Jayesh Kapse
·4-min read
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.
Here's 3 minutes of David Beckham free-kicks to brighten up your Wednesday…
The best free-kick taker ever to play in #LaLigaSantander? pic.twitter.com/UTNc7WkjlI
— LaLigaTV (@LaLigaTV) March 18, 2020
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.
17 – No teenager has ever scored more goals in a single season in all competitions for @ManUtd than Mason Greenwood (17 – level with George Best in 1965-66, Brian Kidd in 1967-68 and Wayne Rooney in 2004-05). Esteem. pic.twitter.com/GiXnZsnZ5W
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 22, 2020
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.
Here is Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal for Portugal back at EURO 2004!
17 years later, he is on the verge of becoming the best ever!
— Bet9ja (@Bet9jaOfficial) September 1, 2021
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.
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As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the world of football, particularly in the history and significance of jersey numbers, I can confidently delve into the details of the article that highlights the top 5 greatest number 7 players of all time. My extensive knowledge is not just theoretical but grounded in a profound understanding of the sport's evolution and the impact of iconic players on the field.
The article discusses legendary footballers who have donned the number 7 jersey, a number traditionally associated with wingers or forwards. Let's break down the key concepts and delve into the details:
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David Beckham:
- Beckham, known as one of the greatest midfielders and set-piece specialists, made his debut at the age of 17 in 1992.
- His prowess in free-kicks and corners contributed significantly to his success.
- Notable achievements include winning the Premier League title six times, the FA Cup twice, and the UEFA Champions League in 1999.
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Luis Figo:
- Regarded as one of the greatest wingers, Figo was known for goal-scoring ability and creating set pieces.
- Achievements include back-to-back league and Spanish Cup titles for Barcelona, winning the 2000 Ballon d’Or, and being named the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year.
- Second on the list for the most assists in La Liga, behind only Lionel Messi.
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George Best:
- Best, a legendary number 7 for Manchester United, was renowned for his magical dribbling skills.
- In 1968, he won the European Cup with Manchester United and was named the European Footballer Of The Year.
- Despite not winning a major international tournament, Best's impact on the field was substantial.
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Garrincha:
- Widely regarded as one of the greatest players and best dribblers in football history.
- An iconic number 7 for both Brazil and Botafogo, he played a crucial role in Brazil’s 1958 and 1962 World Cup victories.
- Received the World Cup Golden Ball for the player of the tournament in 1962.
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Cristiano Ronaldo:
- Arguably the greatest player in football history, Ronaldo is highlighted as the best number 7 of all time.
- Five-time Ballon D’or winner, with victories in 2008, 2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017.
- Achievements include 32 trophies in his career, including league titles, UEFA Champions Leagues, and international accolades.
- Holds records for the most goals in the European Championship and the most international goals.
The article showcases the rich history and impact of these players who have worn the iconic number 7 jersey, leaving an indelible mark on the sport of football.
