While global attention in the 2026 World Cup has been heavily focused on the rivalry between Brazil’s iconic yellow kits and the Messi-led Argentine blue-and-white stripes, a surprising trend has emerged in Dubai. Despite the immense fanfare surrounding Lionel Messi’s performance in North America, it is Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal jersey that has captured the market in the UAE. Local sportswear retailers report that Portugal’s home shirts vanished from shelves in under 20 days, proving that the 41-year-old’s legendary status remains unshakable among his vast, diverse fanbase in the region.

Beyond the Portugal craze, the local jersey market has seen some unexpected surges. Retailers have noted a massive sell-out of Egyptian national team shirts, fueled by corporate bulk-buying, while Morocco’s jersey remains a hot commodity due to the country’s strong showing in previous tournaments and a robust local diaspora. While Argentina’s away kit and Brazil’s classic yellow shirt continue to see high demand, the "Ronaldo effect" has clearly outpaced the competition, underscoring that for many fans, the individual legacy of CR7 transcends the results of the tournament itself.