Rafael Leão assigned Portugal's No. 7 after Cristiano Ronaldo
UEFA published Portugal’s squad numbers on 01.10.2026; the famed No. 7 is now assigned to Rafael Leão.
Portugal have assigned their storied number 7 shirt to Rafael Leão following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure, UEFA announced on 01.10.2026. The decision completes the national team’s squad numbering for upcoming competitions and ends any gap left by Ronaldo’s exit.
Rafael Leão, currently a Galatasaray player, will assume the No. 7 jersey that for years was associated with Cristiano Ronaldo. At 27 years old, Leão brings international experience to the role: he has made 50 appearances for Portugal, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists.
Why the number could not stay vacant
UEFA regulations do not permit a squad number to be left unused, so the Portuguese Football Federation had to allocate the shirt to another member of the squad after Ronaldo’s historic departure. The federation selected Leão when updating the official roster numbers.
The change places new symbolic responsibility on Leão, who inherits a shirt known worldwide because of Ronaldo’s achievements. The move is meant to keep squad numbering in line with competition rules while signalling a new chapter for the Portugal team.
Leão will now carry expectations attached to the No. 7 shirt as Portugal continues its preparations for forthcoming fixtures. The selection was confirmed as part of UEFA’s official publication of the Portuguese team’s numbers on 01.10.2026.
Photo: press material from the event
