Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legendary Portugal No. 7 Jersey Handed to Rising Star Following Dramatic Clash with National Officials

October 1, 2026 sportnow CRISTIANO RONALDO has been replaced as Portugal’s No. 7, just a day after he abruptly departed from their training camp.

The football star took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce his exit from the Selecao camp after being sidelined during their match against Norway.

The 41-year-old indicated that he would address the matter in due course, but sources suggest he feels misled regarding his role, having contemplated retirement after the World Cup.

This incident marks the first time in 18 years that Ronaldo was included in a Portugal matchday squad but remained on the bench, and his outburst has potentially put him at risk of a six-month suspension.

Manager Jorge Jesus, who shares a positive rapport with the former Manchester United superstar from their time together at Al-Nassr, admitted he initially informed Ronaldo that he would play against Norway before ultimately changing his decision.

Approximately 15 hours after his dramatic announcement on social media, Portugal’s new No. 7 has been disclosed.

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Uefa has released the official squad lists for the 2016 European Champions’ Nations League match against Denmark tonight.

Galatasaray star Rafael Leao has been assigned the No. 7 shirt according to the Uefa website.

The 27-year-old winger previously wore No. 17 in the match against Norway.

While several players have donned the No. 7 shirt in Ronaldo’s absence over the years, this situation feels particularly significant, given the possibility that the six-time Ballon d’Or winner may not represent his nation again.

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Ronaldo has become synonymous with the No. 7 jersey, which he initially wore at Manchester United while ascending to his status as the world’s best player.

The CR7 brand has rendered him one of the most recognized and wealthiest athletes globally, as evidenced by his staggering 679 million Instagram followers.

His sister, Elma Aveiro, expressed that he deserves to be treated with “more respect” and remarked that “Portugal deserves to return to mediocrity” in an explosive social media post.

This is not the first instance of Ronaldo leaving a team due to dissatisfaction with a limited role.

He previously took similar actions when Erik ten Hag benched him during his second spell at Manchester United.

Ronaldo left the club, gave a controversial interview with Piers Morgan, and subsequently signed with Al-Nassr, where he currently earns £488,000 each day as his base salary.