The reason why Cristiano Ronaldo wears number 7
Ever since Cristiano Ronaldo burst onto the scene in 2003, he has always been wearing the number 7 shirt. Ronaldo's association with this number is famous and he has even created a global brand, CR7. Interestingly, seven was not always his number of choice. Read on to find out what made him choose his now-iconic shirt.
Sir Alex Ferguson had convinced Ronaldo to don the number
When Ronaldo was playing for Sporting CP, he wore the shirt numbered 28. Wearing this number, he gave United players a tough time in a friendly match. After United bought him, Ferguson recognized his talent and offered him the number 7 shirt, earlier worn by United greats like Beckham, Best, and Cantona. Though he wanted 28, Ronaldo agreed to take up the challenge.
How did Ronaldo end up getting number 7 everywhere?
When Ronaldo joined Real Madrid, he was initially given the number 9 shirt as Real captain Raul was assigned 7. After Raul retired, Real's number 7 jersey was given to the Portuguese superstar. Ronaldo started his international career with the number 17, as captain Figo was already wearing the number 7. When Figo hung up his boots, the shirt went to Ronaldo automatically.
CR7 is now a global brand
After finding immense success with the jersey number 7, Ronaldo was dubbed 'CR7' by the media. The Juventus marksman then started using this moniker everywhere, and his businesses also carry the logo 'CR7'. The CR7 brand now has hotels, museums, footwear and a host of other products under its wing. Truly a global phenomenon from the back of a football shirt.
How did Ronaldo manage to get 7 at Juventus?
Colombian international Juan Cuadrado was already wearing the number 7 at Juventus before Ronaldo arrived. Ronaldo stated that he talked to the Juventus management and Cuadrado, he urged both parties that he would like to continue with his CR7 brand. Cuadrado did not hesitate to vacate his jersey for the club's biggest ever signing.
