Can Portugal thrive without its legendary No. 7? The sudden exit has already forced a surprising swap, with the famed shirt set to appear on a new player when the Selecão returns to Nations League action.
Ronaldo has worn the number since 2008, turning it into one of the most recognizable shirt numbers in international soccer. With the 41‑year‑old absent, the Selecão must adjust ahead of its meeting with Denmark.
The change ties directly to UEFA’s squad‑number rules. For Nations League matches, teams must submit a roster with consecutive shirt numbers from 1 to 23, so an empty No. 7 can’t stay vacant when Ronaldo is out of the squad.
That rule has already forced Portugal to hand the number to others during injuries, suspensions or rests. Goncalo Guedes, Carlos Forbs and Bruma are among those who have worn No. 7 in Ronaldo’s past absences.
Cristiano Ronaldo #7 of Portugal congratulates Lamine Yamal #19 of Spain
The latest switch comes under very different circumstances. The 41‑year‑old left camp after controversy surrounding his unused substitute role in the 2-1 win over Norway, later saying he’d explain his departure later.
Who will get Ronaldo’s iconic shirt?
Now the player taking the famous number is Rafael Leao, normally No. 17 for Portugal. The Galatasaray winger has been given No. 7, while Fabio Silva takes over No. 17 to keep the sequence intact, RTP reported RTP.
For my money, the change is a symbolic passing of the torch, as Ronaldo turned No. 7 into his identity and another player wearing it feels striking as Portugal prepares for life without its record scorer.
Rafael Leao of Portugal.
Leão has logged 50 appearances for Portugal and scored six goals since his senior debut in 2021. He’s also featured in two World Cups and Euro 2024, but wearing No. 7 against Denmark will inevitably spark comparisons with the legend who made the shirt globally synonymous with Portugal.
There is a catch to the No. 7 switch
The biggest detail is that Leao’s new No. 7 assignment is for the Denmark match, not a permanent loss for Ronaldo.
RTP says Leão moves from No. 17 to No. 7 for the fixture, with Fabio Silva taking his old number. Meanwhile, UEFA’s official database temporarily lists both Ronaldo and Leão as No. 7, showing the swap is match‑day specific.
That distinction matters because Ronaldo’s long‑term international future remains unclear. The 41‑year‑old has left camp, and reports question a possible retirement, yet Ronaldo himself has not officially announced the end of his international career.
Will Leão cement his place as Portugal’s new talisman?
Ronaldo’s departure followed turbulent days under Jesus. He sat on the bench throughout Portugal’s victory over Norway despite warming up, then missed a training session before exiting the camp.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal warms up as a substitute
Jesus explained his choices as what he believed best for the team, while Ronaldo later said he’d reveal his reasons later. Portugal now faces Denmark without its captain and all‑time scorer.