Sporting Lisbon presents third-kit accolade for Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo’s former club Sporting Lisbon have released a new third kit that pays homage to the Portuguese legend.
Ronaldo came through the Sporting Academy and made his debut in senior football at the club in 2002 at the age of 17.
The legendary forward made 31 appearances, scoring five goals and assisting another six, with top European sides becoming interested.
Manchester United went on to complete the £12.24 million signing of the then-teenager, who eventually became one of the world’s best players.
Now, over a decade since leaving Sporting, the Portuguese giants have released a Ronaldo-inspired third kit for the 2024/25 season.
The black strip features gold on the sleeves and neck, in homage to his glittering haul of major trophies and personal honours, as well as a large golden No.7 dashed across the front.
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“The seven. Lucky number?” Sporting said. “Only we know that luck is dressed in Effort, Dedication and Devotion.
They added: “We brought the number 7, in an unprecedented and proud way, to the front of our new jersey, in golden tones, in homage to Cristiano Ronaldo and his five Ballons d’Or.
“And we associate ourselves with the person who, better than anyone, could wear this jersey: Cristiano Ronaldo Jr.”
Ronaldo’s son Cristiano Jr has been pictured wearing the kit on their X account with the caption: “We are our legacy.”
The No.7 features proudly as the kit’s main attraction given how synonymous it has become with the Al Nassr star.
Ronaldo has worn the squad number throughout the majority of his glittering career with only two exceptions.
The now 39-year-old donned No.28 in his breakthrough at Sporting and took the No.9 shirt when he first joined Real Madrid as it was held by Bernabeu legend Raul.
He then switched to the No.7 in the 2010/11 season after Raul’s exit and has kept hold of it at Juventus and in his second United spell.
Ronaldo has done the same at Al Nassr and added to his amazing scoring efforts on Friday night in their latest Saudi Pro League win.
They beat Damac 2-0 in a match that saw the forward net both of their goals, the first of which came from 12 yards.
It was the 200th penalty he has taken and the 169th he has scored in his career, a success rate of 84.5 per cent for club and country.
Ronaldo has now totalled 915 goals and is certainly worthy of such a tribute from Sporting, which is where his iconic journey began.
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