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The number 7 shirt has a special meaning in soccer, having been worn by some of the game’s most renowned attackers over the years. From George Best’s spectacular playmaking in the 1960s to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goalscoring exploits today, the number 7 has nearly become associated with talented, attacking wide players throughout history.
While the exact origins are unknown, the number was historically assigned to right-sided forwards who played on the right flank. This introductory article looks at some of the greatest number 7s in soccer history, from regional stars to worldwide legends, and how their talents and triumphs have helped cement the number’s status as a symbol of creative, offensive flair on the field.
- Wins and Records
- Team career
- International Career
Be prepared to be amazed by what these soccer players with the number seven have accomplished!
The Best Soccer Players With The Number 7
The number 7 in soccer is traditionally a wide midfielder. These number 7s are attacking, creative and goal scorers. There is also a prolific striker on this list. This number is highly sought after, so here’s an all-star selection.
Cristiano Ronaldo
One of the finest players ever is Cristiano Ronaldo. After starting his career with Sporting CP in Portugal, he became famous at Manchester United at 18. Ronaldo became a world-beater at United from 2003 to 2009, winning three Premier League titles and a Champions League. After joining Real Madrid in 2009 on a world-record move, he became the club’s all-time best goalscorer over a nine-year stint that includes four additional Champions League wins.
Stats:
- Date of birth: February 5, 1985 Nationality: Portuguese
- Teams played for:
- Sporting CP (2002-2003)
- Manchester United (2003-2009)
- Real Madrid (2009-2018)
- Juventus (2018-2021)
- Al-Nassr (2022-present)
- Positions played:
- Centre-Forward
- Left Winger
- Right Winger
- Trophies won:
- With Manchester United:
- Premier League: 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
- FA Cup: 2003-04
- League Cup: 2005-06, 2008-09
- FA Community Shield: 2007
- UEFA Champions League: 2007-08
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2008
- With Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2011-12, 2016-17, 2017-18
- Copa del Rey: 2010-11, 2013-14
- Supercopa de España: 2012, 2017
- UEFA Champions League: 2013-14, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
- UEFA Super Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
- With Juventus:
- Serie A: 2018-19, 2019-20
- Supercoppa Italiana: 2018
- Other significant achievements:
- UEFA European Championship winner with Portugal: 2016
- UEFA Nations League winner with Portugal: 2019
- FIFA World Player of the Year: 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017
- UEFA Best Player in Europe Award: 2014, 2016, 2017
- European Golden Shoe: 2008, 2014, 2015, 2018
- FIFA Club World Cup Golden Ball: 2016, 2017, 2018
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2007-08, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18
- UEFA European Championship Top Scorer: 2016
Ronaldo has guided Portugal to unprecedented international glory. He won the Golden Boot and player of the tournament in their surprising Euro 2016 success. Ronaldo recently set the men’s international goalscoring record with over 100 caps. His awards and achievements are too numerous to name, including five Ballons d’Or for being the world’s best player.
Ronaldo, in his late career, has scored for Juventus and Al-Nassr since leaving Real Madrid in 2018. He still works hard to preserve his remarkable figure and skillset while nearing retirement. Ronaldo is regarded the greatest Portuguese player of all time due to his prolific goal-scoring and trophy-winning career.
Raul
Raúl González Blanco, known as Raúl, is a Spanish soccer manager and former striker who played for Real Madrid for most of his career. Real’s junior academy produced Raúl, who made his senior debut in 1994 and spent 16 seasons with the club. He won 16 titles, including 3 UEFA Champions League titles, and is Real Madrid’s all-time greatest scorer with 323 goals in 741 games. With his precision finishing and leadership skills, Raúl developed a strong connection with Ronaldo.
Stats:
- Date of birth: June 27, 1977
- Nationality: Spanish
- Teams Played For:
- Real Madrid (1994-2010)
- Schalke 04 (2010-2012)
- Al-Sadd (2012-2014)
- New York Cosmos (2014-2015)
- Positions Played:
- Second Striker
- Centre-Forward
- Left Winger
- Trophies Won:
- UEFA Champions League: 3 times (1997-98, 1999-2000, 2001-02)
- La Liga: 6 times (1994-95, 1996-97, 2000-01, 2002-03, 2006-07, 2007-08)
- Copa del Rey: 4 times (1992-93, 1997-98, 2000-01, 2003-04)
- Supercopa de España: 3 times (1997, 2001, 2003)
- UEFA Super Cup: 1 time (2002)
- Intercontinental Cup: 2 times (1998, 2002)
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2 times (1998, 2002)
- DFB-Pokal: 1 time (2010-11)
- Other Significant Achievements:
- Top goal scorer in UEFA Champions League history until 2014 (now ranks 5th)
- Top goal scorer in Real Madrid history until 2014 (now ranks 2nd)
- Most appearances for Real Madrid until 2013 (now ranks 4th)
- Spanish record for most appearances in UEFA Champions League (142)
- Spanish record for most appearances in European competitions (161)
- Spanish record for most international goals scored (44)
- UEFA Euro 2008 champion with Spain
At the international level, Raúl holds the record for Spain’s leading scorer with 44 goals in 102 caps. He helped Spain win their first European Championship at Euro 2008 and played in the 2002 and 2006 World Cups. Following his departure from Real Madrid in 2010, Raúl played for Schalke, Al Sadd, and New York Cosmos until retiring in 2015. After managing Real Madrid Castilla, he now manages Al-Shabab.
Raúl, regarded as a top Spanish player, won 6 La Liga titles and 2 Copa del Reys. He is a Real Madrid classic for his box-to-box predatory instincts and consistency over two decades. Off the field, Raúl presents as a humble, respected figure who embodies commitment to his hometown club.
![Raúl González [Best Goals & Skills]](https://soccerblade.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FJ2DaMcl5A44%2F0.jpg)
Franck Ribery
Franck Ribéry had a rough childhood in Boulogne-sur-Mer but showed early talent. After Boulogne and Alès youth academies, Ribéry burst onto the scene at Galatasaray and joined Bayern Munich in 2007. Bayern helped Ribéry become a world-class winger. From 2007 to 2019, Ribéry made nearly 400 Bayern appearances and won 23 titles, including the Champions League. He tore defenses apart for years with his speed, talent, and work ethic.
Stats:
- Date of birth: April 7, 1983 Nationality: French
- Teams played for:
- Boulogne (2000-2004)
- Metz (2004-2005)
- Marseille (2005-2007)
- Bayern Munich (2007-2019)
- Fiorentina (2019-present)
- Positions played:
- Left Winger
- Attacking Midfielder
- Trophies won:
- With Marseille:
- Coupe de France: 2005-06
- With Bayern Munich:
- Bundesliga: 2007-08, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19
- DFB-Pokal: 2007-08, 2009-10, 2012-13, 2013-14, 2015-16, 2018-19
- DFL-Supercup: 2010, 2012, 2016, 2018
- UEFA Champions League: 2012-13
- UEFA Super Cup: 2013
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2013
- With Fiorentina:
- Coppa Italia runner-up: 2019-20
- With Marseille:
- Other significant achievements:
- UEFA European Championship runner-up with France: 2016
- FIFA World Cup runner-up with France: 2006
- UEFA Champions League finalist with Bayern Munich: 2009-10, 2011-12
- FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2013
- UEFA Best Player in Europe Award nominee: 2013
- French Player of the Year: 2008, 2013
- Bundesliga Player of the Season: 2012-13
- UEFA Champions League Squad of the Season: 2012-13, 2013-14
- UEFA Team of the Year: 2013
- FIFA FIFPro World XI nominee: 2013
- FIFA Puskás Award nominee: 2013
France won the 2018 World Cup with Ribéry, who has 81 caps but didn’t participate in the final due to injury. In his international career, Ribéry finished second at Euro 2006 and third at the 2006 World Cup. Before retiring from international soccer in 2014, he became a Les Bleus legend.
After leaving Bayern in 2019, Ribéry briefly played for Fiorentina and Salernitana before retiring in 2023. Known as one of the best French players ever, Ribéry won many individual accolades and became a German soccer star with Bayern Munich.
George Best
Born in Belfast in 1946, George Best joined Manchester United as a teenager and made his debut at 17 in 1963. With his dribbling, ball skills, and wing goals, Best became one of the finest players of his generation during the next decade. He scored in the 1968 European Cup final win over Benfica to help United win. Pelé called Best “the greatest footballer in the world” for his late 1960s achievements.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: May 22, 1946
- Nationality: Northern Irish
- Teams Played For:
- Manchester United (1963-1974)
- Stockport County (loan, 1973)
- Cork Celtic (loan, 1975)
- Los Angeles Aztecs (1976-1977)
- Fort Lauderdale Strikers (1978-1981)
- Hibernian (1980-1981)
- San Jose Earthquakes (loan, 1981)
- Bournemouth (loan, 1982)
- Brisbane Lions (1983)
- Positions Played:
- Forward
- Attacking Midfielder
- Winger
- Trophies Won:
- First Division (English top flight) (2 times): 1964-65, 1966-67
- European Cup (1 time): 1967-68
- Charity Shield (1 time): 1965
- European Cup Winners’ Cup (1 time): 1967-68
- Football League Cup (1 time): 1969-70
- Other Significant Achievements:
- Ballon d’Or (1 time): 1968
- PFA Young Player of the Year (1 time): 1968
- FWA Footballer of the Year (2 times): 1968, 1970
- FIFA XI (2 times): 1968, 1972
Best was a fashion star and athlete in the 1960s. One of the earliest celebrity soccer players, his lively approach made soccer popular in Britain. Best battled alcoholism after retiring in 1984. He died at 59 in 2005 following a protracted drinking problem.
Best is a Manchester United icon, scoring nearly 150 goals in 466 games between 1963-1974. He was the first PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1974. Despite his personal struggles, Best’s brilliance made an everlasting effect on the game and showed the world how to enjoy and artfully play soccer. He remains one of the most skilled soccer players ever, inspiring future generations.
David Beckham
One of the most famous soccer players is David Beckham. He joined Manchester United in 1992 and became a fan favorite for his crosses and free kicks. Beckham helped United win 6 Premier League titles and the 1999 Champions League in 12 seasons. He captained England and symbolized English soccer culture. Beckham joined Real Madrid in 2003 for a huge fee and won La Liga before playing for LA Galaxy, Paris Saint-Germain, and AC Milan before returning to England.
Stats:
- Date of birth: May 2, 1975
- Nationality: English
- Teams played for:
- Manchester United (1992-2003)
- Real Madrid (2003-2007)
- LA Galaxy (2007-2012)
- AC Milan (loan, 2009, 2010)
- Paris Saint-Germain (2013)
- Positions played:
- Right Midfielder
- Central Midfielder
- Trophies won:
- With Manchester United:
- Premier League: 1995-96, 1996-97, 1998-99, 1999-2000, 2000-01, 2002-03
- FA Cup: 1995-96, 1998-99
- UEFA Champions League: 1998-99
- Intercontinental Cup: 1999
- With Real Madrid:
- La Liga: 2006-07
- Supercopa de España: 2003
- With LA Galaxy:
- MLS Cup: 2011, 2012
- Supporters’ Shield: 2010
- Western Conference (Playoffs): 2009, 2011, 2012
- With AC Milan:
- Serie A runner-up: 2008-09
- Supercoppa Italiana runner-up: 2009
- With Paris Saint-Germain:
- Ligue 1: 2012-13
- With Manchester United:
- Other significant achievements:
- UEFA Champions League finalist with Manchester United: 1998-99, 2002-03
- UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup: 1990-91
- UEFA Super Cup: 1991
- FA Community Shield: 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997
- FIFA Club World Cup runner-up with Manchester United: 1999
- FIFA World Player of the Year runner-up: 1999
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 1996-97
- FIFA Fair Play Award: 2008
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year: 2001
- English Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2008
- Time 100: Named one of the most influential people in the world in 2008
- UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador
- Order of the British Empire (OBE): Awarded in 2003 for services to soccer
- FIFA Presidential Award: 2018
Beckham was one of the first global superstars off the field. He met Spice Girl Victoria Adams in 1997 and married her in 1999, becoming “Posh and Becks.” Beckham is a successful businessman and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador who helps underprivileged children. Beckham is president and co-owner of Inter Miami CF and coaches youth teams since retiring in 2013.
Aside from that, he was the runner-up for the Ballon d’Or. Similarly, he was also runner-up for the FIFA World Player of the Year. In addition, he also appeared in Pele’s FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
Beckham made pop culture folklore with his attractive looks and precise right foot. Over a decade after retiring, he remains one of the world’s most famous figures. Currently, he is the co-owner of both Inter Miami CF and Salford City.
Garrincha
Brazilian winger Garrincha played for Botafogo and Brazil from 1953 to 1969. Garrincha’s agility, technical skill, and ball imagination helped him succeed at the top level despite his malformed spine that bent his legs inward. He scored 50 goals in 100 caps for Brazil and helped win the 1958 and 1962 World Cups with his dribbling ability.
Stats:
- Date of birth: October 28, 1933
- Nationality: Brazilian
- Teams played for:
- Botafogo (1953-1965)
- Corinthians (1966-1969)
- Flamengo (1971)
- Positions played:
- Right Winger
- Forward
- Trophies won:
- With Botafogo:
- Campeonato Carioca (Rio de Janeiro State Championship): 1957, 1961, 1962, 1967
- Taça Brasil (Brazilian Championship): 1962
- Rio-São Paulo Tournament: 1962
- Teresa Herrera Trophy: 1963
- With Corinthians:
- Campeonato Paulista (São Paulo State Championship): 1966
- With Botafogo:
- Other significant achievements:
- FIFA World Cup: Winner with Brazil in 1958, 1962
- FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 1962 (Best Player of the Tournament)
- FIFA World Cup All-Star Team: 1958, 1962
- South American Championship (now Copa America): Winner with Brazil in 1959, 1983
- Bola de Prata (Brazilian Footballer of the Year): 1971 (posthumously)
- Brazilian Football Museum Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2003
- FIFA 100: Named one of the greatest living players by Pelé in 2004
- FIFA World Cup Dream Team: Named in 2002
- World Soccer Greatest XI of all time: Named in 2013
- World Team of the 20th Century: Named in 1998
- CBF Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2006
- Botafogo Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1996
- Confederations Cup: Winner with Brazil in 2013 (posthumously)
- Olympic Gold Medal: Winner with Brazil in 1958, 1962 (posthumously)
- Olympic Silver Medal: 1952
- South American Player of the Year: 1957
- Golden Foot Legends Award: 2015 (posthumously)
- FIFA Order of Merit: Awarded in 1994 (posthumously)
- Order of Rio Branco: Awarded in 1962 by the Brazilian government
Garrincha played his entire career with Botafogo in Rio de Janeiro from 1953 to 1966. He led Brazil to two World Cup titles and helped the club win domestically. Garrincha, known as “The Little Bird,” was fast, sneaky, and could change games alone. He won FIFA World Player of the Year in 1962 for his man-of-the-match performance against Czechoslovakia in the World Cup final.
After retiring from sport, Garrincha battled drinking and personal troubles. He died of hepatic cirrhosis at 49 in 1983. However, he remains one of the best dribblers and a symbol of Brazilian flair. His native country honors Garrincha as an idol who overcame infirmity to reach the pinnacle of the game.
The people of Brazil referred to Garrincha as Alegria do Povo (People’s Joy) and Anjo de Pernas Tortas (Bent-Legged Angel).
Kevin Keegan
In the 1970s, forward Kevin Keegan was quite successful. He became a Liverpool legend after starting with Scunthorpe United, winning three First Division titles and the UEFA Cup. Keegan became the first PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1971. After leaving Liverpool in 1977, he succeeded at Hamburg. European Footballer of the Year in 1978 and 1979 solidified Keegan’s standing as a world-class talent.
Stats:
- Full name: Kevin Keegan
- Date of birth: February 14, 1951
- Nationality: English
- Teams played for:
- Scunthorpe United (1968-1971)
- Liverpool (1971-1977)
- Hamburger SV (1977-1980)
- Southampton (1980-1982)
- Newcastle United (1982-1984, 1985-1986)
- Positions played:
- Forward/Striker
- Trophies won:
- Liverpool:
- English First Division (now Premier League): 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77
- UEFA Cup: 1972-73
- FA Cup: 1973-74
- Hamburger SV:
- Bundesliga: 1978-79
- UEFA European Cup: 1982-83
- Liverpool:
- Other significant achievements:
- European Footballer of the Year (Ballon d’Or): 1978, 1979
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 1975-76, 1976-77
England’s Keegan was the highest scorer at Euro 1976. He scored 21 goals in 63 caps for his country from 1971-1977. After retiring from playing in 1982, Keegan managed Newcastle United to promotion and a 1996 Premier League second place. He led Fulham and Manchester City well.
In addition to his stellar playing career, Keegan is a popular UK broadcaster and analyst. His 1970s Saturday morning kids show “Tiswas” was popular. Famous for his enthusiasm and fair play, Keegan is an English soccer superstar. His groundbreaking strong pressing approach changed the sport.
Later, he managed Newcastle United, Fulham, and Manchester City.
![Kevin Keegan, the Mighty Mouse [Best Goals]](https://soccerblade.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2Fojl0aAvvMx4%2F0.jpg)
Luis Figo
Luís Figo is regarded a legendary Portuguese player. His career began with Sporting CP in his native Portugal before joining Barcelona in 1995. Over five seasons at Barcelona, Figo became one of the world’s top players, earning four La Liga crowns and one UEFA Cup. He controversially joined Real Madrid for a world record amount in 2000, escalating El Clásico hostilities. at five years at Madrid, Figo helped Real win two La Liga crowns and the Champions League.
Stats:
- Date of Birth: November 4, 1972
- Nationality: Portuguese
- Teams Played For:
- Os Pastilhas (youth club, 1984-1985)
- Sporting CP (youth club, 1985-1991)
- Sporting CP (1990-1995)
- FC Barcelona (1995-2000)
- Real Madrid (2000-2005)
- Inter Milan (2005-2009)
- Positions Played:
- Right Winger
- Right Midfield
- Attacking Midfield
- Trophies Won:
- La Liga (4 times): 1997-98, 1998-99, 2002-03, 2006-07
- Copa del Rey (2 times): 1996-97, 2010-11
- Supercopa de España (3 times): 1996, 2001, 2003
- UEFA Champions League (1 time): 2001-02
- UEFA Super Cup (2 times): 2002, 2006
- FIFA Club World Cup (1 time): 2002
- Serie A (4 times): 2005-06, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
- Supercoppa Italiana (3 times): 2005, 2006, 2008
- Other Significant Achievements:
- FIFA World Player of the Year (1 time): 2001
- Ballon d’Or (1 time): 2000
- UEFA European Championship Winner: 2016 (as an advisor to Portugal)
- UEFA Champions League Top Scorer: 2000-01 season
Figo led Portugal to the Euro 2000 semi-finals at home. His 32 goals in 127 appearances for his country between 1991 and 2006 made him their fourth-highest goalscorer. Figo’s right-wing playmaking and work ethic made him an important member of “The Golden Generation” of Portuguese talent, which included Rui Costa, Deco, and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Figo retired in 2009 after playing his last seasons at Inter Milan after leaving Real Madrid in 2005. His 2000 Ballon d’Or and 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year titles established his standing among the world’s best. Known for his talent and professionalism, Luís Figo is a Portuguese icon and one of the best players of his period.
He is among the few players who played for the sworn rivals Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Some of the best attacking soccer players have worn the number 7 shirt for decades. From George Best’s 1960s abilities to Cristiano Ronaldo’s goals, numerous wide attackers and wingers have become club and country icons. Right-sided attackers claimed 7 in the past, which may explain its present link with creative playmakers. From regional heroes like Garrincha to worldwide icons like David Beckham, soccer’s number 7s show its cultural roots and the ability of its greatest figures to transcend decades.
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Joel is a seasoned soccer journalist and analyst with many years of experience in the field. Joel specializes in game analysis, player profiles, transfer news, and has a keen eye for the tactical nuances of the game. He played at various levels in the game and coached teams - he is happy to share his insight with you.
