JUST IN: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy Lives On as Portugal Redesigns Iconic No. 7 Shirt—The Portuguese Football Federation introduces a new design for the iconic shirt, preserving Ronaldo’s original number 7 as a tribute to his historic international career.

The Portuguese Football Federation (FPF) has redesigned its iconic number 7 jersey in honour of Cristiano Ronaldo, ensuring that the original design associated with the legendary forward remains a lasting symbol of his contribution to the national team.

The decision follows Ronaldo’s retirement from international football after an extraordinary 23-year career, during which he made a record 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for Portugal.

According to Portuguese newspaper A Bola, the federation has introduced a different graphic style for the number 7, adding a line through the new design to distinguish it from the original version worn by Ronaldo since Euro 2008.

The FPF explained that the decision was intended to preserve the historical significance of the number while allowing future Portuguese players to continue wearing it.

Carlos Forbs Takes Over the Number 7

Young winger Carlos Forbs became the first player to wear the redesigned number 7 in Portugal’s Nations League encounter against Denmark at the Estádio Municipal de Braga on Saturday.

The Club Brugge forward, 22, previously wore the same number during his international debut against Armenia in November 2025, when Ronaldo was unavailable.

His appearance in the redesigned shirt marks a symbolic beginning of a new chapter for Portugal’s famous number.

A Lasting Tribute to Ronaldo

Ronaldo’s number 7 became one of the most recognisable identities in international football, representing an era of extraordinary achievements for Portugal.

The former captain led his country to the historic Euro 2016 triumph and helped secure UEFA Nations League titles in 2019 and 2025.

Although international football regulations prevent Portugal from permanently retiring the number, the federation’s redesign ensures that the original version remains uniquely associated with Ronaldo’s legacy.

The gesture serves as a reminder of the achievements of a player who transformed Portuguese football and established himself as one of the greatest figures in the history of the national team.

BREAKING: Crystal Palace Sack Pierre Sage After Just 16 Matches in Charge—-The Eagles dismiss the Frenchman after winning only two of their opening 10 Premier League matches, leaving the club bottom of the table following four consecutive league defeats.

Crystal Palace have officially sacked manager Pierre Sage following a disappointing start to the 2026/27 campaign, bringing his short spell at Selhurst Park to an end after just 16 matches.

The club confirmed the Frenchman’s departure on Thursday, November 12, less than five months after appointing him as Oliver Glasner’s successor in June.

Sage’s dismissal follows a disappointing run of results that has left Palace bottom of the Premier League table, with only seven points from their opening 10 matches.

In an official statement, Crystal Palace thanked Sage and his coaching staff for their efforts during their time at the club and wished them well for the future.

Three members of his backroom team, Jamal Alioui, Damien Della Santa and Sandy Guichard, have also left the club.

Poor Premier League Form Costs Sage His Job

Sage managed just two victories and one draw from his first 10 Premier League matches, with seven defeats leaving Palace in serious trouble.

His final match in charge was Sunday’s 3-1 home defeat against Liverpool at Selhurst Park, which extended the Eagles’ losing streak in the league to four matches.

Palace have also conceded 24 goals in their opening 10 league fixtures, giving them the worst defensive record in the division.

The disappointing run followed an earlier 5-0 defeat against Brighton, which intensified pressure on the Frenchman and raised questions about his ability to turn the club’s fortunes around.

Thomas Frank Emerges as Leading Replacement Candidate

Following Sage’s dismissal, former Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford manager Thomas Frank has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Selhurst Park.

The Danish tactician was considered by Crystal Palace during their managerial search in the summer before the club eventually appointed Sage.

Frank remains without a club after being dismissed by Tottenham in February and could now be considered for another Premier League opportunity.

Former Everton manager Sean Dyche and Vítor Pereira have also been mentioned among the possible alternatives.

However, Crystal Palace have yet to officially announce Sage’s successor, stating that an update on the appointment process will be provided in due course.

A Disappointing End to Sage’s Premier League Adventure

Sage arrived at Crystal Palace with an impressive reputation after his successful spell at French club Lens, where he helped the team achieve significant domestic success.

His appointment was expected to provide continuity following Glasner’s departure, but the results have failed to meet expectations.

The Frenchman now leaves Selhurst Park after only 16 matches, with Palace facing the challenge of finding a replacement capable of lifting the club away from the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Eagles are scheduled to return to league action against Coventry City on November 21, giving the club an opportunity to make a managerial appointment during the international break.