By Taibat Ummi Yakubu
One of the most iconic shirt numbers in world football has a new owner, at least for now.
Rafael Leão has been handed Portugal’s famous No. 7 jersey following Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the national team camp ahead of the country’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark. UEFA’s official squad list for the fixture shows the Galatasaray winger wearing the number long associated with Ronaldo, marking a symbolic moment for Portuguese football.
The development comes amid growing uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s future with the national team after the 41-year-old captain left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen following a reported disagreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo’s exit, saying preparations for upcoming matches would continue with the remaining players.
Ronaldo announced his departure through a social media statement, saying he would explain the reasons behind his decision at a later date. His exit followed days of speculation after he was left on the bench during Portugal’s Nations League victory over Norway and subsequently missed several training sessions.
The reassignment of the No. 7 shirt immediately attracted attention across Europe, given Ronaldo’s close association with the number throughout his legendary international career. Leão had previously worn No. 17 for Portugal, including at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but now steps into one of football’s most recognisable jerseys.
However, the shirt change does not automatically signal the end of Ronaldo’s international career.
Reports indicate that UEFA competition regulations require all players listed for a match to wear designated squad numbers, meaning Portugal had to reassign the number after Ronaldo’s withdrawal from the squad. As a result, the decision is being viewed by many observers as an administrative necessity rather than an official retirement announcement.
Even so, the move has intensified discussion about whether Portugal is entering a new era without its all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Ronaldo has not formally announced his retirement from international football, and the Portuguese Football Federation has not indicated that his national team career is over.
Leão, meanwhile, is entering a new chapter of his own. The Portuguese winger recently completed a move from AC Milan to Turkish champions Galatasaray, signing a four-year contract after the club agreed a reported €38 million transfer fee.
As Portugal prepare to face Denmark without their longtime captain, all eyes will be on Leão — the man now wearing the shirt that for nearly two decades belonged to Cristiano Ronaldo.
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