Rafael Leão to wear Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 for Portugal
According to the Italian and Brazilian press, Rafael Leão will inherit Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 shirt with Portugal, following the forward's departure from the national team.
Rafael Leão will wear the No. 7 for Portugal in the national team's next match, according to Corriere dello Sport, among others. The forward, who usually wears the No. 17, would temporarily inherit the number left by Cristiano Ronaldo after the latter's departure from the Portuguese national team.
A number steeped in history
According to Corriere dello Sport, Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 has been assigned to the former AC Milan forward. The Italian media outlet describes Ronaldo's departure as "fraught with venom and controversy." Meanwhile, Brazilian site Globo specifies that Rafael Leão will wear Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 in Portugal's next match, without providing further details.
A decision embraced
La Gazeta Esportiva, also Brazilian, headlines that Rafael Leão "embraces" the No. 7 for Portugal after Cristiano Ronaldo's departure. The Galatasaray player, who usually wears the No. 17, is therefore expected to don the iconic shirt for the Nations League clash against Denmark, according to the Brazilian outlet.
A tense backdrop
Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the Portuguese national team appears to have occurred under difficult circumstances, as suggested by Corriere dello Sport's mention of "controversy." No further details are provided on the reasons for this departure or on the reaction of other players.
Next appointment
Portugal face Denmark in the Nations League, a match for which Rafael Leão is expected to wear the No. 7. The sources do not specify whether this number will be assigned to him permanently or only for this match.
