The Portuguese iconic number 7 shirt being worn by Cristiano Ronaldo was handed to another player for the first time since 2007.
Ronaldo was rested after playing for Al-Nassr, despite being named in Roberto Martinez’s 32-player squad for the upcoming European Championships.
Cristiano Ronaldo is currently enjoying an exuberant holiday with his family in Saudi Arabia to rest and prevent injuries ahead of Euro 2024.
Portugal played against Sweden on Thursday, March 21, 2024, and the game ended in a resounding 5-2 triumph in favor of the 2016 European Championships winners.
The international friendly was played at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes and several high-profile players were in action, notably; Pepe, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Rui Patricio, and Rafael Leao.
Leao scored the opener for Portugal in the 24th minute, before Matheus Nunes netted the second in the 33rd minute.
Bruno Fernandes also got his name on the score sheet right at the last minute of the first 45, while substitute Bruma, who was handed the No. 7 shirt scored in the 57th minute.
Goncalo Ramos scored the culminating goal for Portugal in the 61st minute, while Sweden got their two goals through; Viktor Gyökeres and Gustaf Nilsson.
When did Cristiano Ronaldo start wearing the number 7 shirt for Portugal?
Bruma, who plays for Portuguese side Braga penned his name into history by becoming the first player to wear the iconic number 7 shirt since Cristiano Ronaldo earned it in 2007.
Bruma, 29, has in the past expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, describing the former Manchester United man as his biggest idol.
He additionally carried the Portuguese in high esteem, terming him a role model for young players.
Is Bruma Portugal’s new Number 7?
Anyway, the winger will likely not wear the shirt for long, with Cristiano Ronaldo expected to return for Portugal’s next international friendly against Slovenia on March 26, 2024.
Bruma should return to his regular No. 17 jersey for the game, while several players will miss out on the game as confirmed by manager Roberto Martinez.
Bruno Fernandes, Ruben Dias, Bernardo Silva, and Joao Palhinha are among 8 players who will be released early from the squad and will not feature against Slovenia.
Portugal are considered among the favorites to win the upcoming European Championships and they will be banking on the services of Cristiano Ronaldo to win the trophy.
Ronaldo was instrumental to their Euro 2016 triumph and despite being at the twilight of his career his impact cannot be overemphasized.
This tournament could possibly be the last that the 5-time Ballon d’Or winner will be representing Portugal, although he hasn’t lifted the lid on when he would retire from football.
Cristiano Ronaldo has made 205 appearances for the quarter-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, scoring 128 goals and providing 46 assists in all competitions.
