Portugal players wear Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt in tribute before Denmark clash

All members of the Portugal national team adorned Cristiano Ronaldo's famous No. 7 shirt during pre-match ceremonies ahead of their UEFA Nations League game against Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday night. This symbolic gesture marked Portugal's first match following Ronaldo's retirement announcement on November 5.

The 41-year-old, who holds the records for most international appearances (234) and goals (146) in men's football, exited the team after a public disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus. Portugal's Football Federation president Pedro Proença, coach Jorge Jesus, and senior players like Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes agreed on the squad-wide tribute.

UEFA granted permission for the gesture in a competitive fixture. Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs was assigned the number 7 jersey for the match itself. A planned seventh-minute tribute saw fans expected to applaud Ronaldo. Portugal also updated the design of the No. 7 shirt, now featuring a subtle line through the digit to distinguish Ronaldo's version and preserve it as a lasting tribute to his career.

The team had already secured a quarter-final spot in the Nations League after winning their first four group games. A point from the Denmark match would have crowned Portugal as group leaders ahead of their final game against Wales on Tuesday. Ronaldo's international career spanned from August 2003, including triumphs at Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League championships.

His final Portugal appearance came in a 1-0 victory over Wales on September 24. Journalist Gilbert Ekugbe reported this story, with over a decade of experience covering business and economic affairs for Punch Newspapers.