Ronaldo's record shirt price drives global searches
Cristiano Ronaldo announced on Instagram that he left the Portuguese national team training camp, and while the world continues debating his future, a shirt of his worn in Real Madrid's 6‑1 victory over Galatasaray in 2013 was auctioned for 134,635 euros, generating a 144 % spike in searches for "CR7 shirt".
Auction record for the 2013 shirt
The garment, which was part of Ronaldo's hat‑trick against Galatasaray, was sold at a MatchWornShirt auction with a winning bid coming from the United States. The price reached 134,635 euros, setting a new record in the used‑shirt category. The piece belongs to the Legend Collection, within Wesley Sneijder's collection.
That match, played on 17 September 2013, saw the Portuguese striker score three goals in just 27 minutes, contributing to Real Madrid's 6‑1 win. Those three goals were the first of the 17 that Ronaldo would score in the 2013/14 campaign, a season that ended with the Spanish club's capture of the Décima.
Ronaldo's announcement multiplies digital interest
Following his departure from the camp, JD Sports data showed a 467 % increase in searches for "Portugal CR7" and a 144 % rise in "CR7 shirt" searches in the subsequent 24 hours. The impact was observed worldwide, reflecting the curiosity generated by the uncertainty over his continuation with the national team. The reaction on social media underscores the player's ability to drive both sporting and commercial attention.
Ronaldo and Portugal in crisis, superstar leaves training camp
Ronaldo continues to amass achievements: a European Championship with Portugal, spells at clubs such as Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, five Champions Leagues and five Ballon d'Ors. Moreover, he is the all‑time top scorer in the European Cup and is approaching 1,000 career goals.
According to Miguel Sanz, the shirt sale shows that Cristiano Ronaldo continues to generate information, interest and sales, whether or not he is in the Portuguese national team. The phenomenon confirms the relevance of his impact beyond the field.
Elma Aveiro says Portugal doomed to mediocrity after Ronaldo quits
Overall, the auction record and the surge in searches reveal the market power that the name Ronaldo retains, regardless of his international future.