Portugal are preparing an emotional farewell for Cristiano Ronaldo, with the entire national team set to honour their legendary former captain through a series of special gestures during their UEFA Nations League encounter against Denmark.
The Portuguese Football Federation has confirmed plans for the tribute, which will see every member of the squad walk onto the pitch wearing Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt ahead of Saturday’s meeting at the Estádio Municipal de Braga.
In another symbolic gesture, supporters inside the stadium will have the opportunity to celebrate the legendary forward during the seventh minute of the match, with a special standing ovation planned in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to Portuguese football.
The arrangements have reportedly received UEFA’s approval, allowing the national team and supporters to participate in what promises to be an emotional occasion for the country.
The decision follows Ronaldo’s announcement of his retirement from international football on November 5, bringing an end to an extraordinary 23-year journey with the national team.
The 41-year-old made his senior debut for Portugal in August 2003 and went on to establish himself as one of the most influential figures in the country’s sporting history.
During his international career, Ronaldo made 234 appearances and scored 146 goals, making him the all-time leading goalscorer in men’s international football.
His achievements include captaining Portugal to their historic European Championship triumph in 2016 and helping the country secure the inaugural UEFA Nations League title in 2019. He also featured in Portugal’s 2025 Nations League triumph.
The number 7 has become inseparable from Ronaldo’s identity, with the forward transforming the shirt into one of the most recognisable symbols in world football through his remarkable achievements at club and international level.
The tribute was reportedly agreed upon following discussions involving Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença, head coach Jorge Jesus and senior members of the squad, including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes.
Beyond the stadium celebrations, the federation has also reportedly decided to leave Ronaldo’s usual room unoccupied at Cidade do Futebol, the national team’s training headquarters, during the first training camp following his international retirement.
The gesture further highlights the significance of his departure and the lasting relationship he built with the national team throughout more than two decades of service.
Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva is expected to lead Portugal into a new chapter following Ronaldo’s departure, with Bruno Fernandes and Rúben Dias among the experienced players expected to assume greater leadership responsibilities.
For Portugal, the encounter against Denmark will therefore represent more than an important Nations League fixture. It will also provide an opportunity for the current generation to acknowledge the legacy of a player who helped transform the country’s footballing fortunes.
Although Ronaldo will no longer be part of the national team’s plans, his influence remains deeply embedded in Portuguese football.
As the players walk onto the pitch wearing the number 7 shirt and supporters prepare to applaud during the seventh minute, Braga will provide a fitting setting for a tribute to one of football’s greatest international careers.
For 23 years, Ronaldo wore the Portuguese colours with distinction. On Saturday, an entire team will wear his iconic number as a reminder of the legacy he leaves behind.
