Portugal Retires Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legendary No. 7 with New Jersey Design

Portugal is honoring Cristiano Ronaldo in a new way. On Saturday, the Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) unveiled a redesigned No. 7 for the national team jersey, introduced ahead of the side’s first match following the forward’s retirement.

In a statement, the federation said the change is intended to preserve the significance of the number for the country. “This is another way to eternalize the meaning of such a special number and honor the legacy it represents,” the FPF said. “There are stories, memories, achievements, and emotions that will forever be linked to Cristiano Ronaldo.”

According to the federation, the updated design retains the same essence while offering a fresh appearance. “From today, we will have a different number 7 on the shirt, with the same essence and the same pride,” the FPF added. “The previous design is reserved for the eternalization of a story that will never be forgotten. Thank you, Cristiano!”

The update involves a small stroke added to the numeral, distinguishing the new version from the original worn by Ronaldo for more than two decades. The change takes effect during Portugal’s Nations League match against Denmark in Braga, where Carlos Forbs will become the first player to wear the updated number.

A Second Tribute Planned for Braga

The jersey redesign is not the only tribute planned for Ronaldo. The entire squad will walk onto the pitch wearing No. 7 shirts, an initiative coordinated by the federation with coach Jorge Jesus and the team’s captains earlier this week.

The tribute will continue during the match, with play expected to be paused in the seventh minute so the stadium can offer Ronaldo a standing ovation. Off the pitch, the federation has also left his room at the national team’s training base vacant for the duration of this camp.

Together, these gestures offer Ronaldo a farewell that extends beyond the pitch in a country where his name has been synonymous with the national team for more than two decades. While the No. 7 will continue to be worn by other players, the new design ensures the original number—the one that carried his story—belongs exclusively to him.

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