Rafael Leão Takes Ronaldo's Iconic No. 7

Rafael Leão will wear Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic No. 7 shirt for Portugal against Denmark tonight, in one of the most symbolic moments since Ronaldo's dramatic departure from the national team camp.

Leão normally wears No. 17 for Portugal, but the AC Milan forward has been handed the No. 7 for Thursday's Nations League clash in Copenhagen.

The change was confirmed in UEFA's official match squad list and reported by Portuguese broadcaster RTP.

Ronaldo wore the famous number for Portugal continuously from 2008, making it one of the most recognisable shirt numbers in international football.

Now, just one day after Ronaldo announced that he had left the national team camp, another Portuguese forward will walk onto the pitch wearing it.

The timing could hardly be more dramatic.

Ronaldo left Portugal's camp on Wednesday after a meeting with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, saying that he would explain the reasons behind his decision “in due time.”

His international future remains uncertain.

For Leão, meanwhile, the No. 7 represents a major change from the number he has worn during this Nations League campaign.

There is, however, an important detail.

This does not currently mean that Leão has permanently inherited Ronaldo's shirt number.

UEFA's Nations League regulations require players on the match sheet to be assigned numbers from 1 to 23. With Ronaldo absent from the squad, Portugal had to reassign the No. 7 for the Denmark match.

UEFA's wider squad database also continues to list both Ronaldo and Leão with the No. 7, meaning the change may only apply to the current match or this international window.

Still, seeing another player wear Ronaldo's legendary number so soon after his departure will inevitably carry huge emotional weight for Portuguese supporters.

Ronaldo's No. 7 is now on Leão's back. 🇵🇹