Former Manchester United star and footballing legend Cristiano Ronaldo officially confirmed his retirement from international football earlier this month.

The decision followed the 41-year-old’s suspension from the national side after he walked out on his team during the last international break.

Ronaldo was eligible to return and play for Portugal in this period, but instead chose to end his days representing them.

His national side’s camp was reportedly split in opinion over whether he was becoming a burden on a team trying to achieve success on the world stage.

However, it has been undeniable that the former Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Sporting player is the nation’s greatest ever.

So naturally, their first time without him in two decades will take some adjusting to.

While Ronaldo’s iconic number 7 shirt number was not retired, Portugal have found a creative way to immortalise their legend’s iconic jersey.

The national side have revealed a unique design change to the iconic shirt to ensure Ronaldo’s version remains forever – by drawing a small slash in the middle of the No.7.

In a post on X, Portugal wrote, “Time to debut a new 7. Because there’s one that will be eternal.”

It’s a clever way around not retiring Ronaldo’s shirt, while making sure their greatest is set apart from the rest.

When signing off on his international retirement on November 5th, Ronaldo said, “Portugal will always be part of me. Farewell, until we meet again, Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Portugal have done their bit in ensuring the 41-year-old will always be a part of their Number 7 kit, even when Carlos Forbs and Rafael Leao are donning the shirt in his felt absence.

Tempo de estrear um novo 7. Porque há um que será eterno ∞🐐 pic.twitter.com/UCozRU3t89

— Portugal (@selecaoportugal) November 14, 2026