Leao takes Ronaldo’s No. 7 jersey for Portugal’s Denmark Nations League fixture
Galatasaray winger Raphael Leao will take over Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt for Portugal’s upcoming Nations League fixtures after Ronaldo departed the national team camp on Wednesday amid speculation of a rift with head coach Jorge Jesus. The 41-year-old forward said on social media that he will later reveal "the truth about the reasons that motivated me to leave." The change was confirmed in the revised squad list ahead of Portugal’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen on Thursday evening, October 3, 2026.
This matters because the number 7 has been synonymous with Ronaldo’s era for Portugal, and handing it to Leao signals a potential shift in team leadership just as the side looks to maintain its top-of-Group-4 standing after wins over Wales and Norway. The lingering coach-player tension could affect squad cohesion and performance in the crucial qualifier.
Nigerian football fans should note the date and venue: Portugal vs Denmark kicks off Thursday evening in Copenhagen. While the jersey swap is symbolic, it highlights how internal dynamics can influence on-field results—a reminder to watch for team news beyond star names when following international matches. Will you see this as a sign of renewal for Portugal or a distraction that could hurt their campaign?