Rafael Leão Takes Ronaldo’s No. 7 Shirt For Portugal

Rafael Leão has been handed Portugal’s iconic No. 7 shirt following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.

UEFA’s current player profile for the Galatasaray winger lists Leão as Portugal’s No. 7, marking a significant change after Ronaldo wore the number for almost two decades.

Ronaldo left the national team camp following several days of uncertainty surrounding his role under head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese Football Federation subsequently confirmed that preparations for the Denmark match would continue with the remaining players.

However, the change in shirt number does not confirm Ronaldo’s retirement from international football.

Ronaldo confirmed his decision to leave the camp but did not formally announce an end to his Portugal career. Portuguese newspaper O Jogo later reported that the forward had made a final and irreversible decision not to represent the national team again.

Leão previously wore No. 17 for Portugal, including at the 2026 World Cup, while Ronaldo had become closely associated with the No. 7 shirt during his long international career.

The latest development could signal a new chapter for Portugal, although Ronaldo’s international future has yet to be formally confirmed by the player.

Leão is also beginning a new chapter at club level after joining Galatasaray from AC Milan on August 30.

The Turkish club signed the Portuguese winger for a fixed fee of €38 million on a four-year contract.