Why does Cristiano Ronaldo wear number 7?

The start at Sporting CP - Number 28

Cristiano Ronaldo started his professional career at Sporting CP in Portugal, where he played with the number 28 shirt. He was given this number when he broke into the first team.

Manchester United - The Beginning of CR7

In 2003, Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Manchester United , where he was presented with the iconic number 7 shirt by manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Initially, Ronaldo wanted to keep his number 28, knowing the pressure of wearing number 7. Legends like George Best, Eric Cantona , and David Beckham had previously worn it.

But Ferguson had faith in the young Portuguese, and that faith paid off. With the number 7 jersey on his back, Cristiano Ronaldo became a global star, won the Champions League (2008), and captured his first Ballon d'Or.
It was the beginning of the global brand name CR7, a combination of his initials and his iconic back number, visible on all Ronaldo shirts.

Real Madrid - From number 9 to number 7

After winning the Champions League in 2008, Cristiano Ronaldo transferred to Real Madrid for a then-record fee. In his first season, Ronaldo wore the number 9 Real Madrid shirt, as club legend Raúl González still wore number 7.

When Raúl left, Ronaldo got his beloved number 7 shirt back and what happened next no one expected (or did you?).

• 450 goals in 438 games

• 4 Champions League titles

• 4 Ballon d'Ors

The number 7 became the symbol of success, discipline, and ambition. CR7 was no longer just a player, but a global brand.

Juventus - Number 7 remains sacred

In 2018, Ronaldo moved to Juventus in Italy.
Although Juan Cuadrado originally wore number 7, he proudly gave it to Ronaldo.
At Juventus, Cristiano Ronaldo continued to live up to his reputation:

• 2 Serie A titles

• Serie A's top scorer in 2021

• Undiminished influence, even at the age of 36

Ronaldo's number 7 shirt remained his signature, a symbol of hard work, winning and perseverance.

Return to Manchester United

In In 2021, Ronaldo returned to Manchester United, where he was again given his familiar number 7 .
Despite a difficult period for the team, Ronaldo showed that his scoring ability was still unmatched.
His return was an emotional moment for fans and proof that the legend of CR7 lives on.

Al Nassr - Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia

In 2023, Ronaldo continued his career with Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.
Of course, he also chose number 7 for his shirt. Even at 40, Ronaldo remains an inspiration to millions of football fans worldwide.

🇵🇹 Portugal - From number 11 to number 7

Cristiano Ronaldo wore number 11 for Portugal's Under-21 squad.

Cristiano Ronaldo made his official debut for Portugal in 2003 wearing number 17.
His idol Luís Figo wore number 7 at the time, meaning Ronaldo had to settle for number 17 during the 2004 European Championship and 2006 World Cup.

After Figo's retirement in 2006, Ronaldo took over the number 7 — and it marked the beginning of his era in charge of Portugal .
With number 7 on his back he led his country to:

• 🏆 European Championship win in 2016

• 🏆 Nations League title in 2019

• ⚽ Record as all-time top scorer in international football

To this day, Ronaldo still plays with number 7 for Portugal, as a 40-year-old living legend.

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The history of Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt numbers