Every Portugal player wears Ronaldo’s No. 7 in tribute before Denmark clash
Portugal’s squad wore Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 before facing Denmark in Braga, marking their first match since his international retirement announcement on November 5.
Every Portugal player walked out wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt before the UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday evening. The tribute marked the national team’s first game since Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5.
Ronaldo, 41, stepped away from international duty after a public dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. He holds the men’s international records for both appearances and goals, having played 234 times and scored 146 goals.
The decision to have the whole squad wear his number was agreed at a meeting involving Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and Jesus. Senior players Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes also took part in the discussions.
UEFA gave special permission for the tribute to take place during a competitive fixture. Children accompanying the Portugal players also wore No. 7 shirts during the pre-match ceremonies.
Fabrizio Romano described the gesture on Saturday, writing: “Portugal players, all wearing Cristiano Ronaldo shirts ahead of tonight’s game.”
The matching shirts were worn only for the formalities before kick-off, rather than for the match itself. Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs was listed as Portugal’s number 7 for the fixture against Denmark.
A further tribute was planned for the seventh minute, with supporters expected to applaud Ronaldo. Portugal also unveiled a permanent design as part of the tributes.
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