Cristiano Ronaldo number 7 successors Portugal national team, Digi Mart USA News: Cristiano Ronaldo’s retirement from the Portugal national team marks the end of an era and raises a question few expected to face in the past 23 years: who will inherit the historic No. 7 shirt. After announcing his farewell on November 5, the forward left the number vacant, and several members of Portugal’s new generation are beginning to emerge as possible successors.
At 41, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner has decided to close his international career after 234 appearances, 146 goals and three titles with his country. In a farewell video shared on his social media, Ronaldo said: “To the Portuguese people, the day has come to return the number 7 shirt of our national team.” He also acknowledged that wearing the number had been a great responsibility for more than two decades.
“I never felt it belonged only to me, but for 23 years I had the privilege and responsibility of wearing it, defending it and carrying it with me to stadiums around the world,” he said.
Although his international farewell will take place after the November FIFA window, uncertainty over who will wear the shirt is already generating expectations among Portuguese fans. The Portuguese Football Federation has not officially announced a successor, and several candidates could take on the challenge.
Rafael Leão is considered the player with the early advantage. He wore the iconic number during a recent Portugal training camp when Ronaldo was absent, an experience that could now become permanent.
Pedro Neto, the Chelsea winger who already wears No. 7 at club level, is also a candidate because of his speed and attacking influence.
Gonçalo Guedes also wore the shirt during Portugal’s friendlies against Mexico and the United States in March 2026, when Ronaldo was unavailable. Francisco Conceição, one of the most skillful wingers in the European side, is another option.
However, wearing the No. 7 shirt will not necessarily make a player the team’s new leader. Coach Jorge Jesus must also decide who will assume the leadership role Ronaldo held for much of his international career.
Bruno Fernandes appears as a leading candidate due to his experience and his past role wearing the captain’s armband when Ronaldo was absent. Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias have also held leadership responsibilities with the national team.
For now, Portugal must begin a new chapter without the player who became its all-time leading scorer and one of its most iconic captains. Rafael Leão appears to have the advantage to inherit the No. 7 shirt, but it will be the Portuguese Football Federation that confirms who will definitively wear a shirt Ronaldo turned into a legend.
