Portugal’s Football Federation has reportedly honoured Cristiano Ronaldo by leaving Room 201, which the former captain regularly occupied during national team camps, unassigned at the Cidade do Futebol training centre.
The symbolic gesture follows reports of Ronaldo’s retirement from international football after a 23-year career with the Portuguese national team.
According to Portuguese sports publications Record and A Bola, the room remained vacant during Portugal’s current training camp ahead of its UEFA Nations League fixtures against Denmark and Wales.
The room, located at the national team’s training headquarters in Oeiras, had become closely associated with Ronaldo, who occupied it during several international assignments.
The federation reportedly decided not to allocate it to another player as part of efforts to recognise the forward’s contribution to Portuguese football.
Reports also quoted Portuguese Football Federation spokesman Ricardo Quaresma as confirming the decision, adding that further tributes were being planned in honour of the former captain.
Ronaldo’s 23-Year International Legacy
Ronaldo reportedly announced his retirement from international football on November 5, 2026, ending a career that began in August 2003.
He finished with 234 international appearances and 146 goals, making him Portugal’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.
During his time with the national team, Ronaldo helped Portugal win its first major international trophy at the 2016 European Championship in France.
He also captained the country to victory in the inaugural UEFA Nations League in 2019 and its second title in 2025.
Among his international achievements, Ronaldo became the first player to score at five different editions of the FIFA World Cup.
Beyond his goals and records, his leadership, competitiveness and longevity made him a defining figure in Portuguese football across multiple generations.
Portugal Plans Further Tribute
The decision to preserve Room 201 is reportedly part of wider plans by the Portuguese Football Federation to celebrate Ronaldo’s contribution to the national team.
Ahead of Portugal’s Nations League encounter with Denmark in Braga on Saturday, November 14, 2026, the squad is expected to pay tribute to its former captain.
Reports indicate that Portugal’s players will walk onto the pitch wearing shirts bearing Ronaldo’s iconic number seven.
A further gesture is reportedly planned for the seventh minute of the match, when supporters are expected to give the former captain a standing ovation.
The arrangements were reportedly agreed upon by FPF president Pedro Proença, head coach Jorge Jesus and senior players Bernardo Silva, Rúben Dias and Bruno Fernandes, with UEFA’s approval.
However, it remains unclear whether Ronaldo will attend the ceremony in person.
Portugal’s coach, Jorge Jesus, reportedly described the planned tribute as an appropriate recognition of the forward’s contribution to the national team.
Portugal Begins Life After Ronaldo
Ronaldo’s departure marks the end of a significant era for Portugal, leaving a major leadership and attacking void in the squad.
Experienced players, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias, are expected to take on greater responsibilities as the national team prepares for its next chapter.
The decision to preserve Room 201 offers a symbolic reminder of Ronaldo’s place in Portuguese football history.
While new players will emerge and records may eventually be broken, his 146 international goals, 234 appearances and role in Portugal’s major tournament successes remain a defining part of the country’s football legacy.
Source: Blueprint
