Every member of the Portugal national team walked out wearing Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic number 7 shirt during pre-match ceremonies before their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday evening. The coordinated tribute marked Portugal's first game since Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football on November 5, and the squad's shirts were worn only for the pre-match formalities, with UEFA granting special permission for the gesture during a competitive fixture.

The 41-year-old holds the men's records for both international appearances (234) and goals (146), and his international career began in August 2003 and included victories at Euro 2016 and the 2019 and 2025 Nations League titles. He stepped away after a public dispute with head coach Jorge Jesus. The decision for the whole squad to wear the No. 7 jersey was agreed in a meeting involving Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, Jesus, and senior players including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes.S1S2

Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs was listed with the number 7 for the match itself, and a further tribute was planned for the seventh minute, when supporters were expected to applaud Ronaldo. Banners in the crowd thanked him as the starting XI took the pitch. Portugal also unveiled a permanent design change to the number 7 shirt, with a subtle line running through the digit so that Ronaldo's version stays distinct and is reserved as a lasting symbol of his career.S1S2

Portugal entered the match already assured of a place in the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their first four group games, and a point against Denmark would have secured top spot ahead of their final fixture against Wales on Tuesday. Ronaldo's final appearance for Portugal came in a 1-0 win over Wales on September 24.S1