The number 7 shirt is more than just a number—it symbolizes flair, leadership, and moments of magic. From legendary wingers to prolific strikers, the players who wore this number have left a permanent legacy in football. In this article, we highlight the greatest number 7s in football history based on their appearances, goals, assists, and titles.
10. Franck Ribery
- Appearances: 632 | Goals: 151 | Assists: 224
Franck Ribery, though not a typical striker, wore the number 7 shirt with pride for Bayern Munich. The French winger was electric down the flanks, known for his sharp dribbling and deadly crosses. He helped transform Bayern into a European powerhouse during his era. Ribery’s combination play with Robben gave defenders nightmares across Europe.
9. Kevin Keegan
- Appearances: 598 | Goals: 232 | Assists: 123
Kevin Keegan was one of the most influential number 7s in football history. With success in both England and Germany, his legacy is unmatched. Keegan’s energy, leadership, and technical brilliance made him a fan favorite at Liverpool and Hamburg. His back-to-back Ballon d’Or wins solidified his elite status.
8. Andriy Shevchenko
- Appearances: 671 | Goals: 341 | Assists: 99
Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko dazzled defenders with his lethal finishing and attacking intelligence. Wearing the iconic number 7 shirt for Milan, he became one of Serie A’s most feared strikers. His career is highlighted by a Ballon d’Or win and a Champions League triumph. Shevchenko’s legacy remains strong both in Ukraine and Italy, earning him a place among the greatest Number 7s in Football History.
7. George Best
- Appearances: 579 | Goals: 205 | Assists: 90+
George Best is often called one of the most gifted footballers of all time. As one of the legendary Number 7s in Football History, he dazzled Manchester United fans with his dribbling, flair, and balance. Best was a true entertainer and played a key role in helping United win the European Cup in 1968. Despite a controversial off-field lifestyle, his talent on the pitch remained undeniable and unforgettable. He set the benchmark for flair-driven wide forwards in his era.
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6. David Beckham
Appearances: 720 | Goals: 127 | Assists: 225 | Major Honors: 1x UCL, 6x Premier League, 1x La Liga
David Beckham turned the number 7 shirt into a global brand. Known for his pinpoint crossing and free-kicks, Beckham played for Manchester United and other big clubs. His influence on football marketing and style made him iconic worldwide. On the pitch, he was a reliable playmaker and leader.
5. Kenny Dalglish
Appearances: 830 | Goals: 237 | Assists: 186+
Kenny Dalglish wore number 7 at Liverpool during their most successful period. The Scotsman was known for his vision, intelligence, and goal-scoring. He was instrumental in Liverpool’s dominance in the 1970s and 80s. Dalglish also managed the club, further cementing his legendary status.
4. Raul
- Appearances: 916 | Goals: 383 | Assists: 157
Raul Gonzalez, wearing number 7 at Real Madrid, was the club’s top scorer before Ronaldo. He defined consistency and class in front of goal. Raul’s movement and technical touch made him a constant threat. He won multiple La Liga and Champions League titles during his stellar career.
3. Eric Cantona
- Appearances: 422 | Goals: 160 | Assists: 69
Eric Cantona brought swagger and creativity to Manchester United while wearing the number 7 shirt. His leadership and on-field charisma changed the club’s culture. With precise passing and powerful finishes, he became a cult figure. Sir Alex Ferguson credits him for kickstarting the club’s dominance.
2. Garrincha
- Appearances: 385 | Goals: 112 | Assists: N/A | Major Honors: 2x World Cup
Garrincha is often considered the best dribbler in football history. The Brazilian wore number 7 for his country and lit up the 1958 and 1962 World Cups. His unpredictable moves left defenders baffled. Garrincha was crucial in Brazil’s dominance during the Pelé era and earned a place among football’s greats.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Appearances: 1,024+ | Goals: 768+ | Assists: 241+
Cristiano Ronaldo redefined what it means to wear the number 7 in football history. From Manchester United to Real Madrid and beyond, he broke records everywhere. His unmatched goal tally, physicality, and mentality have made him a living legend. Ronaldo continues to be the face of the number 7 jersey worldwide.
| Rank | Name | Years Played | Clubs/Nations Wore Number 7s in Football | Honours Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo | 2002–present | Man United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al Nassr | 5x Ballon d’Or, 5x UCL, 3x EPL, 2x La Liga, 1x Euro |
| 2 | Garrincha | 1953–1972 | Botafogo, Brazil | 2x World Cup, 1x Ballon d’Or (Le nouveau) |
| 3 | Eric Cantona | 1983–1997 | Leeds United, Manchester United | 5x League titles, 2x FA Cup |
| 4 | Raul | 1994–2015 | Real Madrid, Schalke, Al-Sadd, New York Cosmos | 3x UCL, 6x La Liga |
| 5 | Kenny Dalglish | 1969–1990 | Celtic, Liverpool | 3x European Cup, 6x League titles |
| 6 | David Beckham | 1992–2013 | Manchester United, England | 6x EPL, 1x UCL, 1x La Liga |
| 7 | Andriy Shevchenko | 1993–2012 | AC Milan, Chelsea, Dynamo Kyiv | 1x Ballon d’Or, 1x UCL, 1x Serie A |
| 8 | Kevin Keegan | 1968–1985 | Liverpool, Hamburg, Southampton, Newcastle | 2x Ballon d’Or, 1x UCL |
| 9 | Franck Ribéry | 2000–2022 | Marseille, Bayern, Fiorentina, Salernitana | 1x UCL, 9x Bundesliga |
| 10 | David Villa | 2000–2020 | Valencia, Barcelona, NYCFC, Vissel Kobe, Spain | 1x UCL, 1x World Cup, 1x Euro |
FAQs:
Who is the greatest number 7s in football history?
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as the greatest number 7 in football history due to his record-breaking career and global impact.
Which number 7s in football has won the most Ballon d’Or awards?
Cristiano Ronaldo leads with 5 Ballon d’Or wins among all number 7s.
Who was the most technically skilled number 7s in football ?
Many consider Garrincha the most technically gifted due to his incredible dribbling.
Did all number 7s in football play as wingers?
No. While many played wide, some like Cantona and Raul operated as strikers or attacking midfielders.
Is the number 7s in football an iconic jersey ?
Yes, the number 7 has become iconic thanks to legends like Ronaldo, Best, Beckham, and more.