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Who will continue the legacy of the number 7 jersey at Real Madrid? The number 7 has always been a jersey worn by legendary players like Juanito, Raul Gonzalez and Cristiano Ronaldo.
After Ronaldo's departure to Juventus, who will get the prestige to wear that number? Will a new signing get the opportunity to wear the famous jersey straight away?
Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players ever to wear a Real Madrid jersey. Any doubts about this fact can be cleared up after seeing his numbers in the white jersey. He scored more than 40 goals for eight consecutive seasons each, including 61 in the 2014-15 season. In total, Ronaldo ended up with 450 goals in a mere 438 games!
This number includes the staggering 311 goals he scored in La Liga and 105 goals in the Champions League which, currently stands as a record.
Real Madrid respects their great players, and Florentino Perez will look to maintain the legacy of the number 7 jersey.
We look at the three most suitable players who can be next in line to take up the iconic jersey.
#3 Gareth Bale
If Florentino Pérez fails to replace Ronaldo in this transfer window, Gareth Bale could be the most likely candidate to succeed him.
Currently Bale wears his favoured number 11 jersey, but he would gleefully accept the opportunity to take up Ronaldo's number. The Welshman so far has had a stop-start career with the Spanish giants. But with him back to full fitness and scintillating form, Bale has a chance to write a new chapter.
Even in his limited appearances, Gareth Bale has always tried to impress his fans and the manager. His future at Real Madrid still looks to be in doubt, but Cristiano's move to Turin will be enough to thrust him into the limelight should he accept to stay with Los Blancos.
#2 Eden Hazard or Kylian Mbappe
Both players had been linked with a blockbuster move to Real Madrid even before Ronaldo moved to Juventus. If either of them join, there is a good probability he will get a chance to wear the iconic number 7 shirt.
Hazard will be the cheaper of the two, considering Mbappe's age and the menace he was at the World Cup. Last season, Hazard completed the most number of dribbles, second only to Messi in Europe's top 5 leagues. He can be the perfect fit for Real Madrid, playing on the left wing similar to the man he might replace.
On the other hand, Kylian Mbappe was the best young player at the World Cup, and is only 19, meaning that he possesses a lot of potential to improve. His darting runs from the right-flank sparked terror in the eyes of defenders. His arrival at the Bernabeu could be a highly profitable deal as his best years are yet to come.
Mbappe is an emerging star and would surely become one of the best players in the world, so splashing the cash on him would signal a serious statement of intent from the Real Madrid board.
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#1 Isco
A midfielder? Yes!
He currently wears number 22 on his back and would love to switch to the magical number 7.
Isco is one of the most talented attacking midfielders in the world. He had often been benched at Real Madrid by Zinedine Zidane, but proved his worth in the Spanish Jersey at the World Cup. He was Spain's best player as he left his markers behind with his slick tricks, and created chances to score goals.
He has often been linked to a move away from Madrid, but keeping him happy is important for Real Madrid as he remains a key player for their future. Giving this jersey to him would be a sign of the trust Real Madrid has for him.
His versatility is also a huge surplus for Real Madrid as he can operate both as a midfielder and a winger. It is important that Julen Lopetegui gives him the appropriate amount of game-time to flourish.
Who should wear number 7 next season? Have your say in the comments.
