Cristiano Ronaldo
All-time Leading Scorer and 5-time Ballon d'Or Winner · Football / Soccer - Premier League / La Liga / International
Manchester United / Portugal / Real Madrid
Era
Circa 2008-2015
Item Type
Manchester United 2008/09 Away / 40th Anniversary Champions League Final Shirt
Condition
Excellent/Near Mint. The autograph is clear and dark with minimal fading. The jersey itself appears bright and well-preserved within a custom frame.
Rarity
Moderately rare. While Ronaldo is a prolific signer, large inscriptions like 'Con Simpatia' on a high-demand 2008 anniversary kit are significantly harder to find than standard signed photos.
Overall Assessment
This is a premium collector's piece. The combination of a rare 40th-anniversary kit, a large bold signature, and a unique Portuguese inscription makes it highly desirable for serious football historians.
Authenticity Assessment
Likely authentic - High confidence. The signature exhibits the characteristic 'CR7' speed and flow typical of his mid-career signing style before it became more abbreviated in recent years.
Signature Style
Large, sweeping stylized signature including his initials C and R with an integrated number 7. Includes a large horizontal flourish at the base and a handwritten inscription 'Con Simpatia' (With Sympathy/Kindness) in Portuguese.
Signature Characteristics
Fast, fluid pen strokes with zero hesitation marks. The 'R' has a sharp upward angle, and the trailing flourish covers roughly two-thirds of the signature's width.
Ink & Medium
Black permanent marker (felt-tip) on high-performance polyester jersey fabric. The ink shows slight absorption consistent with the material type and age.
Item Description
Nike 2008 Manchester United blue away jersey featuring the 'May 29th 1968 40th Anniversary' embroidery around the club crest, honoring the first European Cup win. Sponsored by AIG.
Estimated Value
$1,500 - $2,500 USD (higher if accompanied by PSA/DNA or Beckham/JSA certification)
Comparison to Known Examples
Matches very closely with authenticated 2008-2010 era examples, particularly in the formation of the lower flourish and the slant of the letters.
Authentication Tips
Look for the specific 'loopy' C that connects into the vertical strike of the R. Ronaldo typically signs in a very fast motion which prevents 'shaky' ink lines found in forgeries.
Certification Recommendation
Beckett Authentication Services (BAS) or JSA (James Spence). These services are highly respected for modern sports icons and European football stars.
Red Flags
No significant red flags observed. The natural flow and the specific phrasing of the Portuguese inscription point toward a genuine fan interaction.
Provenance Notes
Since the inscription is personal ('With Sympathy'), documentation regarding the original meeting or recipient would add emotional and financial value.
Historical Context
The 2008 era represents Ronaldo's first Ballon d'Or win and the peak of his first tenure at United, including the Champions League victory in Moscow.
Market Trends
Values for Ronaldo signatures on Manchester United kits have risen significantly since his second stint at the club and his record-breaking international goal tally.
Investment Potential
Excellent. As Ronaldo's career concludes, high-quality, inscribed jerseys from his first Manchester United peak will likely appreciate as historical artifacts.
Similar Autographs
Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, or Sir Alex Ferguson signed Manchester United memorabilia.
Display & Preservation
Keep in the current UV-protective frame. Avoid direct sunlight which will cause the blue jersey fabric and the black ink to fade rapidly.
Interesting Facts
Ronaldo is known to be very accommodating to fans but his signature has evolved over time; earlier versions are much more legible than the quick 'CR7' scrawl he uses today.
Notes
Kit from 2008 signed 2008-2022