Rafael Leao calls Portugal’s No. 7 shirt an emotional honour
Rafael Leao described wearing Portugal’s No. 7 shirt as an emotional occasion after he took the number for Thursday’s 4-2 UEFA Nations League win over Denmark, following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national-team camp.
Key takeaways
- Leao moved from his usual Portugal No. 17 to the country’s most recognisable squad number.
- Portugal beat Denmark 4-2 in Thursday’s Nations League fixture.
- The Galatasaray forward has regarded Ronaldo as his idol since childhood.
- Leao said the date also carries personal meaning because both of his children were born on the seventh.
- Portugal lead the standings and meet Norway on Sunday.
A shirt with special significance
The No. 7 jersey has long been associated with Ronaldo, Portugal’s five-time Ballon d’Or winner and the central figure in many of the national side’s biggest modern successes. With the veteran absent from the present gathering, Leao was handed the shirt for the Denmark match.
Leao said the opportunity carried particular weight because of his admiration for Ronaldo. “To wear No. 7 was very special to me, because Cristiano has been my idol from when I was a child,” he said. “My children were born on the 7th as well, so I am very happy.”
The forward added that he understood the responsibility attached to a number with such a prominent place in Portugal’s football history. “I tried to honour the number and the shirt as best I could,” he said.
Portugal turn attention to Norway
Jorge Jesus’s team came through a high-scoring contest against Denmark to preserve their winning run and remain first in the group standings. The result also gave Leao’s first appearance in the No. 7 shirt a positive outcome.
Ronaldo’s continued absence means Leao is expected to retain the number when Portugal return to action on Sunday against Norway. The group leaders will seek another victory as they continue their Nations League campaign.
