Worn with Pride, Remembered Forever
It’s crazy how a jersey can hold so many memories, emotions, and beliefs. We wore them through wins and losses and held onto them like pieces of ourselves. What started with a legendary player found a home in the hearts of millions! For some, they were like second skins, and for others, sacred keepsakes. Here are the best-selling jerseys ever. Because they meant something, and they still do.
1. Michael Jordan, Bulls
Nothing in sports apparel comes close to the cultural gravity of Jordan’s red Chicago Bulls jersey. Released during the apex of the NBA's global expansion, the merch was a symbol. His No. 23 sold in unmatched volumes worldwide and continues to top retro reissue charts decades after retirement.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United
Few returns in sports history have triggered such an immediate commercial reaction. Ronaldo's jersey set a 24-hour sales record upon his 2021 return to Manchester United, with estimates suggesting approximately $44 million in revenue within just 12 hours. The demand overwhelmed online stores and reaffirmed his unmatched merchandising power globally.
Manchester United Ronaldo Jersey Unboxing | Cristiano Ronaldo Jersey by MacDawn Studios
3. Lionel Messi, PSG
Paris Saint-Germain gained more than a player in 2021. They gained a retail phenomenon. Messi’s transfer ignited the fastest-selling jersey launch in football history. Within hours, online PSG stores crashed. Official estimates confirmed that over 830,000 Messi PSG jerseys were sold in the first year.
Lionel Messi 30 Official Paris Saint-Germain Home Jersey 21/22 by AmStadion
4. LeBron James, Lakers
Before even playing a game in purple and gold, LeBron James topped NBA jersey sales. The move to the Lakers in 2018 drew historic demand, with his No. 23 instantly outselling every competitor. Fanatics reported it as the top-selling NBA jersey globally during his first season in Los Angeles.
Lebron Authentic Lakers Icon Jersey Review by The Jersey Addict
5. David Beckham, Real Madrid
Beckham’s move to Real Madrid in 2003 was commercial gold. In his first year with the club, over 1 million jerseys bearing his name were sold. Beckham’s jersey was a major driver of Real Madrid’s merchandise sales during his four seasons, though exact percentages are unavailable.
6. Tom Brady, Buccaneers
NFL history rarely sees such a dramatic uniform switch. When Tom Brady joined Tampa Bay in 2020, his No. 12 jersey surged to the league’s top seller. His Super Bowl win that same season only fueled demand. It became Fanatics’ highest-selling NFL jersey during the 2020–2021 stretch.
Tom Brady Nike Elite Vapor Elite Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey by King Leonidas
7. Stephen Curry, Warriors
Is it possible to revolutionize basketball style and still outsell everyone doing it? Curry’s No. 30 jersey says yes. Since 2015, it has regularly led NBA sales charts. His blend of relatable physique and deep-shooting dominance turned Golden State apparel into global streetwear.
Stephen Curry Jersey Nike Authentic Golden State Warriors Jersey Review 4K by ElChris24
8. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
Following Bryant’s tragic passing in 2020, demand for both his No. 8 and No. 24 jerseys overwhelmed online retailers. Nike sold out within hours. However, Kobe was already an NBA jersey sales fixture, consistently ranking in the top 5 during his career.
Kobe Bryant NBA Jersey Review by Pete Starlord
9. Derek Jeter, Yankees
The Yankees have no shortage of legends, but only a few sold jerseys like Derek Jeter. For two decades, his No. 2 jersey dominated MLB sales and blended consistent performance with unmatched fan loyalty. His final season in 2014 sparked another sales spike.
NY Yankees Derek Jeter Jersey Review by Maui XIII
10. Neymar Jr., PSG
In 2017, PSG sold approximately 120,000 Neymar jerseys within the first month, with some reports suggesting significant sales in the first 24 hours. His world-record transfer drew global attention, and his No. 10 shirt became one of the fastest-moving football jerseys in club history during that initial surge.
Antoine Dellenbach from Paris, France on Wikimedia
11. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
After leading Kansas City to its first Super Bowl title in 50 years, Mahomes became a retail juggernaut. His jersey topped NFL sales in 2020 and remained in the top three through 2023, fueled by record-breaking contracts and continued postseason success.
Unboxing My Patrick Mahomes Super Bowl 54 Jersey! by JLW Games
12. Ronaldinho, Barcelona
Before social media stardom, Ronaldinho was grinning and dazzling for Barcelona. His No. 10 jersey became one of the club’s top sellers between 2003 and 2008. Sales skyrocketed following his 2005 Ballon d’Or win, and his signature style made the kit popular.
Retro Ronaldinho FC Barcelona 2005/2006 home jersey unboxing [FC24SHOP] #fcb by Sidney F.C.R.
13. Aaron Judge, Yankees
Power-hitting doesn’t always guarantee popularity, but Aaron Judge’s 62-home-run season in 2022 helped him dominate merchandise sales. That year, his jersey ranked No. 1 in MLB, according to the league’s official report. Fanatics and MLBShop tracked Judge’s jersey as the most requested for two seasons running.
Aaron Judge Nike Authentic New York Yankees Jersey Review by King Leonidas
14. Shaquille O’Neal, Lakers
Shaq’s No. 34 became one of the NBA’s most recognizable jerseys during the Lakers’ early-2000s dynasty. What helped sales was the championships. His jersey consistently ranked in the league’s top five during his Los Angeles years, and retro versions continue to perform well.
15. Kylian Mbappé, PSG
Homegrown talent rarely moves global merchandise like Kylian Mbappé. After his World Cup breakout at just 19, PSG’s Mbappé jersey started gaining traction far beyond France. By 2022, it had become one of the most purchased shirts worldwide, particularly among younger fans.
My INSANE Mbappé Football Shirt Collection! by Jersey Passion
16. Russell Wilson, Seahawks
Seattle’s rise to NFL dominance in the mid-2010s mirrored the ascent of Russell Wilson’s No. 3 jersey. It ranked among the league’s top sellers from 2014 through 2016, peaking after the Seahawks’ Super Bowl win. His clean image and consistent playoff appearances sustained jersey demand across fan demographics.
Russell Wilson Nike Elite Authentic Seattle Seahawks Jersey by King Leonidas
17. Wayne Gretzky, Oilers
While Gretzky wore several jerseys during his career, it was the Oilers’ blue No. 99 that became iconic. Sales surged during his dynasty years and again after his retirement. NHL retailers still rank Gretzky merchandise among the most requested.
18. Luis Suárez, Barcelona
Barcelona’s attacking trio of Messi, Neymar, and Suárez drove record jersey sales between 2014 and 2017. Suárez's No. 9 consistently ranked just behind his teammates, especially during the club’s Champions League-winning 2015 season. His aggressive style and scoring prowess helped solidify his jersey as a fan favorite globally.
Suarez Barcelona shirts on sale by WeShow Sports
19. Joe Montana, 49ers
During the 1980s, few jerseys sold more in the NFL than Montana’s No. 16. His legacy as a four-time Super Bowl champion with the 49ers turned his jersey into a collector’s item. Even today, retro versions of Montana’s classic red and white threads still perform well.
Mitchell & Ness 49ers 16 Joe Montana Stitched Red NFL Jersey by Thomas Garvey
20. Allen Iverson, Sixers
Iverson’s Sixers jersey became a cultural statement during the early 2000s that crossed over from arenas into hip-hop and streetwear. Iverson's No. 3 ranked in the NBA’s top five during multiple seasons and remains one of the most reissued throwback designs.
Allen Iverson Mitchell and Ness Philadelphia 76ers throwback jersey by INFAMOUSFILMS
