Real Madrid superstar 'declines' offer to wear iconic #7 shirt from next season

Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior has reportedly rejected the club's offer to don the iconic #7 shirt next season. The Brazilian wears the #20 shirt for Los Blancos.

According to ESPN Brazil, Madrid were willing to hand the #7 jersey to Vinicius, but he declined. He could have followed in the footsteps of Cristiano Ronaldo, Raul, Amancio, Raymond Kopa, Juanito and Emilio Butragueno by doing so.

Vinicius arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu from Flamengo in 2018 for €45 million. He wore the #20 with Mengão before donning #25 when he first joined Les Merengues. He went back to #20 in 2020.

The Brazilian explained why he decided to change shirt numbers, saying that it's his preferred number and has brought him luck in his career (via Real Madrid Unofficial):

“Number 20 has brought me good luck. In Flamengo, I was very happy, and I made my debut wearing number 20. My first games in professional football were with this number, and this season, I had the opportunity to change, and I feel more comfortable."

If Vinicius had taken the #7 shirt next season, it would likely have meant Eden Hazard's exit from the club.

The Belgian attacker is Real Madrid's current #7, but his future at the Bernabeu is in doubt. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano says that the former Chelsea winger is expected to leave in the summer if a good offer comes in.