R. Leao: I didn't want to take the number 7 jersey

2026-10-02 14:04 © IMAGO/Pro Shots

The Portuguese national team's victory 4:2 against Denmark in the Nations League featured a symbolic detail that caught the attention of fans – the Portuguese player Rafael Leão wore the historic Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 jersey.

After the UEFA Nations League match, the forward admitted that he initially tried to refuse the jersey out of respect for the long-time captain of the national team.

“I told them, ‘No, I don’t want this jersey,’ but they insisted.

My reasons were very simple: Cristiano had just left the national team camp for certain reasons, we have to respect him and leave this number until the next international break. But they insisted and changed my number to 7.

I never wanted this jersey because it is a big responsibility.”