A familiar number finds a new wearer

Portugal’s squad for Thursday’s trip to Denmark carries a major change: Cristiano Ronaldo is absent, and Rafael Leão has been given the No. 7 shirt for the Nations League match. The updated squad list was released by UEFA on Thursday morning after Ronaldo left the national team camp.

For nearly 20 years, Portugal’s No. 7 and Ronaldo have been closely linked, with the number becoming part of his global identity. Leão normally wears No. 17 for Portugal, so moving into the iconic shirt against Denmark is a notable moment even if it is tied to just one match.

What changed in the squad

• Rafael Leão switches from No. 17 to No. 7.
• Fábio Silva takes over No. 17 and is included in the matchday group.
• Bruno Fernandes returns after missing the Norway win with an injury.
• Francisco Conceição remains unavailable while recovering.

Why the shirt number had to move

The switch is a straightforward consequence of UEFA’s Nations League squad rules. Teams must submit a 23-player list for each league-phase fixture, with every player assigned a number from 1 to 23 on the official match sheet.

Once Ronaldo was removed from the Denmark squad, his number became available, and Leão was the player selected to wear it.

Ronaldo’s departure adds tension before kickoff

Ronaldo, 41, left camp on Wednesday, September 30, after a press conference by head coach Jorge Jesus and a discussion with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. He has said he will explain his reasons later.

The situation had been building for several days. Ronaldo started on the bench in Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway and later trained separately from the group even though he was fit to play. Jesus admitted that Ronaldo was unhappy with the decision, but he denied that the matter turned into a full-blown dispute.

What to watch next

The timing of the departure, so close to kickoff in Copenhagen, has fueled intense speculation about what comes next for Portugal and its captain. Reports even suggest the country’s prime minister has become involved.

There is still no retirement announcement from the federation as of October 1, and Ronaldo has not confirmed any immediate international exit. Earlier this year, he also suggested that the 2026/27 season could be his final one.