Portugal get permission for 'illegal' tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal will pay tribute to Cristiano Ronaldo on Saturday evening as the 41-year-old bids farewell. He ended his international career last week after 23 years. His former team-mates, the Portuguese Football Federation and supporters will honour him ahead of the Nations League match against Denmark.
On Saturday evening, every Portugal international will wear the number 7. UEFA have allowed the 'illegal' tribute, despite rules that normally prohibit it in an official match. The match against Denmark kicks off at 20:45 at the Estádio Municipal in Braga.
During discussions on Thursday, Pedro Proença, president of the Portuguese Football Federation, national-team coach Jorge Jesus and captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes came up with the idea. They wanted a unique way to thank Ronaldo for his many years of service to the national team.
The Portuguese Football Federation have made another decision: from now on, the number 7 on the national shirt will have a line through the digit. The original design will remain permanently linked to Ronaldo's years in the Portugal shirt.
For the Portuguese Football Federation, the change will preserve the significance of the special shirt number forever. "This is another way to immortalise the significance of such a special number and honour the legacy it represents for us," the federation said.
Memories of Ronaldo will endure in Portuguese football, the federation stressed. "There are stories, memories, achievements and emotions that will forever be associated with Cristiano Ronaldo," the official statement said.
As for the number's new design, the federation said: "From today, we have a different number 7 on the shirt, with the same essence and the same pride. We will preserve the previous design to immortalise a story that will never be forgotten. Thank you, Cristiano!"
Supporters will also have their moment in the stands on Saturday evening. UEFA have given permission for a standing ovation in the seventh minute of the match against Denmark, giving those at the ground one last chance to thank their former captain together.
Over 23 years, Ronaldo made 234 international appearances and scored 146 goals. He won the 2016 European Championship with Portugal and the Nations League twice, in 2019 and 2025.
Ronaldo's departure ends a remarkable era in Portuguese football. A new one begins on Saturday evening for national-team coach Jorge Jesus and his players, who must do without their long-standing figurehead. The altered shirt number will keep Ronaldo's memory visible.
