Portugal’s number seven awaits a new heir after Cristiano Ronaldo farewell

Cristiano Ronaldo has ended his 22-year international career, but the number seven shirt he made famous will remain in use for Portugal because FIFA regulations prevent men’s national teams from retiring squad numbers.

Ronaldo announced his decision in a farewell video posted on his official accounts on Thursday. “The time has come for me to return the number seven shirt to all of us,” he said.

The former Portugal captain’s international career began in 2003 and ended with his appearance against Wales last September. His departure leaves the most recognisable shirt in Portuguese football available to a new player in the team now managed by Jorge Jesus.

A glimpse of what will happen came during the most recent international break. After Ronaldo left the squad before the match against Denmark, Rafael Leao wore number seven.

According to Portuguese newspaper Record, the regulations leave no room for an unused number. UEFA requires each national team to submit a final, numbered list of 23 players by midnight on the day before a match. As a result, every number must be assigned, including in official FIFA fixtures.

Portugal’s Nations League – League A fixture against Denmark is scheduled for 14 November 2026, and the number seven will continue to be selected for matches such as that one.

Ronaldo’s former shirt has already been worn by several prominent Portugal players during his absence. Nani, Ricardo Quaresma, Fabio Coentrao, Andre Silva, Bruma, Ricardo Horta and Miguel Veloso have all used it, while Pedro Neto and Trincao were named as substitutes wearing the same number.

FIFA rule has blocked previous tributes

Paulo Futre proposed retiring the shirt in October last year during a Sports Foundation awards ceremony. “If I were in charge of the Football Federation, I would retire the number seven. Cristiano must leave in a big way,” he said.

However, FIFA rules prohibit national teams from withdrawing or reserving squad numbers, regardless of a player’s achievements. Clubs are permitted to retire shirts, but the same tribute is not allowed at men’s international level.

Argentina experienced the same restriction with Diego Maradona. In 2001, the Argentine Football Association formally asked FIFA to retire number 10 in his honour, but the request was rejected. Ariel Ortega subsequently wore the shirt at the 2002 World Cup.

The same request was made for Lionel Messi after he announced his international retirement, only to be rejected again on the same regulatory grounds.

Cameroon also tried to retire number 17 following the death of Marc-Vivien Foe, who suffered a cardiac arrest on the pitch during the 2003 Africa Cup of Nations. FIFA refused, although Manchester City retired his number 23 and Lens retired number 17 under their separate club regulations.

Ronaldo’s own career reflects how a shirt can outlive its wearer. He made his first appearance for Chaves in number 16, then wore 17 from Euro 2004 through the 2006 World Cup. He inherited number seven after Luis Figo’s retirement, making it his from 2007 onwards.

His era in the shirt is over, but the number itself must continue.