Bruma etched his name in the annals of Portuguese football history by becoming only the second player, apart from Cristiano Ronaldo, to sport Portugal’s revered No. 7 jersey since 2007.
In a remarkable turn of events, Portugal showcased their prowess in a commanding 5-2 triumph over Sweden in an international friendly at the Estadio Dom Afonso Henriques in Guimaraes on Thursday.
Despite the absence of their iconic forward Ronaldo, the illustrious No. 7 shirt was proudly worn by Bruma, underscoring his unique position in the team’s history.
Bruma (Via FIFA/Twitter)
According to Sports Digitale, Bruma’s inclusion in the No. 7 jersey marked a significant deviation from the norm, with Ronaldo being the sole wearer of the iconic number for over a decade.
In the broader context, Bruma initially started the match from the sidelines but seized the opportunity when called upon by manager Roberto Martinez during the second half.
Making the most of his chance, Bruma secured Portugal’s fourth goal, capitalizing on an excellent assist from Bruno Fernandes.
Bruma (Via FIFA/Twitter)
This occasion held special significance for Bruma, who, like Ronaldo, honed his skills at Sporting and has long admired the legendary forward for inspiration.
Reflecting on his relationship with Ronaldo, Bruma highlighted Ronaldo’s influence on young players, emphasizing his professionalism and leadership qualities.
Looking ahead, Bruma may return to his customary No. 17 jersey, with Ronaldo poised to make his comeback against Slovenia on Tuesday.
