10. Garrincha (Brazil)
Known as little bird, Garrincha preferred to play in the right wing position and would cut inside from the wings to score a goal. By almost all eminent personalities in football, Garrincha was considered to be the best dribbler among the lot and hence, defined the nature of the player who dons #7 jersey- a player who is technically excellent. He was a member of the Brazilian squad that won the World Cup in 1962, which was an important one because with Pele injured for the finals, he led the team to victory and received the Golden Ball for The Player of the Tournament.
9. Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine)
Andriy Shevchenko was one of the most prolific goal scorers in the world, and was a feared striker. He donned the #7 jersey while representing his nation Ukraine. At club level, Shevchenko was regarded as a formidable striker who was equally adept at playing in different leagues across the world. He has been an important member of the squad of some of the best teams in the world such as AC Milan and Chelsea. He is the all time highest goal scorer for Ukraine, scoring 48 goals and the fifth top goal scorer in all European competitions with 67 goals. He also was a recipient of the prestigious Ballon d’Or award.
8. Luis Figo (Portugal)
Widely considered as one of the most important players of Portugal, and an influential sportsperson in the country, Luis Figo was one of the best footballers in the world when he was at his peak. He has played with many clubs such as Real Madrid and Inter Milan and has the second highest number of assists in La Liga, with 106 assists, second only to Lionel Messi. He also won the La Liga title, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Cup winner’s Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and an Intercontinental Cup as well. He also won the Serie A title. Internationally he scored 32 goals for Portugal and was an important member of the squad.
7. Frank Ribery
Frank Ribery was a technically gifted player who had both pace and technique into his game, making him a highly dangerous and lethal winger for the oppositions. Whenever Ribery would have the ball, there would be no knowing of what would happen next, because he could dare to attempt the impossible and go on to score spectacular goals as well. Ribery had a strong pair of legs and his shots were explosive, making him dangerous from long range as well. Ribery is also known for his ability to pass the ball with high precision and even though he’s a right footed player, he prefers to play on the left side.
6. Raul Gonzalez (Spain)
Raul was a lethal striker for Real Madrid and Spain and was considered to be the greatest striker ever in Real Madrid’s history. He spent 16 years with the club scoring 323 goals and is the second all time top goal scorer. He won the La Liga titles, Champions League titles, Supercopa de Espana titles and is the third highest goal scorer in Champions League history. In view of his contributions at domestic and international level, he was made as the club captain and is considered to be Spain’s best ever striker till date. His poaching capabilities were extreme and comes at the 6th spot in our countdown.
5. Robert Pires (Arsenal)
Robert Pires was an extremely talented attacking midfielder who could also play on the wings for Arsenal. He won the FA Cups, the Premier League titles, and even won the 1998 FIFA World Cup with France. He managed to gain 79 caps for his country as has been included in the PFA Team of the Year for 2001, 2002 and 2003 season and was considered as the player of the tournament in the 2001 FIFA Confederations cup. He is also regarded as one of the footballing greats by Pele and is voted by Arsenal fans to be the 6th greatest player in the club’s history, and comes at the 5th spot in our countdown.
4. David Beckham (Manchester United)
David Beckham was one of the best wingers at Manchester United and was indeed, one of the best crossers in the entire world. He was a master at set pieces and could score freekicks even if he was 40 yards away from the goal. He was a sublime midfielder and a product of the infamous Class of 92 of the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Beckham would have become the best in the world, if he would have given his 100% towards football. But he shouldn’t have a reason to complain because he has achieved great heights personally and is one of the most influential sportsperson in the world.
3. Eric Cantona (Manchester United)
No matter who comes in the first spot of our countdown, no one can dare to match the aura and the personality of Eric Cantona. He was a gifted player who liked nothing else but to talk, live and play football with his fellows. He had a certain aura with him that made everyone either scared with fear or made them respect him for no reason. Eric Cantona was a sublime striker, who scored at every opportunity that he would either make for himself, or be fed by midfielders of his team. He comes at the 3rd spot in our countdown.
2. George Best, Manchester United
Widely considered as one of the best footballers to have lived on earth, George Best was a truly unique and talented footballer with god gifted abilities, which made him a true #7 player. Best was technically one of the best in England back at his days and created havoc in the heart of defenders whenever he would receive the ball. The best trait about Best was his ability to fool defenders into making sliding tackles by playing a fake shot, and that would leave the momentum of the defenders all ruined, paving the way for him to go on to score a goal.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)
Arguably the best player ever to don the #7 jersey will always remain the Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo. This player has achieved every trophy (except the World Cup) there is to achieve and is perhaps the most successful Portuguese player ever. He has won the Champions League trophy, the La liga title, the Premier League title and many other domestic cups as well, making him a decorated player. All of these were possible because Ronaldo is a world class player and there can be no one who stands close of matching his potentials. The number 7 has been very lucky for him at Manchester United, Portugal national team and Real Madrid.
