Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt has been handed to Rafael Leão following Cristiano Ronaldo’s dramatic departure from the national team camp.
UEFA’s current player profile for the Galatasaray winger lists him as Portugal’s No. 7, marking a significant change after Ronaldo wore the number for almost two decades.
The change comes as Portugal prepare for their UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark without Ronaldo.
The 41-year-old forward left the squad after several turbulent days surrounding his role under head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed that preparations would continue with the remaining players.
However, the change of shirt number does not by itself mean Ronaldo has retired from international football.
Ronaldo confirmed his decision to leave the camp but did not formally announce the end of his Portugal career. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo later reported that his decision not to represent the national team again was final and irreversible.
Leão previously wore No. 17 for Portugal, including during the 2026 World Cup, while Ronaldo had become synonymous with the No. 7 shirt.
The latest change is therefore one of the clearest signs of a possible new era for Portugal, although Ronaldo’s international future has not been formally confirmed by the player.
Leão has also begun a new chapter at club level after joining Galatasaray from AC Milan on August 30.
The Turkish club completed the transfer for a fixed fee of €38 million and handed the Portuguese winger a four-year contract.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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