Rafael Leao to wear Portugal’s No.7 against Denmark after Cristiano Ronaldo leaves camp

Rafael Leao will wear Portugal’s No.7 in the UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen this evening after Cristiano Ronaldo departed Portugal’s training facility on the eve of the match. UEFA confirmed Leao will take the shirt for tonight’s encounter.

Leao, who moved from AC Milan to Galatasaray during the summer, inherits the number following Ronaldo’s withdrawal. Nations League rules require players listed on the teamsheet to wear numbers 1–23, leaving Portugal no option but to assign the No.7 to Leao. The squad therefore resumes its Nations League campaign without Ronaldo for tonight’s game.

Ronaldo left the national training camp amid reports of tensions with head coach Jorge Jesus. According to sources, the player "did not enjoy spending almost 30 minutes warming up against Norway, without even playing, before leaving the pitch after full time", and that episode may have prompted his withdrawal from the camp. The situation is not expected to be settled soon.

Spanish outlet Marca reported that the federation had assured Ronaldo of greater respect until 2027 as part of efforts to secure his return to the national team. Separately, Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro has requested a meeting with head coach Jorge Jesus to obtain further details about the events surrounding the captain’s departure.

Ronaldo has said he will explain the reasons for his choice at a later date. Several media sites have speculated the forward could retire permanently from international football, but no official declaration had been made at the time of publication.

UEFA’s confirmation that Leao will wear the No.7 comes as Portugal prepare to face Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen in their Nations League fixture this evening.