Real Madrid have a long list of legendary players who have worn the number 7 jersey. Some of the names that come to mind immediately are Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Amancio, Raymond Kopa, Juanito and Emilio Butragueno. It is safe to say that it is a heavy shirt to wear and unfortunately, despite having all the talent in the world, Eden Hazard has not been able to do it justice.
Hazard had already established himself as a Premier League legend at Chelsea, before making the move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2019. It was a Galactico signing to say the very least, as the club shattered their transfer record to bring the Belgian to Santiago Bernabeu. And it made all the sense in the world to hand him the number 7 jersey, as he was expected to be the face of the team moving forward.
Unfortunately, things have not gone according to plan. Real Madrid’s move for Hazard has proven to be a mistake. He barely comes off the bench these days.
Hazard’s last appearance in the league came back in September and he is expected to depart in the summer. On the other hand, it looks like the club already have plans in place for the number 7 jersey.
Real Madrid star set to be offered number 7 jersey
As tweeted out by Bruno Andrade, Real Madrid will offer a shirt number change to Vinicius Junior next season. The Brazilian can wear the number 7 or 11.
Vinicius has established himself as a superstar at Real Madrid over the past couple of years. He even scored the Champions League winner last season against Liverpool. Thus, it would make sense for the club to hand him a more commercially successful shirt number like 7 or 11.
On the other hand, it remains to be seen what the future holds for Hazard. He is expected to leave but there would still be a year left on his contract. And it would not be very simple to find him a new club.
As for Asensio, he continues to play a role in the team, even if he is not a starter. His contract runs out in the summer and it remains to be seen if he is handed a new one.