Top 10 greatest players to wear No.7 jersey in football history

These players have donned the iconic number seven jersey in their careers.

The No. 7 jersey is one of the most iconic numbers in football history, often worn by the most skilful and influential players on the pitch. Traditionally associated with wingers and forwards, the number has been carried by some of the greatest footballers of all time. Here’s a look at the top 10 greatest players to wear the No. 7 shirt.

Some exceptions, like Joao Cancelo and N’golo Kante, have recently been found to have inherited the iconic No. 7 shirt that symbolises the evolution of modern football. 

In the history of the game, the No. 7 shirt has always been a part of legendary players. Here, we take a look at the Top 10 Football players to play with the No. 7 Shirts. 

Who is the best No. 7 in football history?

Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as the greatest player to wear the No. 7 jersey in football history, thanks to his incredible goal-scoring records and multiple Ballon d’Or wins.

Top 10 greatest No. 7 players in football history

1. Cristiano Ronaldo
2. David Beckham
3. Garrincha
4. Robert Pires
5. George Best
6. Andriy Shevchenko
7. Eric Cantona
8. Raul
9. Luis Figo
10. Franck Ribery

10. Frank Ribéry

The former French international was a typical proper No. 7 player with sheer pace, dribbling, and clinical finishing ability. Ribery wore No. 7 for most of his career. He took this number to even greater heights at the Allianz Arena, scoring 86 goals in 273 matches as a Bayern winger. With them, he won nine Bundesliga titles and the Champions League.

9. Luis Figo

Portuguese football legend Luis Figo is one of the few players to make 100 or more appearances for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. A proud member of the No. 7 shirt club, the Portuguese winger wore that number at Sporting, Inter, and FC Barcelona. From 1995 to 2000, Figo played for FC Barcelona before moving to Real Madrid. However, he wore the number 10 jersey in Madrid.

8. Raúl González

The Real Madrid legend is the all-time 3rd goalscorer with 323 goals in all competitions with 16 years of service in the capital of Madrid. Raul is regarded as one of the best No. 7 in Los Blancos’ history. He was so great that Madrid fans ran a campaign to retire the No. 7 shirt in honour of Raul Gonzalez. The Spaniard made 550 appearances for Madrid before departing in 2010 and passing the throne to Cristiano Ronaldo.

7. Eric Cantona

Known as the greatest player of his generation, Eric Cantona is credited for revitalizing Manchester United in the 1990s. He wore the iconic number 7 jersey at Old Trafford and elevated the legacy of this number to new heights. It was King Eric, as United fans called him, whose aggressive mentality changed the Red Devils’ fortunes and built the foundation of United’s success in the 2000s. The Frenchman, however, wore a no.11 jersey at previous clubs before joining Manchester United.

6. Andriy Shevchenko

Andriy Shevchenko is an iconic name in AC Milan history and a Ballon d’Or winner of 2004. Shevchenko is currently the all-time top scorer of the Milan Derby and the Ukrainian National team with 14 and 48 goals respectively. The Ukrainian had excellent game-reading skills and was known for his movement on and off the ball to make unimaginable spaces. Shevchenko scored 127 goals with 208 appearances during his time with AC Milan from 1999 – 2006.

5. George Best

George Best is a Manchester United legend and a legendary figure who played for more than 15 clubs. He achieved his main success at Old Trafford, where he scored 137 goals in 361 appearances. Best was exceptional in every phase of the game and Northern Ireland still hasn’t produced a player like him. Winner of almost every possible individual trophy, including the Ballon d’Or in 1968, shows the level of qualities George Best possessed.

4. Robert Pires

Ex-Arsenal No. 7 was a member of the unbeatable Arsenal squad during 2003-4. Pires played mostly in his career as a Left winger and was a pack of all attacking qualities with quick pace and game reading. As a Gunner, Pires played 189 games and successfully scored 62 goals during his time at Emirates. The French International was a serious winner, having a World Cup and many Premier League trophies in his cabinet. 

3. Garrincha 

The former Brazilian national team’s winger, Garrincha, is one of the best dribblers of all time and a player feared during the 1950s and 1960s. The Brazilian no.7 achieved 238 goals in 581 appearances while playing for the iconic Brazilian club Botafogo. He won the Golden Boot and played a key role in helping defend the 1962 World Cup title. The partnership he had with Pelé is one of the most iconic in world football, and Brazil never lost a match when both Garrincha and Pelé played together. 

2. David Beckham

David Beckham is arguably the biggest name in English football history and an iconic member of the number 7 jersey club. He took the number 7 jersey from Eric Cantona at Manchester United and turned out to be the rightful heir to his throne. He is also the first English player to win the league in four of the top five leagues. Beckham was famous for his free kicks and scored 65 goals with them in his football career with his club and country. 

1. Cristiano Ronaldo 

One of the best players ever to wear the No. 7 Jersey, Cristiano Ronaldo is definitely a name that tops this list. This Portuguese forward has achieved everything in his career and is among the greatest of all time. In addition to having five Ballon d’Or awards, Ronaldo has written an entirely new chapter in his career by wearing the number 7 jersey.

The No. 7 jersey has long been associated with greatness, flair, and match-winning ability. From George Best to Cristiano Ronaldo, these players have elevated the number into a symbol of excellence in football. As the game evolves, the legacy of the iconic No. 7 shirt continues to inspire future generations.