A Winger is one of the most important roles in a football team. Although not every team uses a formation that has wingers, this position later gave birth to many of the world's best players such as Gareth Bale, Cristiano Ronaldo, Eden Hazard, Jesus Navas and many more.
Here's a list of the famous wingers or so-called "number 7's" throughout history.
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The Brazilian national team does not have too many stand out wingers. Maybe because this position attracts less attention than the strikers. From the few of the Brazilian wingers, Roberto Rivelino is one of the best examples. This player helped Brazil win the World Cup in 1970 and popularized a trick called "flip-flop," an action to outwit the opponent defender on the sidelines by shaking legs to the right and to the left. This movement was later imitated by many of today's football players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho.
9) Tom Finney
Tom Finney's playing career lasted from 1946 to 1960, for all that while he only donned a jersey of the same club, season in-season out, Preston North End. Tom was one of the most important members of the English side in that era. Blessed with quick feet and trickery, Finney managed to mesmerize crowds. But failed to win a trophy in his long career. He recently passed away this year.
8) Francisco Gento
Known as 'Paco' amongst team mates, Gento the legendary winger was the third man alongside Di Stefano and Puskas in the triumvirate of geniuses of Real Madrid’s golden age. Well known for his speed, and his great skills the Spanish legend won 6 European trophies, and has appeared in record eight finals for the Madrid club.
7) Luis Figo
The love child of Portuguese football, Luis Figo is one of the names which hits you, when they say wingers! Well know for his ability to go past defenders and his creativity, Figo could also play as a play maker or a attacking midfielder if asked for. European player of the year in 2000 and Fifa world player of the year in 2001, Figo was one of the greatest of his generation.
6) Arjen Robben
Direct, pacey and dangerous are just some of the adjectives that one would tag when it comes to Arjen Robben. Robben came to prominence during his stint at Chelsea. Arjen is an unorthodox winger, who doesn't like to spray the ball in, instead he takes it to himself and sends a shot at the goal at every given opportunity. The Dutch winger scored the winning goal in the 2013 Champions league finals.
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4) George Best
Simply the best British player ever to be born. Man United legend, went on to become one of the best in the world. Sir George Best was nicknamed as the 'Fifth Beatle'. He was a phenomenon and is still worshipped by many.
3) David Beckham
The man who is known for his styling and hair cuts, is also known for his pin point crossing. David could easily place a ball anywhere you ask him too. The richest footballer of all time, David Beckham has the looks and career to be envied off.
2) Garrincha
Standing at just 5ft 6 inches, Garrincha was a man who possessed short stature. Regarded as millions of Brazilians as better than Pele, the architect of two World cup wins, Garrincha played as a right winger. His sudden turn of pace was his most gifted feature as he left defenders gasping.
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Cruyff is the playmaker of the scheme called "total football" tactic, a strategy where all players are required to move from one position to another position actively. As a commander of the team, Cruyff had a very big responsibility in organizing the offense and defense. Although he is not a pure winger, he often carried out attacks from the side-lines. Normally, he would dribble into the penalty box from the sidelines and tried to score goals. Sometimes, Cruyff also sent accurate crosses to the striker.
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