The No. 7 shirt for Portugal is more than a squad number — it carries a legacy closely associated with Cristiano Ronaldo. When Rafael Leao stepped onto the pitch against Denmark, the AC Milan star found himself wearing the iconic number for the first time, turning an already memorable night into a deeply personal moment.
Key Takeaways
- Rafael Leao wore Portugal's No. 7 shirt for the first time, taking over the number previously worn by Cristiano Ronaldo.
- The AC Milan forward has idolised Ronaldo since childhood and also has a personal family connection to the number seven.
- Portugal secured a 4-2 victory over Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.
- With Ronaldo absent from the national camp, Leao could continue carrying the iconic shirt as Portugal targets further success.
Leao Embraces Portugal's Iconic No. 7
Usually wearing the No. 17, Rafael Leao was handed the legendary No. 7 shirt for Portugal in their recent UEFA Nations League clash with Denmark.
With Cristiano Ronaldo absent from the national camp, the responsibility fell to the dynamic AC Milan winger. Leao responded with a performance that helped Portugal secure a convincing 4-2 victory, while the occasion itself carried even greater significance for the forward.
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A Childhood Idol Behind the Shirt
For Leao, wearing the number was about far more than simply taking on a different squad number. The forward has looked up to Ronaldo since childhood, making the opportunity to wear the shirt associated with his idol particularly meaningful.
After the match, Leao explained that wearing the number seven was special because Cristiano had been his idol since he was a child. Taking on the number once worn by one of Portugal's greatest stars therefore represented a significant moment in Leao's international career.
The Number Seven Has Personal Meaning
The significance of the shirt extends beyond Ronaldo's legacy for Leao.
The AC Milan forward also revealed a personal connection to the number, explaining that his children were born on the 7th. That added another emotional layer to an already memorable occasion and made wearing the shirt even more meaningful for him.
Respecting Ronaldo's Legacy
Taking over the number associated with a five-time Ballon d'Or winner comes with considerable responsibility, and Leao acknowledged the importance of the moment.
The forward said he did his best to respect the number and the shirt, highlighting his desire to honour the legacy attached to Portugal's No. 7.
With Ronaldo temporarily absent, Leao is now poised to continue wearing the iconic number. Portugal, currently leading their group, will next face Norway on Sunday, giving Leao another opportunity to make the shirt his own.
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