Portugal: Rafael Leão ready to take Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt

Portugal could be about to turn a symbolic page, with Rafael Leão set to wear Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt. According to B24PT, the winger, who usually wears No. 17, is expected to take the number for the Nations League match against Denmark.

The No. 7 changes hands

With the match against Denmark, scheduled for Thursday in Copenhagen, approaching, Rafael Leão is expected to give up his No. 17 shirt and wear No. 7, long associated with Cristiano Ronaldo for the Portuguese national team.

The change comes after the Al-Nassr forward left the national team camp. According to B24PT, the number has already been prepared for the Galatasaray winger. If the change is confirmed, Leão will wear a number steeped in history for Portugal.

Ronaldo’s departure in the background

The change of number comes amid a tense situation between Cristiano Ronaldo and head coach Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese captain reportedly did not take well to spending around 30 minutes warming up against Norway without coming on. According to information reported by B24PT, the episode is believed to have contributed to his departure from the camp.

Ronaldo said he would explain the reasons for his decision at a later date. Several media outlets raised the possibility of his permanently retiring from international football, but no official announcement of the end of his international career had been made at the time of publication.

Aliou Toundé |

Editorfr