- Rafael Leão inherited Portugal’s No. 7 shirt after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team’s training camp.
- Leão had previously worn No. 17 and initially resisted taking Ronaldo’s number out of respect for the captain.
- Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2, while questions about Ronaldo’s relationship with coach Jorge Jesus remained unresolved.
Rafael Leão Takes Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 Shirt
Rafael Leão unexpectedly inherited Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp. Leão had previously worn No. 17 and initially did not want to take a number so closely associated with the national team captain.
Leão received the No. 7 shirt for Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark on October 1. According to an account of his comments, the AC Milan forward felt the change should be delayed until the next international window because of his respect for Ronaldo.
Ronaldo left the camp on September 30 after remaining on the bench against Norway and learning that Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark. The Portugal captain said he would explain his reasons in due course and wished his teammates well. His sister, Elma Aveiro, also published a message arguing that Ronaldo deserved more respect.
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Portugal Defeats Denmark as Questions Continue
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s departure, Portugal beat Denmark 4-2. João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix scored for Portugal as the team secured its third victory in three group matches.
Leão wore Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt during the win, creating a highly significant moment for a player who had not sought the responsibility. The result strengthened Portugal’s position in the group, but it did not resolve the questions surrounding Ronaldo’s absence or his relationship with coach Jorge Jesus.
When Will Cristiano Ronaldo Explain His Decision?
The next opportunity for clarification is expected after Portugal faces Norway on October 4. Jorge Jesus has promised to discuss the situation after that match.
Ronaldo has not confirmed a permanent retirement from international football. As a result, Leão has taken on Portugal’s No. 7 shirt without knowing whether Ronaldo will return to the squad or when the number’s long-established owner might reclaim it.
Why This Matters
Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt carries particular significance for Portugal because of its close association with the captain. Rafael Leão’s reluctance to accept it highlights the pressure involved in taking over a symbol linked to one of the country’s most prominent players.
The situation also leaves Portugal facing two unresolved issues: whether Ronaldo will continue his international career and how Jorge Jesus will address the circumstances of his departure. Until those questions are answered, Leão’s temporary inheritance of the shirt remains an important subplot around Portugal’s Nations League campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rafael Leão take Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt?
Leão received the No. 7 shirt after Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp. Leão initially resisted because he felt the number was closely connected to Ronaldo and that the change should wait until the next international window.
Why did Cristiano Ronaldo leave Portugal’s camp?
Ronaldo left on September 30 after remaining on the bench against Norway and learning that Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark. He said he would explain his reasons later.
Has Cristiano Ronaldo retired from international football?
No. Ronaldo has not confirmed a permanent retirement from Portugal. Jorge Jesus is expected to discuss the situation after Portugal’s match against Norway on October 4.
