Cristiano Ronaldo has always been known for his iconic jersey number, “7”. From his days in England with Manchester United to his present day in Saudi Arabia with Al Nassr, CR7 has worn the number ever since.
So it was no surprise that fans were truly shocked when they saw another Portugal player wearing the number 7 take the field.
The moment came during Portugal’s last World Cup Qualifying game against Armenia on Sunday.
Portugal were not expected show any number 7s in their lineup as Ronaldo was suspended for elbowing Dara O’Shea in the preceding game against Ireland.
But things took a weird turn when Club Brugge’s 21 year-old striker Carlos Forbs came on the pitch to substitute BernardO Silva in the 56th minute rocking the number 7 on his new Eusebio tribute kit.
Safe to say the sight of Forbs donning number 7 immediately drew attention and sparked debate online. The fanboys were up in arms.
But there’s a reason why Forbs was handed the iconic number.
According to FIFA rules during international competitions, players have to be numbered from 1-23 (depends on the squad size), even if it means your best player has been excluded or suspended from the matchday squad, as Ronaldo is in this instance.
In major international football competitions, FIFA typically requires teams to number their players sequentially within the limits of the approved squad size, a system designed to keep squads uniform and easy to identify.
Historically, tournaments such as the World Cup mandated a 23-man squad, which meant players were required to wear numbers from 1 to 23, with the number 1 shirt reserved for a goalkeeper.
The fact that Forbs was given the shirt for his senior international debut demonstrates the coaching staff’s faith in the 21 year-old. Wearing the No. 7 is a dream for a new generation of Portuguese football players, and Forbs’ first cap for Portugal made it a reality for him.
Once Ronaldo is back to the national team, the number 7 jersey will, of course, be his again.
But, there is a very good chance, and it also remains to be seen, whether the legendary number 7 jersey will be retired by the Portuguese Football Federation as an honour when Ronaldo hangs up his boots.
