Portugal forward, Rafael Leão has been handed the iconic No. 7 shirt for the team’s next two UEFA Nations League fixtures following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.
Leão, who usually wears No. 17 for Portugal, has been listed as the No. 7 player on UEFA’s official squad list for Thursday’s clash against Denmark in Copenhagen and Sunday’s home fixture against Norway.
According to football transfer expert, Fabrizio Romano, on Thursday, “UEFA confirm Rafael Leão has been listed as Portugal No7 for the next two games following Cristiano leaving.”
Newly invited Fábio Silva has been given Leão’s former No. 17 shirt for the two matches.
The temporary change is in line with UEFA Nations League regulations, which require the 23 players named in a matchday squad to wear consecutive shirt numbers from one to 23 without any gaps.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after remaining an unused substitute during Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Norway.
The 41-year-old had started Portugal’s previous game, a 1-0 win over Wales, which was new head coach Jorge Jesus’ first match in charge.
Portugal currently lead Group A4 after two victories and will face Denmark at the Parken Stadium on Thursday before welcoming Norway to the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.
