Rafael Leão was assigned Ronaldo's No. 7 jersey on the Portuguese national team
The Portuguese national team has decided on a new wearer of the legendary No. 7 jersey following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure. Forward Rafael Leão will wear No. 7 in the upcoming Nations League match against Denmark.
Previously, the winger for Istanbul’s Galatasaray played with the number 17. The jersey has now been passed on to Fábio Silva of Borussia Dortmund. Cristiano Ronaldo had worn the No. 7 for two decades.
Portugal’s all-time leader in goals and appearances left the national team camp amid controversy. The veteran was dissatisfied with being benched for the entire Nations League match against Norway (2–1). Portugal’s head coach, Jorge Jesus, allegedly violated an agreement regarding Ronaldo’s playing time.
Leão made his debut for the Portuguese national team in the fall of 2021. Since then, he has played in 50 matches, scoring six goals. As a member of the national team, the forward has participated in two World Cups and Euro 2024.
As a reminder, Ronaldo faces a six-month suspension following a conflict with the Portuguese national team’s head coach.
Portuguese national team forward Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team’s training camp and missed the last three training sessions following a conflict with head coach Jorge Jesus.
In Denmark, 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo left the Portugal national team’s training camp. This happened a few hours after head coach Jorge Jesus announced that the striker would not start in the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark.
