Portugal's entire matchday squad will wear Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic number 7 jersey during pre-match ceremonies against Denmark, celebrating the forward's retirement from international football. The gesture marks the end of an era that began in August 2003.
Tribute agreed by federation and players
The collective decision was finalised during a meeting between Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença, national team manager Jorge Jesus and the team's senior leadership group. Senior players Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes agreed that a unified display of the famous shirt was the most fitting way to commemorate their former captain.
Pre-match display in Braga
Every squad member will wear the number 7 shirt during the pre-match ceremonies at the Estádio Municipal de Braga. The coordinated display will take place before their UEFA Nations League Group A4 clash against Denmark on Saturday evening.
Governing body UEFA has reportedly granted rare official permission for the coordinated tribute to occur during a competitive fixture, ensuring the retirement of the men's game's greatest-ever international goalscorer is celebrated with proper gravitas.
Further tributes planned
The walk-out shirts are accompanied by a planned standing ovation from supporters in the seventh minute of the match. The FPF is also keeping Ronaldo's usual room at the Cidade do Futebol training camp vacant as a symbolic reminder of his lasting identity within the squad.
