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The Weight of the Number 7

In most clubs, the number 10 is the most prestigious jersey. At Real Madrid, it is the Number 7. It is a shirt reserved not just for the best player, but for the spiritual leader of the team.

The lineage begins with Raymond Kopa and Amancio Amaro, but it became a cult symbol with Juanito in the 80s—a player defined by his passion and "never surrender" attitude.

The "7" Dynasty

  • Juanito (1977-1987): The soul of the comeback.
  • Emilio Butragueño (1984-1995): The genius of the academy.
  • Raúl González (1994-2010): The eternal captain.
  • Cristiano Ronaldo (2010-2018): The greatest goalscorer.
  • Vinícius Jr (2023-Present): The new heir.

Passing the Torch

When Cristiano Ronaldo left in 2018, the shirt became heavy. Mariano Díaz struggled to carry the burden, and Eden Hazard, signed for €115M, famously failed to live up to the legacy due to injuries.

In 2023, Vinícius Jr requested the number, signaling his readiness to lead the new generation. Unlike the "Number 10" (worn by Figo, Özil, Modric) which represents creativity, the Madrid "7" represents voracity and leadership.

It is a shirt that demands goals. Cristiano Ronaldo scored 450 goals in it. Raúl scored 323. The Bernabéu crowd is notoriously patient with young players, but they demand immediate excellence from whoever wears the 7.