Europe's Elite Number 7s: Ranking the New Kings of Football

Few numbers carry as much weight as the number seven in football. It is the number worn by legends of the game- George Best, David Beckham, Raul, CR7, a number that symbolizes goals, clutch moments, and dominance. Let’s take a look at seven of the top elite number 7s across the top five leagues.

7. Mason Mount – Manchester United

Carrying Manchester United’s historic number seven, Mason Mount’s first two seasons at the club were turbulent and riddled with injuries. However, he still remains one of the most promising number sevens in Europe. United’s seven, once worn by legends like Cantona, Best, Beckham, and CR7, holds a heavy expectation of perfection. For Mason Mount, it would be a test of his character. Under Ruben Amorim’s system, Mount has been granted a more centralized and important role in United’s midfield. He showed flashes of brilliance in last week’s home game against Sunderland, netting an important goal in the first half to secure three points for the Red Devils. If Mount can rediscover his Chelsea form and adapt under Amorim’s new system, it would be only a matter of time before he restores pride to one of the club’s most iconic numbers.

6. Xavi Simons - Tottenham Hotspurs

After Son’s departure, Tottenham were in desperate need of a new attacking core. This summer, Spurs have secured the Netherlands attacking midfielder from RB Leipzig for 60 million Euros. In the new Premier League season, Simons must prove himself worthy to be entrusted the number 7: not only by his numbers, but by fitting into Spurs’ rebuild and establishing himself as a leader for this young and upcoming team.

5. Omar Marmoush – Manchester City

On the other side of Manchester, City’s Egyptian attacker Marmoush seems to have already quickly adapted to the Premier League. After his transfer from Frankfurt, Marmoush has netted 8 goals, standing out as one of the most reliable attacking threats for the light blues. Under Pep Guardiola’s refined system, Marmoush would have to utilize his creative playmaking and explosive runs to lift City back to the Premier League title.

4. Kvicha Kvaratskhelia – PSG

Kvaratskhelia remains one of Europe’s most elite wingers. His arrival at PSG last winter marked the tactical evolution of the club under Luis Enrique. The post Neymar-Mbappe PSG relies less on individual superstar performances, rather on teamwork through player movements and fluid passing. Kvara’s take-ons from both wings were crucial to PSG’s Champions League-winning season last year. He has established himself as one of the driving forces in PSG’s new, energetic, and ambitious young squad.

3. Florian Wirtz – Liverpool FC

Florian Wirtz’s arrival at Anfield at a price tag of 125 million Euros made him the 7^th most expensive transfer of all time (now 8^th, surpassed by his teammate Alexander Isak). However, Wirtz has still struggled to adapt to England, recording 0 total goal contributions in his first nine matches, starkly contrasting with his 30 goal contributions last season with Leverkusen. Wearing Liverpool’s historical number 7, he faces growing pressure to rediscover the form that made him a star in the Bundesliga. Coach Arne Slot has been patient with Wirtz, stating that this slow start will not determine Wirtz’s season, confident that his player would be able to bounce back and prove his worth.

2. Bukayo Saka – Arsenal

The number 7 at Arsenal has been worn by names like Pires and Alexis Sanchez, some of the best wingers of their generation. Bukayo Saka has more than successfully inherited this number. One of the most consistent players in Europe, Saka has proved with time that he is the star of Arsenal and the face of the Premier League. Coming up from the Arsenal Academy, Saka is a true Gunner, making his professional debut for the red and white at 17 years old after being discovered by coach Unai Emery. Under Mikel Arteta, Saka has improved his game, becoming one of the most unstoppable forwards in the world. Saka is looking to lead this bright and promising Arsenal squad to their first Premier League title, bringing back the glory days of Highbury Stadium.

1.Vinícius Júnior – Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s number 7 is one of the most legendary numbers in all of football. Many crumble under the pressure of carrying it; even Eden Hazard, a star at Chelsea, failed to live up to the weight of Madrid’s iconic number seven. This number symbolizes Real Madrid's dominance in the Champions League. In his first season with the number 7, Vinícius was the driving force behind Real Madrid’s historic 15^th Champions League win, always delivering when it mattered the most. Following that Ballon d’Or-level performance in 23/24, Vinícius has yet to replicate the same success, struggling with the pressures put on his shoulders. Yet, he remains a crucial figure in this star-studded Madrid squad, consistently producing 40 goal contributions for the past 4 seasons. Under new coach Xabi Alonso, Vini will aim to regain his title as the best player in the world and lead the new Real Madrid toward another Champions League dynasty.