblers in the history of football. Garrincha was an iconic number 7 for both Brazil and his club side Botafogo. He played an important role in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories.
In the 1962 World Cup, Garrincha in the absence of Pele led Brazil to glory and he was the best player in the tournament receiving the World Cup Golden Ball for player of the tournament. And the most interesting fact is Brazil never lost a game in which Pele and Garrincha both played.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Arguably the greatest player in football history, Ronaldo is the best number 7 of all time. The Portuguese star has won the Ballon D’or award five times in his career so far. He won his first Ballon d’Or during his time with Manchester United in 2008. And then won the next awards with Real Madrid in 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
Overall in his career, he has won 32 trophies in his career, including seven league titles, five UEFA Champions Leagues, one UEFA European Championship, and one UEFA Nations League. Ronaldo holds the record of scoring the most goals in the European Championship (14), and also the most international goals (111). Except for two seasons, Ronaldo has always worn the number 7 jersey during his club career.