Rafael Leao says wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt was a special moment, revealing the Portugal legend has been his idol since childhood.

Portugal forward Rafael Leao has opened up about wearing Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No. 7 shirt for the first time, describing the experience as a special moment because of his long-standing admiration for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Leao inherited the shirt after Ronaldo left Portugal’s camp on Wednesday and wore the famous number as the Selecao defeated Denmark 4-2 in their UEFA Nations League clash on Thursday evening.

Speaking after the match, Leao said Ronaldo had been his idol since childhood and that wearing his shirt carried a personal significance beyond football.

“It’s been special for me to wear the No. 7 shirt because Cristiano has been my idol since I was a child.

“I tried my best to respect this number, this shirt. I am happy with the win.”

The 26-year-old forward also revealed that the No. 7 has an added personal connection to his family, noting that both of his children were born on the seventh day of the month.

For Leao, wearing Ronaldo’s famous shirt was therefore not only a responsibility on the international stage but also a deeply personal experience.