In the national team shirt, Cristiano Ronaldo has had a career lasting nearly 22 years. During that time, the legend owned 5 Ballon d’Ors often associated with the number 7 shirt. The striker who is on the Al-Nassr payroll always wears This shirt number in Portugal started in 2007.
But recently, a new milestone was created at dawn last Friday in the friendly match between Portugal and Sweden at Dom Afonso Henriques Stadium. Ronaldo was absent and Seleccao’s number 7 shirt was given to Bruma by coach Roberto Martinez.
Bruma came on to replace Rafael Leao at the beginning of the second half. The number 7 shirt seemed to bring Bruma luck, helping him score 1 goal in the 57th minute, contributing to Portugal’s 5-2 victory over Sweden.
Bruma is a player currently playing for Braga Club in the Portuguese Premier League. The 29-year-old striker was called up to the national team thanks to his impressive performance from the beginning of the season. He scored 8 goals and 6 assists in 30 appearances for the team ranked 4th in the Portuguese National Championship.
Previously, Bruma once praised Ronaldo and admitted that the Real Madrid legend was his biggest idol. Impressing coach Martinez, Bruma faces a great opportunity to attend EURO 2024 in the summer.
With Bruma wearing the number 7 shirt in the win over Sweden, this is the first time in 17 years that Portugal has a player wearing this shirt number other than Ronaldo. But that doesn’t mean Ronaldo will lose this iconic shirt.
Coach Martinez still considers Ronaldo a very important factor for Portugal, at least until the end of EURO 2024. CR7 did not participate in the Sweden match because coach Martinez wanted him to rest and avoid unnecessary injuries before the big tournament. .
But in the friendly match against Slovenia on March 27, Ronaldo will likely return to play a few minutes with Portugal to maintain intensity and connection with his teammates.
