JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy Lives On As Portugal Redesigns Iconic No. 7 Shirt [PHOTO]
Portugal have announced plans to redesign the No. 7 on their national team shirts in honour of former captain Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement from international football.
The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) announced the decision on Saturday, describing the move as a tribute to the legacy of the 41-year-old forward, whose name and achievements have become synonymous with the iconic shirt number.
In a statement shared by football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the federation said the redesigned number would preserve the significance of the No. 7 while allowing the country to continue celebrating Ronaldo’s contributions to Portuguese football.
The federation explained that the decision was intended to immortalise the memories, achievements and emotions associated with the number during Ronaldo’s 23-year international career.
“This is another way to eternalise the meaning of such a special number and honour the legacy it represents for us.
“Because there are stories, memories, all the achievements and emotions, which will forever be linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.
“From today we will thus have a different number 7 on the sweater, with the same essence and the same pride, reserving the previous one for the eternalisation of the story that will never be forgotten. Thank you, Cristiano!” the statement read.
Ronaldo ends 23-year international career
Ronaldo announced his retirement from the Portugal national team on November 5, bringing an end to his 23-year international career.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward made his international debut in 2003 and went on to become one of the most decorated players in the history of the national team.
In his farewell message to Portuguese supporters, Ronaldo said it was time to hand over the national team shirt and captain’s armband after more than two decades of representing his country at major international competitions.
He described the opportunity to wear Portugal’s colours as a privilege and responsibility, recalling the memories and experiences gathered throughout his international journey.
“For 23 years, I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it, and carrying it with me to stadiums all around the world,” he said.
Portugal celebrates Ronaldo’s record-breaking achievements
Ronaldo ended his international career as Portugal’s record appearance-maker, with 234 caps, and the country’s all-time leading scorer with 146 goals.
His achievements include captaining Portugal to their first-ever European Championship title at Euro 2016 in France, where they defeated the host nation 1-0 in the final after extra time.
The forward also led the national team to two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, further establishing his place in Portuguese football history.
Beyond the trophies, Ronaldo’s consistency, leadership and goalscoring records made him a central figure in Portugal’s development into a major force in international football.
The federation’s decision to redesign the No. 7 shirt is therefore a symbolic recognition of his contribution, ensuring that the number remains associated with the memories and achievements of a player whose influence on Portuguese football spans more than two decades.
