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Portugal: The Surprising Choice for the Post-Cristiano Ronaldo Era Stuns Everyone

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Portugal has found a unique way to honor Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement from the national team: by changing the design of the number 7 on its national team jersey. A decision that surprised many, but which the Portuguese Football Federation explained as a fitting tribute to one of the most iconic players in soccer history, since it was impossible to retire his number.

The new No. 7, introduced starting with Saturday night’s match against Denmark, will feature a small internal hyphen—a change designed to distinguish the number worn by Ronaldo from those worn by other players. “It’s an alternative way to immortalize the significance of such a special number and honor the legacy it represents,” the FPF explained in a statement. The federation explained that the new design aims to maintain “the same essence and the same pride,” while reserving the old No. 7 “to immortalize Cristiano’s legacy.”

The decision was made after FIFA rejected the request to retire the number 7; the solution was therefore to slightly modify the number’s design by adding a small dash that symbolically “closes” the Ronaldo chapter. The FPF’s move has sparked mixed reactions: some consider it an elegant and meaningful gesture, while others find it a bit contrived. In any case, the Federation has clarified that the goal is to commemorate Ronaldo’s athletic achievements without hindering the national team’s future.


In the match against Denmark, the No. 7 jersey will be worn by Carlos Forbs, a forward for Club Brugge—a choice that surprised many, given that Rafael Leão was considered the favorite to inherit Ronaldo’s jersey. The former Milan player, in fact, had already worn the number 7 in the previous match against Denmark, following Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the national team’s training camp. However, the federation has not yet announced a permanent successor, leaving open the question of who will wear the number 7 in the future.

In addition to changing the design of the jersey, Portugal has planned a symbolic tribute to Ronaldo during the match against Denmark. All players will take the field wearing a jersey with the number 7, as a sign of respect for the former captain. The initiative was agreed upon by FPF President Pedro Proença, head coach Jorge Jesus, and the team’s three captains: Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes. This gesture is intended to highlight the profound impact Ronaldo has had on the history of the Portuguese national team.

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