Every member of the Portugal national team walked out wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt during pre-match ceremonies before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday evening.
The coordinated tribute marked Portugal’s first game since Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5.
The 41-year-old, who holds the men’s records for both international appearances (234) and goals (146), stepped away after a public dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus.
In a post obtained from Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Saturday, “Portugal players, all wearing Cristiano Ronaldo shirts ahead of tonight’s game.”
The decision for the entire squad to wear the No. 7 jersey was agreed in a meeting involving Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, coach Jorge Jesus, and senior players including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes.
UEFA granted special permission for the gesture during a competitive fixture.
Players wore the shirts only for the pre-match formalities.
Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs was listed with the number 7 for the match itself.
A further tribute was planned for the seventh minute, when supporters were expected to applaud Ronaldo.
Portugal also unveiled a permanent design change to the number 7 shirt.
A subtle line now runs through the digit, ensuring Ronaldo’s version of the number remains distinct and is reserved as a lasting symbol of his career.
Portugal entered the match already assured of a place in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their first four group games.
A point against Denmark would have secured top spot in the group ahead of their final fixture against Wales on Tuesday.
Ronaldo’s international career began in August 2003 and included victories at Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles. His final appearance for Portugal came in a 1-0 win over Wales on September 24.
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