This is one part in our series looking at the best players to wear (almost) every number in MLS history. To read the other stories, click here.



The No. 7 is often reserved for a club or nation’s best player. It’s a number that is carefully assigned, and one that carries with it a level of responsibility perhaps only second to the No. 10. Manchester United’s No. 7s have included Eric Cantona, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo. Real Madrid’s No. 7 shirt went from a Bernabeu legend like Raúl to Ronaldo, before Eden Hazard claimed it last summer.



When determining who the top No. 7s are in MLS history, two former designated players with exceptional international careers quickly jump to the top of the list. And they are joined by a current DP who arrived in Atlanta as a player few outsiders predicted would have the impact on the league that he has.



Robbie Keane, David Villa and Josef Martínez are undoubtedly...