Portugal bid farewell to Ronaldo with tribute, star shines in absence

Portugal paid tribute to Ronaldo at their Nations League match against Denmark, with all players wearing shirts bearing his name and iconic No. 7.

Portugal honoured Cristiano Ronaldo's retirement from international football during their Nations League fixture against Denmark in Braga, despite the 41-year-old's absence. Ronaldo remained in Saudi Arabia training with Al-Nassr while his national team paid their respects.

All Portuguese players took to the field wearing shirts with Ronaldo's name and his legendary No. 7 on the back. The crowd at the Braga stadium displayed large banners, scarves and face masks bearing Ronaldo's image in tribute. In the seventh minute, supporters whistled en masse in a show of appreciation, though the match was not officially paused.

Portugal's football federation was required by UEFA to redistribute the No. 7 shirt number, as regulations mandate all nations distribute numbers 1–23 among their squad. The federation decided to redesign the No. 7 as a permanent tribute to Ronaldo's legacy, with former Ajax player Carlos Forbs wearing the modified version during this international break.