Piers Morgan, while criticising the decision, noted that it is “shameful to see this shocking disrespect for their greatest player.”
By Kehinde Okeowo
English broadcaster, journalist, television personality, and writer Piers Morgan has criticised Portugal for giving Cristiano Ronaldo’s iconic No.7 shirt to Rafael Leão, calling the action “disgusting and shameful”.
The lifelong Arsenal fan made this known on Thursday, 1 October 2026, in a post he shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) page.
Portugal recently reallocated Ronaldo’s No.7 shirt to Leão ahead of their matches against Denmark and Norway, following the striker’s decision to abruptly walk out on the national team amid reports he grew frustrated with a lack of minutes under head coach Jorge Jesus.
Leão had already expressed his happiness after being handed Ronaldo’s No.7 shirt by Portugal, revealing that the Al-Nassr forward is his role model.
ALSO READ: Jorge Jesus breaks silence on Ronaldo’s Portugal camp exit, says ‘My conscience is clear’
Reacting to the decision to give out his jersey number, Piers Morgan wondered why Portugal was treating the 41-year-old forward with disrespect.
Speaking via his verified handle, he said: “Disgusting, if true.
“After everything @Cristiano has done for Portugal, why the hell are they treating him like this? Yesterday was his father’s birthday, and he played for his country the day after his dad died.
“Shameful to see this shocking disrespect for their greatest player.”
