The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has announced that it will retire the original typography of the number 7 jersey in honour of Cristiano Ronaldo, the country's all-time leading appearance-maker and top goalscorer. The decision was made to commemorate Ronaldo's 23-year international career with Portugal. The FPF confirmed the change in a statement, ensuring that the specific design worn by Ronaldo during his career remains exclusively tied to his legacy.
The FPF has redesigned the font style of the national team's number 7 jersey, adding a cross through the stem of the number. This change serves as a workaround to FIFA kit regulations, which prohibit retiring numbers between 1 and 23 for competitive international fixtures. As a result, AC Milan forward Rafael Leão will inherit the modified number 7 shirt during the current international break, marking the first window without Ronaldo since his debut in August 2003.
Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, stepping away as Portugal's all-time leading appearance-maker (234 caps) and top goalscorer (146 goals). His departure followed a dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus during the September international window, which stemmed from a disagreement over a substitution. The fallout overshadowed the final stage of his national team career.
The FPF has organised a tribute for Ronaldo's former team, with all members of the squad set to wear the number 7 shirt during the pre-match ceremonies of their upcoming UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture against Denmark. Further honours are planned for the seventh minute of the contest. The original, uncrossed number 7 design will now be permanently archived by the federation.
According to the FPF, the decision to alter the font was made to "eternalize the meaning of such a special number and honour the legacy it represents for us". The federation stated that the previous number 7 design will be reserved for the eternalisation of Ronaldo's story, which "will never be forgotten". The change is seen as a way to honour Ronaldo's legacy and achievements with the national team.
Portugal host Denmark at the Braga Municipal Stadium in a UEFA Nations League Group A4 fixture this Saturday. The match will be a significant event for Ronaldo, who has been honoured by the FPF and the Portuguese football community. The tribute is a testament to Ronaldo's impact on Portuguese football and his dedication to the national team.
The retirement of the original number 7 jersey is a significant gesture to honour Ronaldo's contributions to Portuguese football. The modified number 7 shirt will be worn by future players, while the original design will be preserved as a reminder of Ronaldo's achievements and legacy. The FPF's decision has been widely reported and acknowledged, with many regarding it as a fitting tribute to one of Portugal's greatest players.
Key points
- Portugal's football governing body retires original number 7 jersey to honour Cristiano Ronaldo's legacy and achievements.
