The 25 Greatest Number 7s in Football History – Ranked

July 14, 2025 Oliver Obel

The number 7 shirt in football has become a symbol of creativity, flair, and brilliance. From trailblazing wingers to complete forwards and midfield maestros, these 25 players left an indelible mark on the game while wearing one of football’s most iconic numbers.

25. Bruno Conti

A key figure in Italy’s 1982 World Cup triumph, Bruno Conti was a master technician on the right flank. His performances for Roma and the Azzurri were defined by intelligence, pace, and precise crossing ability.

24. Eden Hazard

Eden Hazard was among the most electrifying players in the world during his Chelsea peak, dazzling defenders with his dribbling. Although his Real Madrid stint was hampered by injuries, his legacy as a world-class number 7 remains intact.

23. Luis Suárez Miramontes

The only Spanish player to win the Ballon d'Or, Luis Suárez Miramontes was the heartbeat of Inter Milan’s midfield in the 1960s. His creativity and passing defined Helenio Herrera’s "Grande Inter" era.

22. Marc Overmars

Marc Overmars brought blistering speed and lethal finishing to every team he played for, including Arsenal and Barcelona. A critical part of the Gunners’ 1998 double-winning side, his presence on the left wing was always a threat.

21. Henrik Larsson

A legend at Celtic, Henrik Larsson was a clinical striker with great movement and intelligence. He played a key role in Barcelona’s 2006 Champions League win, providing two vital assists in the final.

20. Pedro Rodríguez

Pedro may be one of the most underrated forwards of his era, but his impact is undeniable. Wearing number 7 for both Spain and Chelsea, he won the World Cup, Euros, Champions League, and domestic titles while consistently delivering in clutch moments.

19. Alexis Sánchez

Alexis Sanchez — Cosmin Iftode / Shutterstock.com

At his peak, Alexis Sánchez was a relentless force of energy and quality in attack. He played a leading role in Chile’s back-to-back Copa América victories and had standout spells at Arsenal and Barcelona.

18. Ángel Di María

Angel Di Maria — Asatur Yesayants / Shutterstock.com

Di María is one of the game’s best playmakers of the last decade, with a knack for shining on the biggest stages. He’s scored decisive goals in Copa América and World Cup finals and remains a trusted figure for Argentina.

17. Bastian Schweinsteiger

Starting as a winger before evolving into a world-class midfielder, Schweinsteiger's tactical intelligence was key to Germany’s 2014 World Cup win. He was a symbol of Bayern Munich’s dominance in the 2000s.

16. N’Golo Kanté

A defensive midfielder in a list full of attackers, Kanté earns his spot for redefining what it means to control the game. His impact in Leicester’s fairytale title and France’s 2018 World Cup win was immense.

15. David Villa

Spain’s all-time top scorer, David Villa was a natural finisher with both feet. His goals powered Spain to glory at Euro 2008 and the 2010 World Cup, and he won the Champions League with Barcelona.

14. Franck Ribéry

Ribéry’s explosive pace and technical skill made him a terror for full-backs during his time at Bayern Munich. He formed one of football’s most iconic winger duos with Arjen Robben, winning a Champions League and nine Bundesliga titles.

13. Kevin Keegan

Twice crowned Ballon d’Or winner, Kevin Keegan was an English forward of rare quality. He starred for Liverpool and Hamburg, combining goals, assists, and relentless drive.

12. Andriy Shevchenko

One of the best strikers of the 2000s, Shevchenko was lethal in front of goal, especially during his years at AC Milan. He claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2004 and led Milan to domestic and European success.

11. Luis Suárez

Luis Suarez — mooinblack / Shutterstock.com

Wearing number 7 at Liverpool, Suárez delivered one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever individual seasons in 2013–14. A mix of aggression, artistry, and elite finishing, he nearly led Liverpool to the title and won the Golden Boot with 31 goals in 33 games.

10. Jairzinho

Jairzinho stepped into Garrincha’s shoes and delivered for Brazil with incredible flair and consistency. He scored in every match of the 1970 World Cup, helping Brazil secure one of the most iconic tournament victories.

9. Robert Pires

Pires was a central figure in Arsenal’s Invincibles team, combining intelligence with attacking flair. His ability to score and assist in equal measure made him a modern Premier League legend.

8. David Beckham

Beckham became synonymous with the number 7 at Manchester United, known for his exceptional crossing and free kicks. He also captained England and won league titles in four different countries.

7. Sir Kenny Dalglish

“King Kenny” was both a prolific forward and a selfless creator during Liverpool’s golden era. As a player and later as player-manager, he became one of the club’s most beloved legends.

6. Raúl

A Real Madrid icon, Raúl epitomized leadership and consistency. He won three Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles, becoming one of Europe’s top scorers and captains.

5. Luis Figo

Figo’s elegant dribbling and pinpoint passing defined an era for both Barcelona and Real Madrid. The 2000 Ballon d'Or winner was a key figure in both El Clásico giants and also starred for Portugal.

4. Eric Cantona

Cantona brought charisma, confidence, and class to Manchester United’s early Premier League dominance. He was a maverick on and off the pitch and retired while still at the top of his game.

3. George Best

Best was one of football’s true artists, dazzling fans with flair, dribbling, and two-footed brilliance. Though his off-pitch lifestyle was infamous, his on-pitch magic remains timeless.

2. Garrincha

One of Brazil’s most beloved legends, Garrincha was a wizard with the ball and vital to their 1958 and 1962 World Cup wins. His dribbling, despite physical disabilities, remains among the best ever seen.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo redefined what it means to wear the number 7 shirt, becoming the highest scorer in football history. With five Ballons d’Or, five Champions Leagues, and major titles in three countries, he stands atop this legendary list.