Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s No. 7 shirt in their Nations League fixture against Denmark after Cristiano Ronaldo left the national-team camp amid reported tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus.
UEFA’s official match sheet lists Leão in the number traditionally associated with Ronaldo, confirming the change on match day following the veteran forward’s departure from the squad the previous evening.
Leão, who has usually worn No. 17 for Portugal’s senior team, takes over the vacant number under competition regulations requiring the 23 registered players to be assigned squad numbers between 1 and 23. Fábio Silva will now wear Leão’s former No. 17 shirt.
Leão Takes Over Ronaldo’s No. 7
The change follows Ronaldo’s decision to leave Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen on September 30, ahead of the match against Denmark.
With Ronaldo no longer included in the registered squad for the fixture, Portugal had to redistribute the available shirt numbers in accordance with UEFA’s competition requirements.
Leão’s move from No. 17 to No. 7 is therefore a short-term administrative adjustment rather than a permanent reassignment of the number within the national team.
The No. 7 shirt has long been closely associated with Ronaldo, who has worn it throughout much of his international career. Its appearance on Leão’s back against Denmark will consequently be one of the notable changes to Portugal’s lineup and match-day squad following the captain’s exit.
Fábio Silva’s move to No. 17 completes the immediate redistribution of numbers among the players registered for the fixture.
Ronaldo’s Departure Leaves Questions Unanswered
Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp in Copenhagen after developments involving Jesus and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
In a statement shared on Instagram, the 41-year-old confirmed that he had decided to leave following the national-team manager’s press conference and his discussion with Proença. He said he would explain his reasons “in due course” and wished the team and his teammates luck.
The federation confirmed Ronaldo’s departure and said preparations for the Denmark fixture and the subsequent match against Norway would continue with the remaining squad members.
Ronaldo’s exit came after he was an unused substitute in Portugal’s victory over Norway. He was also not expected to start against Denmark, with reports indicating that Jesus had considered Gonçalo Ramos to lead the attack.
The situation attracted further attention after reports and footage circulated showing Ronaldo leaving Parken Stadium following the coach’s media availability. His private aircraft was also tracked departing the area.
Jesus had rejected suggestions of a rift, stating that selection decisions rested with the coaching staff and that the same rules applied to every player.
Leão’s Role in Portugal’s Squad
Leão, who plays for Galatasaray, had featured only sparingly during the current international camp before being assigned the No. 7 shirt.
His new number does not, by itself, indicate a change in his position or status within the team. Instead, it reflects the administrative adjustments required after Ronaldo’s removal from the registered squad for the Denmark match.
The forward will now take the field wearing one of the most recognisable numbers in Portuguese football, while Fábio Silva assumes his previous shirt.
Portugal Move Forward Without Their Captain
Portugal’s match against Denmark will proceed without Ronaldo, whose departure has raised questions about his immediate future with the national team.
His statement did not confirm whether the absence would be temporary or whether he was considering a broader step back from international football. Ronaldo has not announced his retirement and has yet to provide the fuller explanation he promised.
For now, Portugal will continue with their existing coaching setup and the players remaining in camp. Leão’s temporary move to No. 7 is a visible consequence of Ronaldo’s absence, while the longer-term implications for the captain and the national team remain unresolved.
Esther Afriyie Kumah is the Digital Media & Operations Manager and a writer at AL Media Sports of AL Media Group. She specializes in sports journalism, covering Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and African football with in-depth match reports, tactical analysis, player ratings, and expert insights.