Real Madrid News
Vinicius asked for iconic kit at Real Madrid: “Want the #7 of Cristiano, Butragueno, and Raul”
Earlier today, it was confirmed that Vinicius Jr was given the legendary No. 7 shirt at Real Madrid ahead of the 2023/24 season.
The Brazilian international had been wearing the #20 kit for a few years now, but with the #7 becoming vacant following Eden Hazard’s departure, the attacking superstar has been handed the iconic kit.
Now, MARCA has come out with a report claiming that it was Vinicius himself who asked Real Madrid for the No. 7 kit.
As per the report, the 22-year-old speedster told the club officials: “I want the No. 7 of Cristiano, Butragueño, and Raúl.”
The Merengues were understood to be delighted by Vinicius’ request as he is the player who sells the most jerseys at the club and his taking the iconic No. 7 kit made perfect sense from their point of view.
Vinicius has grown into the face of this Real Madrid side over the past couple of seasons with scintillating displays on the pitch.
Given his rapid rise to prominence and the loads of talent and quality he possesses, him being handed the No. 7 shirt always felt only a matter of time.
Some of the greatest players to have represented Real Madrid – Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul Gonzalez, Emilio Butragueno, Raymond Kopa, Amancio, and Juanito have all donned the #7 shirt at the club.
However, in recent years, following the departure of Ronaldo in 2018, it had lost its sheen. Mariano Diaz was given the shirt for the 2018/19 season in what was an ill-advised move. Eden Hazard took it upon his arrival in 2019, but failed to live up to the expectations.
With Vinicius, there is hope and belief that the No. 7 kit will reclaim its iconic status. And the fact that he asked for it shows that the Brazilian is unfazed by pressure and is ready to lead this Real Madrid team from the front following Karim Benzema’s departure.
Real Madrid are back in action in La Liga tonight after the three-week international break as they take on Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Having lost their previous game against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid will be eager to get back to winning ways, especially with Barcelona on track to secure three more points and extending their lead at the top.
Ahead of kickoff at the Santiago Bernabeu later tonight, manager Jose Mourinho has announced the starting lineup that will take the field against Villarreal.
The big headline is that captain Federico Valverde is fit enough to start in midfield after having successfully recovered from the Grade 3 ankle sprain he had sustained during the derby defeat three weeks ago.
The Uruguayan international partners with Aurelien Tchouameni in the middle of the park, while Jude Bellingham continues as the attacking midfielder for the hosts.
Arda Guler and Vinicius Jr. slot in on the flanks, while Kylian Mbappe, having recovered from the minor injury he sustained during the international break, spearheads the attack.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Alvaro Carreras get the nod as the two full-backs flanking the centre-back pairing of Ibrahima Konate and Antonio Rudiger. Thibaut Courtois guards the Real Madrid goal.
📋✅ ¡Nuestro XI inicial! 🆚 @VillarrealCF 👉 @UnicajaBanco https://t.co/t37afOwsPA
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) October 10, 2026
