UEFA has confirmed that Rafael Leão will wear Portugal’s No. 7 shirt for the team’s next two UEFA Nations League matches following Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from the national team camp.
Leão, who usually wears No. 17 for Portugal, has been listed as the No. 7 player on the official squad sheet for Thursday’s match against Denmark in Copenhagen and Sunday’s home fixture against Norway.
A football transfer expert reported on Thursday that UEFA had confirmed the change following Ronaldo’s departure.
“UEFA confirm Rafael Leão has been listed as Portugal No7 for the next two games following Cristiano leaving,” the report stated.
Newly called-up forward Fábio Silva has been assigned Leão’s previous No. 17 shirt.
The change follows UEFA Nations League regulations requiring the 23 players selected for a matchday squad to wear consecutive numbers from 1 to 23 without gaps.
Ronaldo left the Portugal camp on Wednesday after being named an unused substitute in the team’s 2-1 victory over Norway on Sunday.
The 41-year-old had started Portugal’s previous match, a 1-0 win over Wales, which was Jorge Jesus’ first game in charge of the national team.
Portugal currently sit top of Group A4 after winning their opening two matches and will face Denmark at Parken Stadium on Thursday before hosting Norway at the Estádio do Dragão on Sunday.
