You are currently viewing The History of Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 Shirt and His Jersey Number
The History of Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 Shirt and His Jersey Number

One of the most recognizable numbers in football is still the number seven. Over the years, many legends have donned shirts featuring this number on the back.

Although numbered football uniforms were initially used to indicate a player’s position, several numbers became legendary due to the heights attained by players wearing them, particularly in attack.

Famously, Pele, Lionel Messi, Diego Maradona, and other greats of the game have worn the No. 10. Similar in scale are the No. 7 jerseys used by players such as David Beckham, George Best, Cristiano Ronaldo, and others at Manchester United.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s original number, which he wore when he played for Sporting Lisbon in Portugal, was quickly No. 28, not the No. 7 he wore today.

What is the backstory of the No. 7 jersey worn by Cristiano Ronaldo?

Ronaldo

In a 2003 friendly encounter, Ronaldo, then eighteen, faced Manchester United. The youthful striker performed remarkably well, causing the Red Devils’ defense to buckle and drawing the attention of Sir Alex Ferguson, the famed Manchester United manager. Ronaldo inked a contract with the Old Trafford team just one week later.

As it happened, Manchester United legend David Beckham had just signed a contract to join Real Madrid—a team that Ronaldo would later play for. Sir Alex offered Ronaldo the honor and duty of honoring the legendary jersey now that the No. 7 shirt was empty.

Later, Ronaldo admitted, “I was petrified,” acknowledging that he was under much pressure to perform well after donning the No. 7 shirt. “Beckham wore that garment, and I knew it. However, I accepted the challenge, and that number has been fortunate for me ever since.

At Real Madrid, Ronaldo also wore the No. 7 shirt, albeit he had to make do with it. Nine shirts for a while. He had the same number throughout his second spell at Manchester United and while at Juventus. Ronaldo sports the same number even when playing for Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

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