What is Cristiano Ronaldo’s number when he signs for Real Madrid?
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When Cristiano Ronaldo signed with Real Madrid in 2009, he was given the number 7 jersey, a number that has become inseparable from his identity and legend. This iconic number, already steeped in the history of the Madrid club, would become over the years a symbol of his greatness and influence on world football.
When Cristiano Ronaldo joined Real Madrid in the summer of 2009 in a then-record transfer from Manchester United for €94 million, the Spanish club not only secured the services of an exceptional player, but also an international brand. Ronaldo arrived with an already immense reputation: he had just won the 2008 Champions League, a Ballon d’Or, and was already known for wearing the legendary number 7 at Manchester, a number also associated with mythical figures such as George Best, Eric Cantona, and David Beckham.
However, when he arrived in Madrid, the number 7 was still worn by the club captain, Raúl González Blanco, a historic and respected figure at Real. Out of respect for Raúl, Cristiano Ronaldo initially chose the number 9, which he wore during his first season (2009-2010). It was only after Raúl’s departure in 2010 that Ronaldo officially took over the number 7, the number he had already made famous in England.
Since then, the number 7 has become inseparable from his image and career. He has made it a personal symbol, to the point of making it the heart of his brand: “CR7.” This acronym, combining his initials and his number, has become a global identity, used on his clothing, perfumes, hotels, and accessory lines.
In sporting terms, the number 7 symbolizes Cristiano Ronaldo’s complete transformation at Real Madrid. Wearing the white jersey, he went from being a young prodigy to a goal-scoring machine and undisputed leader. Between 2009 and 2018, he scored 450 goals in 438 official matches, an absolute record in the club’s history. This figure is all the more impressive as it includes 311 goals in La Liga, 105 in the Champions League, and a multitude of decisive goals at crucial moments.
Wearing this legendary number, Ronaldo helped Real Madrid win four Champions Leagues (2014, 2016, 2017, 2018), two La Liga titles, three Club World Cups, and two Copa del Rey titles. He also won four additional Ballon d’Or awards during his time in Madrid (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017), cementing his status as one of the greatest footballers in history.
But the number 7 is not just a statistic or an aesthetic detail. In soccer culture, this number is associated with exceptional players, often creative, fast, and charismatic. Wearing the number 7 at Real Madrid, after legends such as Juanito, Emilio Butragueño, and Raúl, was a heavy legacy to live up to. Far from being content with this, Ronaldo turned it into a symbol of power and ambition, pushing the limits of what was possible game after game.
When Ronaldo left Real Madrid in 2018 to join Juventus, the number 7 remained closely linked to his name. He continued to wear it in Turin, then at Manchester United upon his return in 2021, and even at Al-Nassr, his current club in Saudi Arabia. This number has become an extension of his identity, a universal symbol recognized by fans around the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s number when he signed for Real Madrid was number 7, after a first season wearing number 9. This number, worn with pride and excellence, has transcended sport to become a true international emblem, embodying the hard work, talent, and ambition of a player who has left an indelible mark on the history of soccer.
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What is Cristiano Ronaldo's number when he signs for Real Madrid?
Answer
When he signed with Real Madrid in 2009, Cristiano Ronaldo inherited the legendary number 7 jersey, previously worn by Raúl and made famous by him.