The iconic No. 7 jersey in football has been adorned by some of the greatest players to grace the sport. From Cristiano Ronaldo to David Beckham, the number has become synonymous with attacking prowess and legendary status.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s association with the No. 7 shirt began in 2003 when he joined Manchester United. The Portuguese forward had initially been assigned the No. 28 shirt at Sporting Lisbon, but his impressive performance against United in a friendly match caught the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson.
With David Beckham departing for Real Madrid, Ferguson bestowed the vacant No. 7 shirt upon Ronaldo, a testament to his belief in the young player’s potential. Despite the pressure associated with wearing such an iconic number, Ronaldo embraced the challenge and made it his own.
“I was petrified,” Ronaldo later admitted. “I knew Beckham wore that shirt. But I took on the challenge and since then it has been my lucky number.”
Ronaldo’s success at Manchester United, where he won numerous trophies and established himself as one of the world’s best players, cemented the No. 7 shirt’s association with his name. He carried the same number to Real Madrid, Juventus, and back to Manchester United, further solidifying its iconic status.
Even at his current club, Al-Nassr, Ronaldo wears the No. 7 shirt. The number has become inextricably linked to his legacy, symbolizing his exceptional talent, unwavering determination, and global recognition.