Top 10 most famous number 7 football players in the history of the game

Thanks to some of the most prolific football players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, the number 7 jersey is synonymous with success. Learn more about the most famous number 7 football players and their accomplishments.

To football players and fans alike, the shirt is regarded as one of the luckiest jersey numbers in football. This article will dive deep into the story of the most famous number 7 in the sport and the players who wore it. Dig in and find out what football players wear number 7.

Who wears number 7 in football?

As one of soccer's most popular shirt numbers, managers typically reserve the jersey for right-wingers, second strikers, and even central strikers. These players are the goal scorers responsible for their team's victories. Have a look at the top 10 most famous number 7 players in football history

10. Kenny Daglish

Undoubtedly, Daglish is one of Liverpool's best No 7 football players. Although he wore the number 8 shirt for his national side, the knighted football legend donned the number seven shirt between 1976 and 1988. The Scottish forward retired with over 499 appearances for Liverpool, scoring 163 goals with 77 assists.

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9. Eric Cantona

Cantona, who has worn the number 7 for Manchester United, adds to the fantastical legend of the number. Before Cristiano Ronaldo, Cantona reigned as the number 1 football player in the world. Speaking to the media, he remarked that,

"At Manchester United, number seven means something more. Manchester was the city for the number. The number seven is someone who can create things, sometimes one who needs to be free."

8. Manuel Francisco dos Santos

The two-time World Cup winner was famously known as Garrincha or Mané Garrincha. Despite having a disability that affected his spine and legs, the Brazilian winger is remembered as one of the greatest of all time in football.

At the peak of his career, his fame and achievements rivaled his teammate, Pelé. Speaking on his prowess, Welsh full-back Mel Hopkins admitted that,

"Garrincha was more of a danger than Pelé. He was a phenomenon, capable of sheer magic. Knowing which way he would go was difficult because of his legs. He had a ferocious shot.”

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7. Kevin Keegan

Alongside Sir Daglish and other football greats, Kevin Keegan wore Liverpool's iconic jersey number between 1972 and 1977. He also wore the same number for Newcastle United, Hamburger SV and Southampton FC. In over 590 career appearances, he scored about 215 goals with 65 assists.

6. Raul

Who wore No 7 before Ronaldo in Real Madrid? Famously nicknamed Madrileño, Raul made over 500 appearances for the Spanish club with 228 goals.

5. George Best

One of the greatest No 7 players in Manchester United is retired right winger George Best. Best, who became known as a football genius, brought a refreshing flair to his dribbling and scoring skills.

4. Luis Figo

The retired Portuguese winger Luis Figo is undoubtedly a Real Madrid legend. The Ballon d'Or winner, who wore number 7 for Real, FC Internazionale, Sporting CP and the Portuguese national football team, still holds the record for the most capped Portuguese player.

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3. Andriy Shevchenko

Regarded as one of the most lethal strikers, Shevchenko wore the number seven jersey at AC Milan, Chelsea, Dynamo Kyiv and the Ukrainian national football team. Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a special edition Shevchenko 7 jersey was released by AC Milan to raise funds for the Ukrainian people.

2. David Beckham

Former midfielder David Beckham is one of England's most famous number 7 football players. Although Beckham played in different jerseys for most of his career, he wore Manchester United's No 7 jersey between 1995 and 2002.

He recalled with excitement to Man U's reporter Elliot Whitelaw that he cried upon learning that he would wear the mythical no 7 shirt for the team. Additionally, wearing the same jersey number as Sir Bobby Charlton was a matter of family honour. The legendary winger Bobby Charlton is the most famous English number 7 football player of all time.

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1. Cristiano Ronaldo

When fans think of cr7, there is no doubt that he is the No 1 player in football history. Over the course of his career, the long-time bearer of the number seven jersey for Man United and the Portuguese national football team has earned himself the multi-million dollar brand name CR7. As of March 2023, he wears the same number for the Saudi Pro league team, Al-Nassr FC.

Notable mentions

The retired German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger wore the number seven shirt for the German national football team between 2003 and 2016. During this time, 121 appearances with 24 goals and 37 assists.

Which famous football players have played with number 7 recently?

Who are the best number 7 football players right now? Here is a comprehensive list of the world's best football players who don the shirt as of March 2023

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The most famous number 7 football players have made a name for themselves as the best shot scorers for their teams. Although some teams have retired the shirt, several up-and-coming footballers are eager to take hold of the magic number.

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Sports Brief recently published an article ranking some of the best soccer stars who have worn the number 11 jersey. The report covers football legends such as Di Maria, Didier Drogba, Gareth Bale and Marco Reus.

Click on the link above and learn more about the most prominent number 11 players in the history of football.