AC Milan forward Rafael León is set to wear Portugal’s legendary No. 7 shirt for the first time, stepping into the iconic jersey following Cristiano Ronaldo’s abrupt departure from the national team camp.
The transition was made official after UEFA released Portugal’s squad list for their upcoming UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark in Copenhagen. Under international regulations requiring squads to register continuous numbers from 1 to 23 without gaps, Leão was designated to take over the famous jersey.
Ronaldo’s exit came on the heels of mounting friction between the 41-year-old veteran and head coach Jorge Jesus. Tensions reportedly flared over Ronaldo’s reduced role within the squad, culminating when the team captain was left on the bench as an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
Following discussions with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, Ronaldo announced his departure via social media, hinting at a deeper disclosure regarding his exit.
”After the press conference of the national team, and following a conversation with the president of the Portuguese Football Federation, I have made the decision to leave the national team training camp,” Ronaldo shared in a statement. “In due course, I will tell all the Portuguese people the truth about the reasons that led me to leave the national team.”
While the fallout has sent shockwaves through Portuguese football—triggering immense public debate and a temporary dip in the national team’s social media following—the squad must press forward. Leão, established as one of the country’s premier attacking talents, will now bear the heavy mantle of the No. 7 shirt as Portugal prepares to face Denmark.
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