Portugal have a new player wearing Cristiano Ronaldo's iconic No. 7 shirt, with Club Brugge winger Carlos Forbs set to take centre stage in the national team's first match following the legendary forward's international retirement. The 22-year-old has been handed the famous number for Portugal's UEFA Nations League fixture against Denmark on November 14, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the national side.

Forbs' selection has attracted attention because Ronaldo wore the number for more than two decades, making it synonymous with his extraordinary international career. However, the decision does not necessarily make Forbs his permanent successor. The winger will wear No. 7 for the Denmark fixture, with AC Milan forward Rafael Leão reportedly among the leading candidates to take over the number in the longer term.

Who Is Carlos Forbs? Portugal's New No. 7

Born on March 19, 2004, in Sintra, Portugal, Carlos Roberto Forbs Borges is an attacking winger known for his pace, acceleration and ability to take on defenders. He developed his footballing skills in the youth system at Manchester City before moving to Ajax in 2023.

His time in the Netherlands provided an opportunity to experience senior football, after which he joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan for the 2024-25 season. Forbs subsequently moved to Belgian club Club Brugge in July 2025, where he continued developing his reputation as an exciting attacking prospect.

His performances in European competition have also brought him into the spotlight. Forbs impressed against Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League, scoring twice in Club Brugge's memorable 3-3 draw against the Spanish giants in November 2025.

Why Has Carlos Forbs Been Given Cristiano Ronaldo's No. 7 Shirt?

Portugal's decision to hand Forbs the number comes ahead of the team's first international fixture since Ronaldo's departure from the national side.

Interestingly, this is not the first time Forbs has worn No. 7 for Portugal. He also used the number during his senior international debut against Armenia in November 2025, when Portugal secured a 9-1 victory.

The Portuguese Football Federation has also introduced a redesigned version of the number 7 to honour Ronaldo's legacy. The altered design features an additional line, allowing the federation to preserve the original version associated with the former captain.

Portugal have planned a special tribute before the Denmark match, with the entire squad expected to enter the field wearing No. 7 shirts. Supporters are also expected to honour Ronaldo with an ovation in the seventh minute.

Can Carlos Forbs Become Portugal's Next Big Star?

Forbs has an opportunity to establish himself as an important part of Portugal's next generation. His experience at Manchester City, Ajax, Wolves and Club Brugge has exposed him to different footballing environments.

According to UEFA's 2026-27 Champions League statistics, he has registered two goals and three assists in four appearances for Club Brugge.

While inheriting Ronaldo's shirt number carries considerable symbolic importance, replacing his influence will be an entirely different challenge. Forbs will need consistent performances at club and international level to establish his own identity in Portuguese football.

The young winger has a memorable opportunity: becoming the first player to wear Portugal's redesigned No. 7 shirt in an international match after Ronaldo's remarkable 23-year national-team career.