If you're a CR7 fan, you'll love the story of this Sporting de Lisboa

Many discovered him during his stay in the city of Manchester and others when he was in the eleven of Real Madrid. However, Cristiano Ronaldo's story began at Portugal's capital's flagship club, Sporting Lisbon.

Although he spent little time in the sportinguista team, Ronaldo left a deep mark on his record. So much so that many of the future ones not only of Sporting Lisbon but also of SL Benfica and other Portuguese clubs are associated with CR7 (as is currently the case with João Félix, considered the 'new' Christian).

It is evident that his time with the sportinguista club was vital in the sporting career of Ronaldo, and therefore the clothing he wore is part of the history of the world of football.

But what are the most important facts about Ronaldo's jersey with Sporting Lisbon? What was the design you used during your debut? Did you really use number 28 and not number 7? Don't miss the answer to these questions?

5 historical facts about Ronaldo's t-shirt with Sporting Lisbon that will surprise you

There is no better way to review the history of CR7 than through the shirt of Ronaldo of Sporting of Lisbon, a garment unknown to most of his fans, as many began to follow the Portuguese star when he joined the ranks of Manchester United.

Its premiere with the Lions of Lisbon...

When Ronaldo tested with Sporting Lisbon in 1997, no one could have imagined that the initial test would lead to his UEFA Champions League debut in August 2002, when he was only 17 years old.

He did so against a European giants, Inter Milan, although his skills on the pitch needed to be perfected for a few more seasons.

However, their debut in the Portuguese first division had to wait until 30 September of the same year, when they met Sporting Clube de Braga, with a defeat for their team. These initial disappointments did not affect the mood of a very young Ronaldo.

Ronaldo's first t-shirt with Sporting in Lisbon was designed with Reebok's horizontal green and white stripes, with an asymmetrical round neck, black shorts and green and white socks. It was the classic team of the Lisbon Lions, and Ronaldo wore it proudly.

... and his first goal with the sportinguista shirt

However, Cristiano Ronaldo's first goal was not long in coming. It took place on October 7 of that same year, in front of the Moreirense Futebol Clube.

The Portuguese scored a brace during that match, which caused a sensation among the press and fans due to his brazenness on the pitch and his skilful dribbling and filigree with the ball at his feet.

The most famous dorsal 7... which debuted with the 28th.

One of the biggest oddities of Ronaldo's jersey with Sporting Lisbon? Who used dorsal 28 and not the characteristic 7.

Cristiano Ronaldo's predilection for the number 7 was evident in all the clubs in which he played. That's why, over the years, your personal brand has come to be known as CR7.

This was his number in his days at Manchester United and continued to be during his stay at Real Madrid. Even at his current club, Juventus Turin, the Portuguese superstar did not refrain from using this number, despite being occupied by Juan Cuadrado, who gave it to him without major problems.

There is no official explanation for the number 28 he wore while playing for Sporting Lisbon. Probably his identity and personal brand were not yet defined, as this number was not occupied by any sportinguista player.

The friendly one who changed the life of the future CR7

Although Manchester United scouts had already noticed the Portuguese star, it is not clear what would have been the fate of Cristiano Ronaldo had he not played a friendly against the Red Devils in mid-2003.

Sporting Lisbon met Manchester United in a friendly, held to inaugurate the brand new Jose Alvalade Stadium. The 2004 European Championship, held in Portuguese territory, was just around the corner, and the FPF (Federação Portuguesa de Futebol) wanted to indirectly promote its new football 'coliseos'.

This match was interesting from a sporting point of view, as far from being intimidated by the Red Devils' central defenders, Cristiano Ronaldo showed off his entire repertoire, using every ball to face and challenge the English club's players, including Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Roy Keane, among others.

Ronaldo's latest Sporting de Lisboa jersey had a design similar to that used in their debut, but with a symmetrical neck finished in a truncated tip, also with Reebok as the textile manufacturer. Needless to say, this is currently one of the most sought-after pieces of equipment among CR7 fans.

As a final anecdote, it is worth revealing that Cristiano Ronaldo's innate talent escaped the keen eye of observer Gerard Houllier. Liverpool F.C. rejected the signing of the Portuguese star as too premature and needed more time to emerge.

Needless to say, Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United were not of the same opinion and therefore fell to the Red Devils the following season.

Have you always wanted to have Cristiano Ronaldo's shirt with Sporting de Lisboa? At The Football Market you'll find this and other prestigious Portuguese club outfits. You'll be amazed!