Cristiano Ronaldo’s Return to Manchester United: A Record-Breaking Season for Shirt Sales
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United in 2021 sent shockwaves throughout the footballing world. The Portugal star, revered for his incredible career and iconic number seven jersey, sparked a frenzy among fans eager to celebrate his return by purchasing his replica shirts.
This excitement translated into record-breaking shirt sales during the 2021/22 campaign, as Ronaldo sold more jerseys than any other Premier League player in a single season over the past five years, according to Fanatics.
Unprecedented Sales Surge
Ronaldo’s return to Old Trafford was nothing short of sensational. His reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time, combined with his previous success at Manchester United, created a perfect storm for merchandise sales. Fanatics, a global digital sports platform, recently unveiled the top-selling Premier League player shirts over the past five years, with Ronaldo’s number seven jersey leading the pack.
Rivals in the Top Ten
Despite fierce competition from some of football’s biggest stars, Ronaldo topped the list, surpassing even the most high-profile arrivals in recent years. Manchester City’s Erling Haaland followed closely behind Ronaldo. The Norwegian striker, known for his incredible goal-scoring prowess, saw a surge in sales of his number nine shirt during his debut season in England after joining the Citizens for £51.2 million in June 2023.
Jack Grealish, another Manchester City star, rounded off the top three. Grealish’s £100 million move from Aston Villa to Manchester City in the summer of 2021 made headlines, and fans eagerly snapped up his replica kits during the 2021/22 season.
Liverpool’s Star Power
Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah also made a significant impact on shirt sales. Salah recorded his highest sales in the 2021/22 season, ranking fourth on the list. That year was particularly impressive for the Egyptian forward, as he won the domestic cup double and finished joint top of the Premier League’s scoring charts. Salah’s consistent performances and charismatic presence have made him a fan favorite, further boosting his jersey sales.
Top 10 best-selling Premier League player shirts over the past five years
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United – 21/22)
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City – 22/23)
- Jack Grealish (Manchester City – 21/22)
- Mohamed Salah (Liverpool – 21/22)
- Alejandro Garnacho (Manchester United – 23/24)
- Marcus Rashford (Manchester United – 22/23)
- Son Heung-Min (Tottenham Hotspur – 21/22)
- Antony (Manchester United – 22/23)
- Phil Foden (Manchester City – 21/22)
- Rasmus Højlund (Manchester United – 23/24)
Rising Stars and Fan Favorites
Manchester United’s younger talents also saw a notable surge in shirt sales. Alejandro Garnacho, who had an impressive 2023/24 season by scoring 10 goals in all competitions, came in fifth place. His rise in popularity reflects his growing influence on the pitch and the excitement surrounding his potential.
Marcus Rashford, another Manchester United star, saw high demand for his number ten jersey during the 2022/23 season. Rashford enjoyed his best season in front of goal, netting 30 goals across all competitions. His on-field success and off-field philanthropy have made him a beloved figure among fans.
Tottenham’s Golden Boot Winner
Tottenham Hotspur’s Son Heung-Min claimed the seventh spot on the list. The South Korean forward’s number seven jersey was highly coveted by fans, especially during the 2021/22 season when he won the Premier League Golden Boot alongside Salah. Son’s consistent performances and charismatic personality have made him one of the most popular players in the league.
Newcomers Making Their Mark
The rest of the top ten is filled with promising forwards who have recently joined the Premier League. Manchester United’s Antony, who signed for £84 million, became the eighth-most popular replica shirt during his first season in England in 2022/23. The Brazilian winger’s flair and skill have quickly endeared him to the Old Trafford faithful.
Rasmus Hojlund, another newcomer to Manchester United, completed the top ten list. Despite a slow start, Hojlund managed to net ten league goals in his debut campaign at Old Trafford. His potential and promising performances have generated significant excitement among fans, reflected in the strong sales of his replica shirt.
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Manchester United not only reignited the club’s on-field ambitions but also led to an unprecedented surge in merchandise sales. His iconic number seven jersey outperformed all others, highlighting the immense global appeal of the Portuguese superstar. While Ronaldo topped the list, other notable players like Erling Haaland, Jack Grealish, and Mohamed Salah also made significant impacts on shirt sales, showcasing the broad array of talent and star power within the Premier League. As new stars continue to emerge and established players maintain their influence, the competition for the top-selling shirts remains as fierce as ever.
