“If you do the work, you get rewarded,” said Michael Jordan once, and cause of this mentality he is regarded as a legendary athlete right now. For almost two decades His Airness has revolutionized basketball with his aerial acrobatics and clutch performances. The Chicago Bulls standout’s dunk during the 1988 Slam Dunk contest was the reason most people during his time wanted to “Be Like Mike“. Similarly, another legend, not of the basketball court but of the soccer pitch, Cristiano Ronaldo, continues to revolutionize the sport to this date.

With six Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and his dedication to fitness and technique, CR7 has raised the bar for what it means to be a professional athlete and in turn has influenced training methods worldwide. Now imagine a world, where both of their glories can be seen together. This isn’t just a sports fan’s fever dream but a reality.

Micahel Jordan’s and Cristiano Ronaldo’s glory visible on the Soccer pitch

The influence of sports “GOATs” like Michael Jordan and Cristiano Ronaldo goes far beyond their jaw-dropping performances on the court or field. Both icons have transformed their personal brands into global empires that continue to reshape industries and redefine what it means to be a cultural phenomenon. Jordan revolutionized the athletic footwear world when he launched the Air Jordan line in 1984, a brand that to this day generates an astonishing $7 billion annually for Nike. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has expanded his influence across multiple industries, from fragrances to footwear to underwear. But have these two titans ever crossed paths in the same arena? Surprisingly, yes.

Jordan and Ronaldo have both left their mark on the world of football jerseys—an unexpected but powerful crossover between two sports legends. Jordan made headlines when his brand became the kit sponsor for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), in what many called one of the most significant cultural shifts in football. In 2018, Jordan partnered with PSG, and by 2021, the team sported Jordan-branded third and fourth kits, earning the club a staggering 200 million euros. The iconic Jumpman logo, synonymous with basketball royalty, now sat proudly on the top right corner of PSG’s jerseys, blending worlds in a way few could have imagined.

On the other hand, Ronaldo’s former club, Sporting Lisbon, paid tribute to their hometown hero by launching a special third kit for the 2023-2024 season. The kit’s defining feature? Ronaldo’s iconic “CR7” acronym, emblazoned in golden letters against a sleek black jersey. The design was a celebration of Ronaldo’s monumental legacy, marking 20 years since his debut at Sporting’s Estadio Jose Alvalade. That match, against Manchester United, famously led to his signing by the English club—an event that would launch him into superstardom.

This intersection between Jordan and Ronaldo reminds us of the unifying power of sports, transcending boundaries of geography, culture, and even the sports themselves. Both men have proven that true greatness knows no limits—whether it’s basketball, football, or global branding. Their influence compels us to rethink what’s possible when innovation, dedication, and relentless passion come together to create something extraordinary.

In fact, the parallels between their greatness have led some to draw comparisons between the two legends. Both have redefined their respective sports, conquered new industries, and proven that the pursuit of excellence doesn’t end with the final whistle or buzzer. It’s a legacy that continues to inspire athletes and entrepreneurs alike, and it shows no signs of slowing down.

When a former NBA player compared both the sporting greats

The NBA veteran, who is known to be a die-hard fan of Lionel Messi, once made a bold comparison by stating that Cristiano Ronaldo is the Michael Jordan of soccer. Nash, known for his exceptional court vision and playmaking skills, drew parallels between the two athletes’ unwavering determination, competitive spirit, and ability to elevate their teams to new heights.

During an Interview with Bleacher Report, Nash stated how he liked Ronaldo’s progression from a skinny kid with speed in Manchester United to a more profound player with deep techniques in Real Madrid. “As Jordan got older, he became much more economical and efficient, and that’s exactly what Ronaldo has done. On the pitch, he’s learned how to make his play—less explosive in individual movements—more successful for the team, and in that, I see the greatness of Jordan,” said Nash during the interview.

As CR7 continues to showcase his talent in the Saudi Pro League, it can be speculated that he will redefine the boundaries of soccer even more. Both he and Jordan have left an indelible mark on their respective sports, inspiring countless others to strive for greatness.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.