2003 – David Beckham

^{ABOUT DAVID BECKHAM IN THIS ERA}

David Beckham, renowned for his time with Manchester United and the England national team, was synonymous with the iconic number seven shirt. However, upon his transfer to Real Madrid, he encountered a unique challenge: the number seven was already assigned to the club captain, Raúl. This posed a significant dilemma for Beckham, as he had built a strong identity around that particular number throughout his career.

Ultimately, Beckham chose to wear the number 23 shirt at Madrid, a decision that held personal significance for him. He cited his admiration for legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, who famously wore the same number during his illustrious career with the Chicago Bulls. By adopting the number 23, Beckham not only honored Jordan but also made a statement about his aspirations and influences beyond the football pitch.

This choice reflected Beckham’s ability to blend his personal style with a nod to the world of sports, creating a unique identity in La Liga. His time at Real Madrid would further enhance his global brand, as he continued to captivate fans with his performances and charisma, all while carrying the legacy of the number 23 on his back.