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Athletes have rarely featured as a regular feature on a team jersey throughout the history of football, but some athletes are exceptions. Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo are the only two athletes to have ever been featured on football jerseys but in different ways. Michael Jordan’s brand, ‘Jordan’ is the kit sponsor for the Ligue 1 champions PSG, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s name was featured on this year’s third kit as an honor to the legend.
After kicking off back in 2018, Jordan and PSG’s partnership has been one of the most impactful cultural shifts in the game. The French giants reportedly received 200 million euros from Jordan Brand to produce the club’s third and fourth kits in 2021. Thus, Michael Jordan’s brand features on the right chest of every PSG jersey.
Cristiano Ronaldo's former club, Sporting Lisbon, have paid tribute to the forward after unveiling their new third kit for the 2023/24 season. The new kit celebrates 20 years at the Estadio Jose Alvalade - the 38-year-old's last match for the club. Ronaldo made his debut against Manchester United and impressed so much that the Red Devils ended up signing the talented winger. The rest is history.
These are the only two legends to have featured on the jerseys of football teams throughout history. Both have been some of the biggest brands in their respective sports and remain cultural icons.
