Lisbon’s national-team camp has been reshaped by Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure, and Portugal’s most recognisable shirt now has a new wearer. Rafael Leão has been assigned the No. 7 jersey after UEFA confirmed the revised squad numbering, with the Galatasaray forward taking on a number long bound to Ronaldo’s international career.
Portugal could not leave the number unassigned within its registered group under UEFA regulations, requiring the Portuguese Football Federation to make an immediate change after Ronaldo left the camp. João Félix had been considered a possible candidate to move from No. 11, but the shirt has instead gone to Leão.
At 27, Leão inherits the symbolic number with 50 Portugal appearances behind him. Across those matches, he has scored six goals and supplied eight assists for the national side.
Ronaldo promises an explanation
The renumbering followed Ronaldo’s decision to leave the squad after the national coach’s press conference and a direct conversation with the federation president. The forward later addressed supporters on social media, saying he would explain his departure in full at a later date.
“In due course, I will tell every Portuguese person the truth about the reasons for leaving the national team, a side to which I have always given myself,” Ronaldo said.
He ended his message by offering his backing to the remaining players: “Now is the time to wish Portugal and all my team-mates, without exception, good luck.”
