Portugal calls BVB striker Fabio Silva to the squad after Ronaldo’s departure

The 24‑year‑old striker Fabio Silva of Borussia Dortmund was called up by coach Jorge Jesus to the 23‑man squad of the Portuguese national team, after Cristiano Ronaldo left the team camp early. Silva receives jersey number 17 and is now ready for the Nations League match against Denmark.

Ronaldo leaves the team camp

Cristiano Ronaldo traveled on Wednesday evening from the Portuguese team camp to Madrid, because he was not included in the starting lineup for the matches against Norway or Denmark. The superstar used a private plane to leave the camp, delivering a surprising shock.

Silva's rise at BVB

Silva had a brilliant start to the season with Borussia Dortmund: BVB sits at the top of the Bundesliga, and Silva scored four goals in six league matches. So far this season he has appeared six times for the club, scoring four goals and setting up another.

Ronaldo refuses to return to Portugal while Jesus stays in charge

New jersey numbers and veteran statistics

With the call‑up, Rafael Leão takes the number 7, which Ronaldo has worn since 2008, after Leão previously wore number 17. The 41‑year‑old Ronaldo has so far earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals. Leão, 27, has been playing this season together with Leroy Sané for Galatasaray Istanbul.

The squad change gives Silva the chance to celebrate a comeback in the red jersey after his debut on 18 November 2024 – 683 days after his first appearance for Portugal. The official UEFA match report sheet lists him for the upcoming duel against Denmark.

Ronaldo stays with Portugal despite bench controversy

Whether Silva actually gets playing time will be shown by the match against Denmark. Should he play, he could bring his current Bundesliga form into the national team and thus make an important contribution for the Selecao.