Portugal's number 7 switches from CR7 to RL7

Rafael Leão has been designated to wear the number 7 for the Portugal national team in the Nations League match against Denmark, scheduled for Thursday evening, after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the squad, according to the updated UEFA list this morning.

Official number change

Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure, nicknamed CR7, was described as a “false leap” by observers, the 41‑year‑old having left the training camp and taken a private flight to Madrid. He posted on Instagram that he would explain the reasons for his withdrawal “in due time”.

In accordance with Article 37 of the competition regulations, UEFA states that “numbers 1 to 23 must be assigned to players for league phase matches”. With Ronaldo absent, the number 7 had to be reassigned, and the role was given to the Galatasaray striker.

Leão's career and other adjustments

Rafael Leão has already worn the 7 in Sporting's youth teams and during his spell at Lille, but in the senior team he mainly sported numbers 15 and 17. This time, he dons the iconic number for the first time with the senior squad.

Jorge Jesus' broken promise fuels Ronaldo's sense of betrayal

The change comes with another adjustment: Dortmund player Fabio Silva now takes the number 17, a number he did not wear in the last call‑up.

Reactions and outlook

Euro teammate Edu Aguirre criticised Ronaldo's departure, stating: “And then he shows up at the press conference and tells those countless lies that no one believes him”.

Ronaldo's sister, Elma Aveiro, also responded on Instagram: “CR7 deserved more respect”. Portuguese fans, for their part, see the passing of the 7 to Leão as a “death blow” for the legend.

Elma Aveiro says Portugal doomed to mediocrity after Ronaldo quits

The match against Denmark will be played in Copenhagen, and the decision to keep the number 7 on Leão for upcoming gatherings remains uncertain. Portugal, under the guidance of Jorge Jesus, is preparing to face the Danes without its former captain, while hoping the new 7 can meet expectations.