Why is Carlos Forbs Wearing the No. 7 Jersey in Portugal vs Denmark? Reason Revealed

Seeing a different player in Portugal's iconic No. 7 jersey may seem unsettling given how accustomed fans have become to seeing Cristiano Ronaldo donning the number. However, fans have no option but to get used to the change following the charismatic forward's international retirement.

Ahead of Portugal's Nations League contest against Denmark, Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs has been listed with the iconic number. The move has sparked plenty of curiosity about whether the 22-year-old has officially been crowned as the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo.

UEFA Regulations for Squad Numbers

Under the UEFA squad regulations, every nation participating in the Nations League must assign jersey numbers from 1 to 23, leaving no gaps in between. The strict rules have thus led Carlos Forbs wearing Number 7 jersey for the November international break.

The Portugal Football Federation is legally prohibited from leaving the number vacant or retiring it in the midst of an active tournament. With the clash marking the first camp of the Portugal national football team since the 5-time Ballon d'Or winner's retirement, manager Jorge Jesus had to allot the number to a member of the 23-man squad. Rafael Leao, who has donned the shirt on previous occasions, is missing out after a recent injury with Galatasaray. The circumstances have thus allowed Carlos Forbs to acquire the number against Denmark today.

Forbs' History with the Iconic Number

Although the decision is forced due to UEFA regulations, the Club Brugge player is no stranger to wearing the iconic number in red and green. The explosive winger wore the No. 7 shirt previously, when Ronaldo was out serving a suspension for the World Cup qualifier against Armenia last November.

Forbs has also consistently repped the jersey across the national youth setup, including U17 and U19s, as well as in his stint with the Manchester City academy. People might call the decision lucky, but the player has also earned the reward through impressive performances in Belgium.

What the Future Holds for Number 7?

Ultimately, seeing Carlos Forbs wearing Number 7 Jersey symbolizes a broader change for Portuguese football. The number has been synonymous with Cristiano Ronaldo for the better part of his glittering 20-year career. Even before the Al-Nassr forward, legendary footballer Luís Figo proudly flaunted the number on his back. Forbs may be filling the massive shoes temporarily, but whoever gets the final opportunity will have to shoulder the immense weight of Portuguese football.