It Means A Lot To Me — Rafael Leão Opens Up On Portugal’s No. 7 Shirt

Portugal forward Rafael Leão has revealed the personal significance of wearing the national team’s famous No. 7 shirt, explaining that the number allows him to honour his childhood idol, Cristiano Ronaldo.

Leão made the revelation after featuring in Portugal’s 4-2 victory over Denmark, a result that saw João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix find the net for the European champions.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Leão said wearing the No. 7 shirt is particularly meaningful to him because Ronaldo has been an inspiration to him since childhood. He also disclosed that the number carries an additional personal connection because his children were born on the seventh day of the month.

The AC Milan forward said he was delighted to wear the shirt and understood the responsibility associated with taking on a number that has become strongly identified with Ronaldo in Portuguese football.

Leão said he gave his best effort to honour the shirt and was pleased that Portugal marked the occasion with an important victory over Denmark.

His comments come amid uncertainty surrounding Ronaldo’s immediate future with the Portuguese national team following a reported disagreement between the veteran forward and head coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo reportedly left Portugal’s training camp following the disagreement and subsequently indicated that he would reveal his side of the story at a later time.

Reports from Portugal have also suggested that the Portuguese Football Federation is seeking to resolve the dispute and facilitate a reconciliation between Ronaldo and Jesus, with further discussions reportedly expected.

The situation has attracted considerable attention in Portugal, with reports also indicating that senior political figures have shown interest in the developments surrounding the national team.

For Leão, however, the No. 7 shirt remains more than just a squad number, representing both admiration for the player who inspired him and a personal connection to his family.