Rafael Leão has been handed Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark in Copenhagen.
Leão, who normally wears No. 17 for Portugal, has been listed as No. 7 in the official squad details for the Denmark match and the subsequent Nations League fixture against Norway. The change follows Ronaldo’s exit from the national team camp.
Key Highlights
- Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s No. 7 shirt after Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure.
- Leão normally wears No. 17 for the Portuguese national team.
- Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp ahead of the Denmark match.
- Ronaldo announced his departure on Instagram following discussions involving coach Jorge Jesus and
- Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
- Ronaldo did not play in Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
- Leão is listed as Portugal’s No. 7 for the Denmark fixture.
- Portugal are facing Denmark in the UEFA Nations League in Copenhagen.
Leão Takes Over Ronaldo’s Iconic No. 7
The reassignment gives Leão one of the most recognisable shirt numbers in Portuguese football.
Ronaldo had worn Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for almost two decades after taking over the number in 2007. Leão’s move from No. 17 to No. 7 follows Ronaldo’s departure from the current international camp.
The change is understood to apply to the current Nations League squad, with Portugal required to assign squad numbers for the matchday team.
Portugal’s revised squad list shows Leão as No. 7, while Fábio Silva has been assigned Leão’s previous No. 17 shirt.
Ronaldo Leaves Portugal Camp
Ronaldo announced his departure from Portugal’s training camp on Wednesday, saying he had made the decision after a press conference involving coach Jorge Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later time and wished Portugal and his teammates success.
The 41-year-old had been involved in Portugal’s opening Nations League fixtures but did not play in the 2-1 victory over Norway. Reuters reported that Ronaldo’s departure followed tensions surrounding his role under new coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo and Jorge Jesus Disagree Over Norway Match
Ronaldo’s departure followed his omission from the match against Norway.
Jesus said he had initially told Ronaldo that he would likely feature but later changed his decision based on the circumstances of the match.
The Portuguese coach acknowledged that asking Ronaldo to warm up without eventually bringing him onto the pitch was a mistake, but maintained that team selection remained his responsibility.
“No player will ever make a decision for me,” Jesus said.
Jesus previously coached Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr before taking charge of Portugal.
Ronaldo’s Final Appearance Came Against Wales
Ronaldo’s only appearance during the current international window came in Portugal’s 1-0 victory over Wales.
He started the match and played 67 minutes before being substituted. Portugal subsequently defeated Norway 2-1 without Ronaldo taking part.
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Portugal Face Denmark in Nations League
Portugal travel to Copenhagen for the Nations League encounter with Denmark as they continue their Group A4 campaign.
The team began the international window with victories over Wales and Norway and are currently top of the group.
With Ronaldo absent, Leão will now wear the No. 7 shirt against Denmark, marking a significant change in Portugal’s matchday squad.
