‘Childhood idol’: Rafael Leão opens up on taking over Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 shirt for Portugal

Copenhagen: AC Milan forward Rafael Leão stepped onto the pitch wearing Portugal's famous number seven shirt for their UEFA Nations League encounter against Denmark, stepping directly into the vacancy left by Cristiano Ronaldo's sudden departure from the national camp. Speaking after Portugal's 4-2 victory at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, Leão acknowledged the immense significance of taking over the jersey. He revealed that Ronaldo has been his primary idol since childhood, describing the experience of wearing the legendary number as a deeply special moment in his professional career. “It’s been special for me to wear the No. 7 shirt because Cristiano has been my idol since I was a child,” he said.

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A Personal Tribute Rooted in Family

Reflecting further on the emotional weight of donning the iconic shirt amidst a turbulent week for the squad, Leão shared a personal anecdote connecting his family to the number. He noted that his children were also born on the seventh day, adding an extra layer of personal meaning to an already memorable evening. The winger stated that he approached the match with a profound sense of responsibility, aiming to honour the legacy attached to the jersey while remaining fully focused on delivering a winning performance for the national team.

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Navigating the Backdrop of Squad Drama

Leão's comments arrived directly in the wake of severe social media backlash and intense public scrutiny surrounding the national team, following Ronaldo's abrupt exit over a broken agreement with head coach Jorge Jesus. Despite the heavy distraction and external noise, Leão and his teammates channelled their energy onto the pitch to secure a vital away win.