Portugal redesign No 7 shirt to honour Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal have changed the design of their No 7 shirt in tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo following his retirement from international football, the Guardian reported on Saturday. The national team announced the change on social media ahead of its Nations League match against Denmark in Braga, with further tributes planned before and during the fixture.

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The new version adds a horizontal stroke across the number seven, distinguishing it from the design associated with Ronaldo. A video accompanying Portugal's announcement displayed the altered numeral. The change concerns how the number is drawn rather than removing it from use: the announcement presented a new seven while reserving a special association for its predecessor.

The tribute recognises a Portugal career that brought 146 goals and three major titles. Ronaldo captained the team when it won Euro 2016, its first major trophy, and subsequently added Nations League successes in 2019 and 2025. He also established the men's international scoring record during his time with the national side, giving the shirt a connection to both individual records and team achievements.

Ronaldo announced his international retirement on 5 November. In its report that day, the Guardian said he described the decision in a social-media video as the moment to hand the national team's shirt on to a new generation. His first Portugal appearance came in August 2003, beginning an international career that lasted more than two decades.

His final appearance was a 1-0 Nations League victory at home to Wales on 24 September. According to the Guardian's retirement report, he subsequently left Portugal's training camp after coach Jorge Jesus kept him on the bench for the next match and indicated he would not start the following one. Jesus later said Ronaldo could return, leaving that decision to the player.

The Portuguese Football Federation responded to the retirement by praising Ronaldo's service and his influence on younger players. It also said it intended to organise a celebration that would allow supporters to recognise his contribution. The international farewell did not mark the end of his playing career: the Guardian reported that he would continue at club level with Saudi side Al-Nassr.