“The day has come for me to return the No. 7 jersey of the national team.” That’s how Cristiano Ronaldo addressed his millions of fans around the world as he announced his retirement from the Portuguese national team. In a video message posted on social media, the 41-year-old star reflected on his journey with the national team from 2003 to the present, with his last match for the national team coming against Wales last September.
This time, “CR7” is passing the torch and, as he stated in his post, is making the No. 7 jersey available again. This is not an unprecedented situation, as there have been other instances during the 41-year-old superstar’s career with the national team where that specific number was worn by different players.
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However, a reasonable question arises: Could the Portuguese national team retire the No. 7 jersey in honor of Cristiano Ronaldo?
Why FIFA Does Not Allow the Retirement of No. 7
The truth is that the Portuguese national team cannot make such a move. As was the case during the last international break, when Cristiano had been temporarily withdrawn from the squad before the match against Denmark, it was Rafael Leão who wore the number “7.” This is due to the regulations in effect for international competitions.
Specifically, by midnight on the eve of each match, all national associations are required to submit to UEFA a numbered list of the 23 players eligible to participate in the match. Therefore, one player must wear the number 7.
However, throughout his illustrious career with the Portuguese national team, Cristiano Ronaldo has not always worn the No. 7. He initially played with the number “16,” and at Euro 2004, we saw him play with the number “17” on his back. That tournament marked the retirement of Luís Figo, who until then had been the No. 7 on the Portuguese national team.
So, starting in 2007, Cristiano gave up the No. 17 and began wearing the No. 7, which he has kept to this day and which has become synonymous with his presence on the national team.
Who will carry the torch?
According to reports from Portugal, following “CR7’s” retirement, the “7” may pass to Rafael Leão, who, as mentioned earlier, has already played with that number. On the other hand, another issue that arises is that of the captain. Who will now wear the captain’s armband for Portugal?
By all accounts, Bruno Fernandes will succeed Cristiano Ronaldo as captain of the national team, taking on an even more important role within the squad.
*photo source: AP
