Is there luck in the No.7 shirt?

Superstition in Sport

You could say superstitions have always hovered around the subconscious mind of sports athletes and fans. From lucky boots to pre-game rituals, superstitions have woven their way into the fabric of sporting culture.

On the football pitch, one firmly held superstition centres around the No. 7 shirt. Some even regard it a symbol of skill, flair, and success.  

The No. 7 has been worn by some of the greatest footballers in history. From Ronaldo and Beckham, to Mbappe and more recently Lauren James. But is there any proof that there’s any luck in the No. 7 football shirt?

Who wears No.7

No. 7 is usually worn by the winger or supporting forward – a position that demands speed, agility, and goal-scoring prowess – making him/her one of the most important players on the pitch. A signal to fans and opponents that they’re one to watch.

Skill over Superstition

Many of the players wearing No. 7 have given us dazzling pitch performances, but surely their success can’t just be attributed to the number on their back?

It’s about skill, dedication, and hard work. A player’s success is driven by their ability to master the game.  Plus the hours and hours of training, team dynamics, physical and mental preparedness, and their tactical understanding on the field.

The No. 7 shirt may have been worn by some iconic footballers, but it’s their talent and passion that paved the way for their success. And with it, drawbacks.  

Players who wear No.7 must feel confident but they probably also feel an enormous responsibility to live up to the legacy of those who have worn it before. Added motivation perhaps, to push them harder.

Superstars in No.7 

•       Legends like George Best, Eric Cantona, Kylian Mbappe, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo have all worn No.7 and their incredible skill and achievements have reinforced the number’s popularity.
•       Cristiano Ronaldo – our favourite No.7 – moved from Man United to Real Madrid to become one of the best goal scorers ever. He worked hard to fine-tune his talent, scoring every type of goal; from long-range and free kicks to miraculous headers and powerful strikes from inside the box.
•       Swiss-born Alisha Lehmann plays the No.7 spot for Women’s Super League club Aston Villa and the Switzerland national team. This Aston Villa star has just celebrated her 50th cap for Switzerland. Congratulations Alisha!
•       Manchester United made the No. 7 shirt iconic by putting their best players in it. David Beckham’s reaction to wearing it proves its significance. “It always was an inspiration for me, but it was never my shirt. It was George Best’s, Bryan Robson’s, Eric Cantona’s. The only reason I wanted to wear the No 7 shirt was because of these players. I didn’t see it as an intimidation, I saw it as an honour … I always wanted the No 7 shirt, I just never thought I’d get it. And when the manager decided to give it to me, it was special.”
•       England Women’s national team No.7, Lauren James is one to watch, currently playing for Chelsea – where she’s twice won the Women’s Super League. Lauren has always played in a high pedigree environment, moving from Arsenal to Man United in 2018, where she won the Championship.

It’s a Numbers Game

Football is a game of skill, teamwork, and sacrifice. 

Whether you wear a 7, 9, or 11, it’s the collective effort and understanding between players that leads to victory. 

Superstitions might make for dressing room banter, but they don’t hold power on the pitch. The players do. What really matters is the beautiful game and the players who make it happen. 

So, lace up those boots – and if you don’t have any in your size, head over to kitround listings and see what’s available in “Buy our Boots” for men, women and kids today.

And when you’re the proud owner of your boots, get on the pitch, and leave superstition behind, ’cause you make your own destiny out there!!