Portugal changes 'shirt number 7' design to honor Ronaldo, who retired from national team

Portugal has decided to honor the achievements of Cristiano Ronaldo (41, Al Nasr), who retired from the national soccer team, in a unique way.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced on the 15th (Korean time) that it has decided to change the design of the number 7 jersey worn by Ronaldo, who announced his retirement from the national team.

In an announcement that begins with "A story that will never be forgotten," the association announced that it has decided to change the number 7 on the national team uniform worn by Ronaldo for a long time to a new design starting from the 5th leg of the 2026-2027 UEFA Nations League (UNL) League A Group 4 home game against Denmark held on this day.

The changed design of the number 7 has a horizontal stroke in the middle, unlike the existing one that is commonly used. This notation method is also used in many foreign countries to distinguish between the numbers 1 and 7.

According to FIFA regulations, national team jersey numbers cannot be permanently retired, so Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo by changing the number design.

The association explained, “This is another way to forever preserve the meaning of a number with special meaning and honor the legacy it symbolizes,” adding, “Because the stories, memories, achievements, and emotions related to Ronaldo will be remembered forever.”

He added, "Starting today, a new number 7 will be engraved on the national team uniform, but its meaning and pride will remain the same. The number 7 in the existing design will be left behind to forever commemorate the story that will never be forgotten." He added, "Thank you, Cristiano."

Ronaldo, who debuted for the Portuguese national team in 2003 at the age of 18, played in 234 international matches and scored 146 goals. This is the record for the most appearances and scores in an A match in men's soccer history.

Ronaldo played for Portugal for over 20 years and participated in the World Cup six times, setting a record for scoring in all competitions.

However, on the 5th, about a month after causing a stir by leaving the team without permission during a national team call-up due to a disagreement with coach Jorge Jesus, he suddenly announced his retirement from the national team.

“For 23 years, I have had the privilege and responsibility of wearing, guarding and carrying the national team’s number 7 shirt to stadiums around the world,” said Ronaldo.

Meanwhile, Portugal lost 1-4 in the home game against Denmark that day, conceding four goals, including two goals to Rasmus Hoilun.

Portugal, which had already confirmed its advancement to the quarterfinals with four consecutive wins, suffered its first loss.

Denmark was in second place in the group with 3 wins and 2 losses (9 points).

Carlos Forbes, who was assigned number 7 for the first time since Ronaldo's retirement, was on the bench and replaced by Joao Felix in the 19th minute of the second half.

Before the game on this day, the Portuguese players entered the stadium wearing uniforms with the number 7 of the existing design.