Carmelo Anthony Relives Real Madrid Memories With Special Gift From Vini Jr. at MSG

The Madison Square Garden crowd witnessed more than just a Christmas Day thriller when the Knicks took on the Spurs. For Carmelo Anthony, it was the perfect festive treat. Not only did his former team notch a dramatic win, but Melo got a heartwarming surprise from none other than Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. As the basketball legend mingled with the soccer sensation, it became a nostalgic walk down memory lane for Melo, rekindling his Real Madrid connection.

The game itself was a nail-biter as Victor Wembanyama made jaws drop with a stellar performance, logging 42 points, 18 rebounds, and four blocks. Despite his heroics, the Spurs couldn’t get past the Knicks, falling 117-114. But the post-game spotlight shifted to the sideline moment between Melo and Vini Jr., where Anthony proudly held up a signed Real Madrid jersey from the Brazilian winger.

What made the moment even more special was the number on the jersey: 7. “You got the number right,” Melo quipped with a grin, referencing the iconic number he wore during his playing career. The jersey held deeper significance, though, as Carmelo Anthony’s ties to Real Madrid go back years, long before this chance meeting at MSG.

Back in 2014, Melo visited a Real Madrid training session in Los Angeles alongside his friend Dontaye Draper, who played for the club’s basketball team. Anthony’s admiration for Los Blancos was no secret. “I’m a Madridista,” he declared, calling Cristiano Ronaldo his favorite player. That day, Melo even showed off his soccer skills, juggling and taking penalties with a flair that surprised everyone.

And that wasn’t his only brush with Madrid glory. In 2017, Anthony attended the Champions League final between Real Madrid and Juventus, witnessing Los Blancos dominate 4-1. But as much as he connects to the Los Blancos, he also connects the same—if not more with the no. 7 jersey.

Why Carmelo Anthony loves No. 7

There’s more to Carmelo Anthony’s choice of No. 7 than meets the eye. For Melo, it’s deeply personal. The first reason? His son Kiyan’s birthday falls on March 7. And the second? Some simple math. Throughout his career, Melo rocked No. 15 with the Nuggets and Syracuse, while wearing No. 22 during high school at Oak Hill Academy. When you subtract 15 from 22, you get seven. “It’s that simple,” as Melo might say.

Not only does the number carry personal meaning, but Melo’s first outing with the Knicks showed he was ready to embrace the switch. “Right now, seven is a great number, I don’t see why not,” Anthony said, following his explosive debut, dropping 27 points on 10-of-25 shooting to lead the Knicks past the Bucks in a 114-108 win. It was a new number for a new chapter, and he owned it with flair.

But seven wasn’t exactly Melo’s first choice when he arrived in New York. The Knicks had already retired No. 15 for Earl Monroe and Dick McGuire, and No. 22 was hanging in the rafters for Dave DeBusschere. Left without his signature numbers, Anthony turned seven into his identity with the team.

And what a legacy he built. By 2019, Melo openly hoped his No. 7 jersey would join the others in the rafters of Madison Square Garden. “Anybody would want that opportunity if it’s there,” he said. “Hopefully, they’ll hang ‘7’ somewhere up there.” Fast forward five years, and while the wait continues, Melo’s No. 7 still symbolizes his unforgettable Knicks tenure.