Portugal to honour Cristiano Ronaldo with special tribute against Denmark
The squad will wear the number 7 shirt and the match will pause in the seventh minute to recognise the former captain.
Portugal will perform a series of tributes to Cristiano Ronaldo during their UEFA Nations League match against Denmark on Saturday at the Estadio Municipal de Braga, according to the Times of India. The gestures follow Ronaldo's announcement of his international retirement on November 5.
Every member of the Portuguese squad is expected to wear the number 7 shirt as they walk onto the pitch before kick-off. Additionally, the match is scheduled to pause in the seventh minute to allow supporters at the stadium to applaud the former captain. UEFA has reportedly granted special permission for this pause.
The decision was finalised during a Thursday meeting involving Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) president Pedro Proença, head coach Jorge Jesus, and captains Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias, and Bruno Fernandes. The federation has also decided to leave the room Ronaldo used at the Cidade do Futebol training complex vacant.
Coach Jorge Jesus stated during a press conference that such tributes are the responsibility of the federation's president and its sporting departments rather than the coaching staff. He noted that Ronaldo's 23-year career and his impact on global football are unforgettable.
Ronaldo retired with 146 goals in 234 appearances, holding the records for most appearances and most goals in men's international football. His international career spanned from his debut against Kazakhstan on August 20, 2003, to his final appearance on September 24, 2026.