Top 10 Greatest Footballers to Wear the No.7 Jersey in History

In football, the No. 7 jersey carries a special kind of legacy. It’s more than just a number — it’s a symbol of greatness. Traditionally worn by quick, creative, and fearless attackers, the No. 7 shirt has been reserved for those who can change the game in an instant — usually wingers or strikers with the flair to break down any defense.

Over the years, it’s been worn by some of the sport’s most iconic figures. From legends like George Best and David Beckham to modern superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo, the No. 7 shirt has come to represent class, skill, and star power.

Interestingly, modern football has seen a few surprises — players like João Cancelo and N’Golo Kanté, who don't fit the traditional mold of a No. 7, have also been given the honor. It just goes to show how the game is evolving, and how the meaning behind the number can shift with time.

Let’s take a look at the top 10 Greatest Players to Wear the No. 7 Shirt — footballers who left their mark on the game while donning one of the most iconic numbers in the sport.

10. Frank Ribery

Franck Ribéry, the former French international, was the epitome of a classic No. 7 — quick, skillful, and capable of stunning goals. Known for his blistering pace and dazzling dribbling, Ribéry wore the No. 7 jersey for most of his career, making it iconic at Bayern Munich. During his time at the Allianz Arena, he scored 86 goals in 273 appearances as a winger. With Bayern, he won an impressive nine Bundesliga titles and lifted the Champions League trophy, cementing his legacy as one of the club’s greats.

9. Luis Figo

Portuguese football legend Luís Figo is one of the rare players to have made over 100 appearances for both FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. A proud wearer of the iconic No. 7 shirt, Figo donned that number during his time at Sporting CP, Inter Milan, and Barcelona. Between 1995 and 2000, he lit up the Camp Nou with his performances for Barça before making a controversial move to Real Madrid. At Madrid, however, he switched to the No. 10 jersey.

8. Raul Gonzalez

Raúl González is a Real Madrid legend and one of the greatest players to ever wear the famous No. 7 shirt. Over 16 unforgettable years in the Spanish capital, he scored 323 goals in all competitions, making him the club’s third all-time top scorer. Raúl made 550 appearances for Los Blancos before leaving in 2010, passing the iconic No. 7 jersey to Cristiano Ronaldo. His impact was so profound that many Madrid fans even campaigned to retire the number in his honor.

7. Eric Cantona

Eric Cantona, widely regarded as the greatest player of his generation, played a transformative role in Manchester United's rise during the 1990s. Wearing the iconic number 7 shirt at Old Trafford, Cantona didn’t just live up to the legacy of that number—he redefined it. Nicknamed "King Eric" by United fans, his fierce mentality and commanding presence on the pitch helped spark a new era of dominance for the club, laying the groundwork for the success that followed in the 2000s. Interestingly, before his legendary spell at United, the Frenchman wore the number 11 jersey at his previous clubs.

6. Andriy Shevchenko

Andriy Shevchenko is a legendary figure in AC Milan's history and was crowned the Ballon d’Or winner in 2004. Known for his sharp football intelligence and incredible movement both on and off the ball, Shevchenko had a unique ability to find space where none seemed to exist. During his time at Milan from 1999 to 2006, he scored an impressive 127 goals in 208 appearances. He remains the all-time top scorer in the Milan Derby with 14 goals, and he's also Ukraine's all-time leading scorer with 48 goals for the national team.

5. George Best

George Best is a true Manchester United legend and one of football’s all-time greats. Although he played for over 15 clubs throughout his career, his most memorable and successful years were at Old Trafford, where he scored 137 goals in 361 appearances. Best was incredible in every aspect of the game — his skill, flair, and creativity set him apart. To this day, Northern Ireland hasn’t seen another player quite like him. Winning nearly every major individual award, including the prestigious Ballon d’Or in 1968, speaks volumes about just how talented and special George Best really was.

4. Robert Pires

The former Arsenal No. 7 was a key part of the legendary “Invincibles” squad during the 2003-04 season. Pires primarily played as a left winger and was known for his pace, creativity, and excellent game intelligence. Over his time at the Emirates, he made 189 appearances and scored 62 goals. The French international was a true winner, boasting a World Cup title along with multiple Premier League trophies to his name.

3. Garrincha 

Garrincha, the legendary Brazilian winger, is widely regarded as one of the greatest dribblers in football history. During the 1950s and 60s, he was a nightmare for defenders and a true star on the pitch. Playing for the iconic club Botafogo, Garrincha scored an incredible 238 goals in just 84 games—a remarkable feat. He also shone on the international stage, winning the Golden Boot and playing a crucial role in Brazil’s successful defense of the 1962 World Cup.

His partnership with Pelé is considered one of the most iconic duos in football history. In fact, Brazil never lost a match when both Garrincha and Pelé were on the field together, showing just how deadly and unstoppable they were as a team.

2. David Beckham

David Beckham is widely considered one of the greatest names in English football history and a true legend of the iconic number 7 jersey. He inherited the number 7 shirt at Manchester United from Eric Cantona and more than lived up to the legacy. Beckham made history as the first English player to win league titles in four of Europe’s top five leagues. Known for his incredible free-kick ability, he scored 65 goals from set-pieces throughout his club and international career, leaving a lasting mark on the game.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo 

Cristiano Ronaldo is undoubtedly one of the greatest players ever to wear the No. 7 jersey. The Portuguese forward has achieved incredible success throughout his career and is widely regarded as one of the best footballers of all time. Beyond his five Ballon d’Or awards, Ronaldo has made the No. 7 shirt legendary, creating a new legacy every time he steps onto the pitch.

Cover Credits - Sky Sports