Ronaldo’s Exit Changes the Immediate Picture
Portugal’s squad for Thursday’s Nations League meeting with Denmark drew attention for one clear reason: Cristiano Ronaldo was no longer in camp, and Rafael Leão was set to wear the No. 7 shirt. The team list was released after Ronaldo departed following a tense stretch in Copenhagen.
That shirt carries unusual weight in Portugal, because Ronaldo has owned the No. 7 identity for nearly two decades. Leão normally plays with No. 17 for the national team, so the switch is both practical and symbolic for this one match.
How the Squad Was Adjusted
The reshuffle around Ronaldo’s departure opened the door for several changes in the matchday setup. Portugal kept its preparation moving with the remaining players, and the numbering was updated accordingly.
- Rafael Leão moved from No. 17 to No. 7.
- Fábio Silva took over No. 17 and joined the matchday squad.
- Bruno Fernandes returned after missing the Norway match with an injury.
- Francisco Conceição remained unavailable while recovering.
Why Ronaldo Left and What Comes Next
Ronaldo, 41, left the Portugal camp on Wednesday, September 30, after Jorge Jesus’ press conference and a discussion with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença. He said he would explain his decision later.
The backdrop had been developing since Portugal’s 2-1 win over Norway, when Ronaldo started on the bench and later trained separately despite being fit. Jesus said the player was unhappy with the decision, but he denied that the situation amounted to a personal split.
The timing has fueled speculation about Ronaldo’s long-term future with the national team, especially with the match in Copenhagen only hours away. As of October 1, the federation had not announced any retirement decision, even though Ronaldo had previously hinted that the 2026/27 season could be his last.