British broadcaster Piers Morgan criticised Portugal after Rafael Leão was handed Cristiano Ronaldo’s No. 7 shirt for Portugal’s UEFA Nations League meeting with Denmark at Parken Stadium in Copenhagen, describing the move as “disgusting” and “shameful”.
Morgan’s comments came less than 24 hours after 41-year-old Ronaldo left Portugal’s training camp following a meeting with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença and growing uncertainty over his role under new head coach Jorge Jesus.
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“Disgusting, if true. After everything @Cristiano has done for Portugal, why the hell are they treating him like this?” Morgan wrote on X.
The broadcaster, who has a close public relationship with Ronaldo, also referred to the anniversary of the forward’s father’s death and Ronaldo’s decision to represent Portugal immediately afterwards.
“Shameful to see this shocking disrespect for their greatest player,” Morgan added.
Ronaldo’s departure followed his omission from Portugal’s starting line-up for the Denmark fixture.
He had also been left on the bench during Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League victory over Norway, with reports subsequently focusing on tensions surrounding his reduced playing time under Jesus.
The No. 7 decision quickly became another focal point in the dispute. Leão, who normally wears No. 17 for Portugal, was listed as the new No. 7 for the Denmark fixture and subsequently wore the number during Portugal’s 4-2 victory.
However, the change was not necessarily a deliberate attempt by Portugal to strip Ronaldo of his iconic number.
UEFA rules for the Nations League require the 23 players on a matchday squad to wear numbers from 1 to 23, meaning Portugal could not simply leave No. 7 vacant after Ronaldo’s withdrawal.
Leão nevertheless acknowledged the significance of wearing the shirt previously associated with Ronaldo.
The forward has repeatedly spoken of Ronaldo as a role model, making the temporary change a notable moment for the 27-year-old.
Ronaldo’s absence did not prevent Portugal from producing an impressive result in Copenhagen. Portugal defeated Denmark 4-2, with João Cancelo, Gonçalo Ramos, Vitinha and João Félix finding the net as Jesus’ side maintained its Nations League campaign without its long-serving captain.
The victory has added another dimension to the debate surrounding Portugal’s transition under Jesus.
While Ronaldo’s departure has dominated discussion away from the pitch, the national team demonstrated that it could produce a strong attacking performance without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Morgan has also criticised Jesus directly over his handling of the Ronaldo situation.
In a separate post, he accused the Portugal coach of belittling the country’s most prominent footballer, further intensifying his public defence of Ronaldo.
Jesus, meanwhile, has maintained that his focus is on managing the national team and making football decisions according to his judgement.
The coach’s position has been that selection decisions belong to him, rather than individual players.
The disagreement has therefore developed beyond the question of one shirt number.
Ronaldo’s sudden departure has raised wider questions about his future with Portugal, while the federation could still have to consider whether his decision to leave camp breached its disciplinary regulations.
For now, Leão’s use of Ronaldo’s No. 7 remains a match-specific development rather than confirmation that the legendary forward has permanently lost the shirt.
Portugal’s next Nations League fixture is against Norway at the Estádio do Dragão on October 4, when Leão is again expected to wear the number in Ronaldo’s absence.
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The situation leaves Portugal balancing two realities: a new generation of players stepping into familiar roles, and the unresolved place of a 41-year-old captain whose influence on the national side has stretched across more than two decades.
