STWF Sports|Nov. 19, 2025 – Carlos Forbs walked onto the pitch with a number he never expected to wear and walked off with the smile he’d lost five months ago at Wolves. On a night dominated by Portugal’s 9–1 dismantling of Armenia, it wasn’t just the scoreline that turned heads — it was the 21-year-old forward stepping into one of world football’s most sacred shirts and rising to the moment with a fearless, game-changing cameo.
For the first time since 2007, someone other than Cristiano Ronaldo wore Portugal’s iconic No. 7 jersey in a competitive fixture. And Forbs, debuting for the senior side, became only the second player in 17 years to inherit CR7’s number — an honor previously granted only to Bruma in 2024.
With Ronaldo serving a suspension for Portugal’s final World Cup qualifier, Forbs received the call-up, the shirt, and one of the biggest statements a young Portuguese attacker can possibly receive.
Impact Off the Bench — And a Moment Worthy of the Number
Just as Bruma once stepped in wearing the No. 7 and immediately scored, Forbs delivered a similarly decisive impact off the bench. With 606 days passing since Bruma’s moment, Forbs mirrored it by winning a penalty that allowed Bruno Fernandes to complete his hat trick.
He wasn’t simply filling a jersey — he was validating why he’d been chosen to wear it.
The debut may have lasted only a short spell, but Forbs posted 19 touches, an 80% pass accuracy, and the kind of directness Portugal’s staff wanted to see.
European football analyst Andy Brassell summed it up succinctly.
“It’s definitely a compliment. With the attacking depth Portugal has, giving the No. 7 to Forbs is a statement. He’s hard-working, patient, and he impacts games — that matters for tournament football.”
A Career Revived in Brugge After Wolves Struggles
The moment caps a stunning turnaround for Forbs, who just months ago was struggling for minutes and confidence at Wolves. Signed on loan in late 2024 as a potential Pedro Neto replacement, he found himself buried on the depth chart, making only 11 appearances and just one Premier League start, totaling 260 minutes — not nearly enough for a developing talent.
The summer move to Club Brugge changed everything.
Forbs has been one of the Belgian club’s breakout stars this season, scoring five goals, adding five assists, and, most memorably, winning UEFA Player of the Match honors after netting a brace in Brugge’s thrilling 3–3 Champions League draw with Barcelona.
His explosive start has drawn comparisons to countryman Vitinha, who similarly revived his career after a difficult spell at Wolves before becoming a Ballon d’Or finalist.
Brassell sees the parallels too.
“It’s tempting to compare him with Vitinha because he’s another player who struggled at Wolves before becoming one of the very best. Forbs has that same mentality and work ethic.”
Portugal’s Plan for Forbs — A Future Tournament Weapon
Portugal manager Roberto Martínez wanted a closer look, and Forbs rewarded that trust instantly. But with the national team stacked with elite attacking options — including Rafael Leão, João Félix, Diogo Jota, and Bernardo Silva — securing a World Cup roster spot won’t be easy.
Even so, Brassell says Forbs brings something priceless.
“He won’t complain if he’s not starting. When you need an impact player, someone who changes a game off the bench, Forbs fits perfectly.”
A Night That Changes Everything
Carlos Forbs didn’t just make a debut — he announced the start of a new chapter. After losing his confidence and his smile in England, he rediscovered both in Brugge. Now, after wearing Portugal’s most legendary number and impacting a dominant victory, his story has shifted again.
Portugal’s No. 7 shirt doesn’t get passed around lightly.
But on this night, a 21-year-old earned it — and proved why it might not be the last time he wears it.
