jordan pulse -

LISBON
​The Portuguese national football team is preparing an extraordinary tribute for its former captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, during Saturday’s UEFA Nations League clash against Denmark, in recognition of his 23 years of service in the national jersey.
​According to the Portuguese daily Diário de Notícias, all Portugal players will walk onto the pitch wearing the iconic No. 7 shirt—synonymous with Ronaldo throughout his international career—in a symbolic gesture honoring his legacy and achievements with the national side.
​The tribute will also extend into the match itself, with play scheduled to pause in the 7th minute to allow fans and players to applaud the Portuguese star, who recently announced his retirement from international football following a trophy-laden career.
​The initiative was spearheaded by several senior national team figures—including Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes—who coordinated the details of the ceremony with the coaching staff and the President of the Portuguese Football Federation.
​In another gesture reflecting Ronaldo’s stature within the squad, the Portuguese Football Federation decided not to assign Room 201 to any player during the current training camp, preserving the room where the former captain resided during national team gatherings for many years.
​Ronaldo steps away from international duty having earned 234 caps and scored 146 goals, holding the all-time world records for both appearances and goals in men's international football. During his tenure, he captained Portugal to victory at UEFA Euro 2016 and captured two UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025, leaving behind an unmatched legacy in Portuguese football history.
​Source: Diário de Notícias / Rum News Agency