Rafael Leão handed Portugal’s No. 7 shirt after Ronaldo’s departure

Rafael Leao and Ronaldo Photo: X

UEFA has confirmed that Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey for the next two UEFA Nations League matches following Cristiano Ronaldo’s exit from the national team camp.

The Galatasaray forward, who normally wears No. 17 for the Seleção, appears as No. 7 on the official squad list for Thursday’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen and Sunday’s home game versus Norway.

As reported by football transfer expert on Thursday, “UEFA confirm Rafael Leão has been listed as Portugal No7 for the next two games following Cristiano leaving.”

New call-up Fábio Silva has been assigned Leão’s previous number.

The change is required under UEFA Nations League regulations, which mandate that the 23-player matchday squad must use consecutive numbers from 1 to 23 with no gaps.

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Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after being an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Norway on Sunday.

The 41-year-old had started the previous match, a 1-0 victory against Wales that marked Jorge Jesus’s first game in charge.
Portugal sit top of Group A4 after two wins and travel to Parken Stadium tonight before hosting Norway at Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.

Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.

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