Last Updated:
Portugal modified their number 7 kit to honour Cristiano Ronaldo following his international retirement.
Portugal’s forward #07 Cristiano Ronaldo and Spain’s forward #19 Lamine Yamal embrace each other after the 2026 World Cup round of 16 football match between Portugal and Spain at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington on July 6, 2026. (Photo by RONALDO SCHEMIDT / AFP)
Portugal have made a special change to their national team kit to honour Cristiano Ronaldo, modifying the design of the number 7 shirt that the forward wore throughout his international career.
Ahead of their Nations League fixture against Denmark in Braga on Saturday, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) introduced a small dash inside the number 7, creating a distinct design to mark Ronaldo’s legacy.
The federation said the change was intended to preserve the significance of the number associated with the country’s most celebrated footballer.
“This is as another way to eternalize the meaning of such a special number and honour the legacy it represents for us,” the FPF said.
“Because there are stories, memories, all achievements and emotions, which will forever be linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.”
The federation added that the new design would be used from now on, while the previous version would be reserved to commemorate Ronaldo’s contribution to Portuguese football.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, bringing an end to a career in which he made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal, both records in men’s international football.
He captained the side to their maiden European Championship title in 2016 and two UEFA Nations League triumphs in 2019 and 2025.
Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs is set to wear the number 7 shirt against Denmark, taking over the number for the fixture. However, he is not certain to retain it permanently, with Rafael Leao reportedly among the contenders to succeed Ronaldo.
Portugal have planned further tributes for their former captain. All players will wear number 7 shirts while walking out before the match, while play will be stopped for 60 seconds in the seventh minute to allow fans to pay tribute to Ronaldo.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The Portuguese Football Federation introduced a small dash inside the number 7 shirt to create a distinct design marking Ronaldo’s legacy, while the previous version will be reserved to commemorate his contribution to Portuguese football.
Ask News18November 14, 2026, 21:32 IST
Read More
