Portugal retires Ronaldo's number 7 shirt as he leaves international football

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 15 Nov, 00:38 · Archive

Cristiano Ronaldo has retired from Portugal's national team after 23 years, 246 caps and 146 goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his 23-year international career with Portugal, announcing his retirement on 5 November after a dispute with coach Jorge Jesus. His last appearance was on 24 September in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League. During his time with the national team, Ronaldo earned 246 caps and scored 146 goals, captaining Portugal to their first major trophy at Euro 2016 and two Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

To honour his legacy, Portugal's football federation has made a permanent change to the No 7 shirt. The design now features a distinctive marking that will distinguish Ronaldo's version from those worn by future players, ensuring his number remains eternally associated with him. The federation released a message stating: 'Time to debut a new 7. Because there's one that will be eternal.'

Portugal played their first match without Ronaldo on Saturday against Denmark in a Nations League fixture in Braga, where the team paid tribute to the retired captain before and during the game. Experts and former teammates have noted that Portugal is not merely losing a great footballer but also one of the world's biggest sporting brands, with Ronaldo's global profile having attracted millions of viewers to Portuguese matches throughout his career.

How it is being reported

• Portugal immortalises Ronaldo with a new number 7Portugal’s national team has lined up in Cristiano Ronaldo's number 7 in its first match since he retired from the side.Al Jazeera · 14 Nov, 23:55
• Portugal immortalise Cristiano Ronaldo’s No 7 shirt in tribute to national legendOriginal No 7 design preserved to honour player Career brought 146 goals and three major titles Portugal have made a permanent change to the No 7 shirt to honour the legacy of Cristiano Ronaldo and ensure the number remains forever associated with their greatest footballing icon. The former forward, whose career spanned 23 years and 246 caps in which he scored 146 goals, announced his retirement on 5 November after a falling out with coach Jorge Jesus. His last appearance for Portugal was on 24 September, in a 1-0 home win over Wales in the Nations League. Continue reading...The Guardian · 14 Nov, 19:13
• Portugal did the extraordinary with Cristiano Ronaldo. Can they do it without him?The captain, the talisman, the brand: former teammates and experts discuss Portugal entering a new era after 23 years There are days football fans hope will never come. For Portugal, this is one of them. For 23 years, Cristiano Ronaldo has been more than the country’s greatest footballer; he has been its defining sporting figure, a symbol of national pride and constant presence in the lives of supporters. After 234 appearances and 146 goals, the No 7 brought that chapter to a close and on Saturday night the team will play their first game without him . The national side are losing more than…The Guardian · 14 Nov, 06:53

In this story: Cristiano Ronaldo · Portugal · Jorge Jesus · Wales · Denmark · Euro 2016 · Braga

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