Portugal’s new era begins: Rafael Leão takes No. 7 after Ronaldo’s exit

A dramatic shift has hit Portuguese football following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp. As manager Jorge Jesus prepares his squad to face Denmark in Copenhagen, UEFA’s official squad release confirmed that Rafael Leão has inherited the iconic No. 7 shirt.

​The Galatasaray forward, formerly wearing No. 17, step into the iconic jersey as Portugal transitions into a new era after Ronaldo’s nearly two-decade run with the number. Taking over the shirt adds significant weight to the talented yet inconsistent attacker as Portugal shifts focus toward a Ronaldo-less future.