7
Real Madrid, one of the most successful football clubs in history, has a longstanding obsession with the number 7. From legendary players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Raul Gonzalez to current stars like Eden Hazard and Mariano Diaz, many have worn the coveted number on their jerseys. But what is the mystique behind this number, and why has it become synonymous with the Spanish giants?
The number 7 has a long history in football, with some of the greatest players in the sport’s history wearing the number with distinction. From George Best and Johan Cruyff to Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the number has become associated with skill, flair, and creativity on the pitch.
For Real Madrid, the number 7 has a special significance. The club’s obsession with the number began in the 1950s, with the arrival of the legendary forward Alfredo Di Stefano. Di Stefano, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, wore the number 9 during his first season at Real Madrid. However, when Hungarian star Ferenc Puskas joined the club the following year, he was given the number 9, leaving Di Stefano to choose a new number.
According to legend, Di Stefano asked for the number 11, but when he saw that it was already taken, he opted for the number 7 instead. From that moment on, the number 7 became associated with Di Stefano and his incredible talents on the pitch. He helped lead Real Madrid to five consecutive European Cups in the 1950s, and his legacy has been immortalized through the number he wore on his back.
Since Di Stefano, many other greats have worn the number 7 for Real Madrid. In the 1990s and early 2000s, Raul Gonzalez established himself as one of the club’s all-time greats, scoring 323 goals in 741 appearances and winning six La Liga titles and three Champions League trophies. In more recent years, Cristiano Ronaldo took up the mantle of the number 7 and cemented his place in Real Madrid folklore, scoring a staggering 450 goals in just 438 appearances and winning four Champions League titles.
But it’s not just about the players who have worn the number – the number 7 has become a symbol of the club’s success and ambition. Real Madrid has always been a club with high expectations, and the number 7 represents the club’s desire to be the best and to win everything. It’s a number that exudes confidence, flair, and creativity – the qualities that Real Madrid has become synonymous with over the years.
So, what’s next for the number 7 at Real Madrid? The current occupant of the jersey, Eden Hazard, has yet to hit the heights that many expected when he arrived from Chelsea in 2019. However, his talent is undeniable, and if he can rediscover his best form, he could join the likes of Di Stefano, Raul, and Ronaldo as a true legend of the number 7 jersey.
In conclusion, the number 7 holds a special place in the history of Real Madrid. From the days of Alfredo Di Stefano to the present day, it has become a symbol of the club’s ambition and success. As the current crop of players look to continue the club’s tradition of excellence, the number 7 will continue to be a source of inspiration and motivation for fans and players alike.
