Cristiano Ronaldo has worn the iconic #7 jersey for Portugal since 2007Portugal beat Sweden 5-2 in seven-goal thriller during international friendliesBrazil in blue – you want to think of yellow and Pele and not think about Everton – Listen to the It’s All Kicking Off podcast
A new star became just the second player, apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, to wear Portugal’s iconic No.7 shirt since 2007.
The 39-year-old star was rested after playing for Al-Nassr, despite being named in Roberto Martinez’ 32-player squad for Euro 2024.
Ronaldo is currently enjoying a lavish family holiday in Saudi Arabia with his family to rest and prevent injuries ahead of what could be his final major tournament in Germany this summer.
Portugal faced Sweden in a resounding 5-2 triumph during an international friendly at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes.
Without their star man, Portugal still managed to get five different goalscorers onto the scoresheet, including Manchester City’s Matheus Nunes.
The 39-year-old star did not play against Sweden but will return for Portugal’s Slovenia clash
Portugal’s Bruma donned the iconic #7 jersey before scoring their fourth goal of the match and celebrating with #8 Bruno Fernandes and #9 Goncalo Ramos
The #7 shirt has not been worn by any other player other than Cristiano Ronaldo since 2007
Ronaldo, 39, plays for Al-Nassr but Euro 2024 could be his last major tournament
Bruno Fernandes and Bernardo Silva both returned home after the Sweden match
Man City recruit Matheus Nunes scored on international duty
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In a historic turn of events, Braga winger Bruma etched his name into the Portuguese history books, donning the revered No.7 jersey, a privilege reserved almost exclusively for Cristiano Ronaldo since 2007.
Bruma stepped into the spotlight, filling the void left by the absence of their iconic #7 forward, landing himself on the scoresheet.
Although starting the match on the bench, Bruma made a significant impact after being brought on by manager Roberto Martinez in the second half. He scored Portugal’s fourth goal following an assist from Bruno Fernandes.
Bruma, who has previously expressed his admiration for Ronaldo, described him as his biggest idol and a role model for young players.
However, with Ronaldo expected to return to the squad against Slovenia, Bruma is likely to return to his usual No. 17 jersey.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao opened the scoring during the clash, before Manchester City’s recent recruit Matheus Nunes doubled their lead.
Manchester United skipper Bruno Fernandes scored before assisting the new number seven, and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos sealed the win early in the second half.
For Sweden it was highly sought-after Viktor Gyokeres and Gustaf Nilsson who scored for the visitors.
Portugal boss Roberto Martinez confirmed post-match that Fernandes, Dias, Silva and Palhinha were among eight players who will be released early from the squad and will not feature against Slovenia.