In their match against Famalicao last Sunday, Sporting CP donned a special kit sponsored by Cristiano Ronaldo’s CR7 brand.
Sporting emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in their Primeira Liga encounter, and the players used the opportunity to honor the club’s former iconic forward.
The kit featured the CR7 brand in lieu of the usual Nike logo, serving as a tribute to the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Juventus star.
Designed in black and gold, the kit showcases the CR7 emblem, commemorating 20 years at Estadio Jose Alvalade and marking Ronaldo’s final match for the team.
After an almost five-decade tenure at their former home, Sporting transitioned to a new stadium adjacent to their previous grounds in 2003.
The inaugural match at the Estadio Jose Alvalade featured Sporting pitted against Manchester United, the recently crowned Premier League champions.
In a moment etched into football history, Ronaldo made a spectacular impression during the match, catching the attention of none other than Sir Alex Ferguson. The then-18-year-old prodigy’s dazzling performance led Ferguson to swiftly acquire him.
As a tribute to Ronaldo’s remarkable display on that memorable day, the team sported jerseys featuring his CR7 brand.
It won’t be long before CR7 becomes an Air Jordan kind of Brand
Micheal Jordan – Cristiano Ronaldo, Goats of their respective sports 🐐pic.twitter.com/YiLIjJgT7k
— Preeti (@MadridPreeti) August 28, 2023
On X, the club wrote: “Travel back in time with us.
“6th of August 2003 to the 6th of August 2023. 20 years of Estadio Jose Alvalade and five Ballon d’Ors later, the best in the world are united in one piece.
“20 stories to tell. Sporting, Cristiano and Nike together in our new shirt.”
The CR7-branded shirt will be worn by Sporting in the 2023/24 campaign.
Ronaldo spent just one season in Portugal before moving to Man United, where he became a superstar, winning the three Premier League titles and the Champions League, among other trophies.
He also won his first Ballon d’Or during his time at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo signed for Real Madrid in 2009 as he helped the La Liga giants to four Champions League titles during his time at the club and won a further four Ballon d’Or awards.
He switched to Juventus before returning to Man United, signing for Al Nassr in January.