Cristiano Ronaldo’s sudden departure from the Portugal national team camp has opened a new chapter in the growing tension between the legendary forward and head coach Jorge Jesus, with Rafael Leão subsequently taking over Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp after a reported disagreement with Jesus.
The 41-year-old had been an unused substitute during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway and was subsequently expected to miss the clash against Denmark.
Ronaldo later confirmed his departure on social media, saying he would explain his reasons “in due time.”
The situation took another dramatic turn when Leão was listed as Portugal’s No. 7 for the Nations League match against Denmark.
The Galatasaray forward normally wears No. 17 for Portugal, but UEFA competition regulations require players on the Nations League match sheet to be assigned numbers from 1 to 23.
With Ronaldo no longer in the squad, Leão took No. 7 while Fábio Silva was given No. 17.
Despite the emotional reaction surrounding the shirt, reports indicate the change was a regulatory requirement rather than an official decision to permanently replace Ronaldo as Portugal’s No. 7.
For Leão, however, the moment carried enormous personal significance.
After wearing the number against Denmark, he acknowledged that it was special because Ronaldo had been his childhood idol.
The disagreement intensified after Jesus left Ronaldo on the bench against Norway.
Ronaldo reportedly reacted negatively to the decision, while Jesus maintained that selection decisions would be based on what he believed was best for the team.
Jesus has denied that there was a personal conflict with Ronaldo and stressed that all players would be treated equally.
Ronaldo’s subsequent decision to leave camp has nevertheless created significant uncertainty around his immediate international future.
Portugal moved on without their captain against Denmark and produced a 4-2 victory, with João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix scoring for the European champions.
For now, the No. 7 shirt belongs to Leão for the current Nations League squad.
But with Ronaldo yet to publicly reveal the full reasons behind his departure, the relationship between Portugal’s all-time leading star and its new head coach remains one of the biggest stories surrounding the national team.
From Ronaldo’s walkout to Leão wearing CR7’s legendary number, Portugal’s new era has begun under a cloud of uncertainty.
