Rafael Leão to Wear Portugal’s No. 7 Shirt Against Denmark After Ronaldo’s Departure

Photo credit — Rafael Leāo

Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s famous No. 7 shirt for the upcoming UEFA Nations League matches after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national team camp.

UEFA’s revised squad list for Thursday’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen confirms the change. Leão, who has normally worn No. 17 for Portugal, is listed with the No. 7. New call-up Fábio Silva takes the No. 17 shirt previously used by Leão.

The switch is required by UEFA Nations League regulations. Matchday squads of 23 players must be assigned consecutive shirt numbers from 1 to 23 with no gaps. With Ronaldo absent from the squad, the number had to be reallocated.

Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday. The 41-year-old had started the 1-0 win over Wales but was an unused substitute in the 2-1 victory against Norway on Sunday. He later posted on social media that he would explain “the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave” in due course, after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.

Reports pointed to tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus over playing time and selection. Jesus has publicly defended his right to choose the team, stating that no player — including Ronaldo — would change his decisions on who starts or comes off the bench.

Portuguese Football Federation rules allow for possible disciplinary measures if a player leaves national-team duty without justification, including a suspension of one to six months and fines. No formal action has been confirmed at this stage.

Portugal currently top Group A4 after wins over Wales and Norway. They face Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen on Thursday evening before hosting Norway at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.

Leão’s temporary assignment of the No. 7 shirt is a practical response to squad rules rather than a permanent succession announcement. The number has been closely associated with Ronaldo for much of his international career.

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