Who will wear Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 for Portugal after his controversial exit?
Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal's camp, and just hours later his iconic No. 7 will have a different owner against Denmark. The Nations League rules explain why.
Cristiano Ronaldo will not be with Portugal against Denmark on Thursday, but one of the most recognizable symbols of his historic international career will still be on the pitch: the No. 7 shirt.
Following the Portuguese captain's controversial departure from the Copenhagen camp, Galatasaray forward Rafael Leão will wear CR7's number in the Nations League clash.
Leão is listed with the No. 7 in UEFA's official squad list for the match.
It will make for a striking image: Portugal will play its first game since Cristiano's departure with another player wearing the number that has become synonymous with CR7.
Why will Rafael Leão wear Cristiano's No. 7?
The change does not mean Portugal has permanently handed Ronaldo's number to Rafael Leão.
The explanation comes down to competition rules.
For Nations League matches, UEFA requires national teams to use shirt numbers from 1 to 23.
With Cristiano no longer in camp, the No. 7 is available for the match against Denmark and will be worn by Leão.
Cristiano left Portugal and promised to “tell the truth”
The unusual situation surrounding the shirt number comes after the Portuguese Football Federation confirmed Ronaldo had left the national team camp.
CR7 made his decision following head coach Jorge Jesus' press conference and a conversation with the federation president.
“In due time, I will tell all Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team, to which I have always dedicated myself,” Ronaldo said.
He also wished his teammates good luck.
However, Cristiano did not announce his retirement from international football.
From Cristiano's No. 7 to a Portugal without its captain
Ronaldo had left Parken Stadium in Copenhagen without taking part in training ahead of the Denmark match, despite Jorge Jesus saying just minutes earlier that he would train with the squad.
The coach denied that the 41-year-old had refused to train, defended his authority over team selection and confirmed Gonçalo Ramos would start against Denmark.
Cristiano's departure came after he remained on the bench during Portugal's 2-1 victory over Norway.
Jorge Jesus denied there was a conflict with CR7 and said his decision not to play him was based on technical reasons.
Portugal will now take the field without its captain. And while Ronaldo has promised to eventually explain what happened, his iconic No. 7 will be on the pitch — this time on Rafael Leão's back.
What to know about Cristiano's No. 7
- Rafael Leão will wear Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 for Portugal against Denmark in the Nations League.
- The switch is related to UEFA rules requiring numbers from 1 to 23 and does not mean Leão has permanently inherited CR7's shirt.
- Cristiano left Portugal's camp but did not announce his international retirement and has promised to explain his decision at a later date.
