LA Galaxy striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has wowed crowds around the world for two decades now, and his popularity is showing no signs of slowing down.
The maverick 38-year-old striker has been plying his trade in MLS for the past 18 months after leaving behind a European legacy that saw him shine at the highest level for Paris Saint-Germain, AC Milan and Manchester United among others.
During his time in Los Angeles, Ibrahimovic has - unsurprisingly - become a favourite with fans of not just LA Galaxy, but of all MLS clubs. His goalscoring record in America has been phenomenal, with the Swedish legend netting 30 goals in his 29 outings this season - adding to the 22 strikes he netted in his first campaign stateside.
Whilst his goals may not be firing LA Galaxy to title glory this season, Ibrahimovic is leading the way again in one category - shirt sales.
Yes, as revealed by MLS' official store website, the man known in some circles as 'The Lion' is the most popular name to have been emblazoned on the back of shirts during 2019. Unsurprisingly, Ibrahimovic was also the most popular name among supporters last year too, with his charismatic personality proving popular with American fans.
Whilst Ibra tops the list, there are plenty of other familiar names that make up the remaining 24 spots that have been revealed.
Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez is second, whilst former Arsenal striker - and record MLS goalscorer - Carlos Vela makes up the top three. Wayne Rooney is in fourth place, as he prepares to head back to England with Championship side Derby, whilst legendary German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, who hung up his boots recently, rounds up the top five.
MLS' Top 25 shirt sales for 2019.
1 |
Zlatan Ibrahimovic |
LA Galaxy |
2 | Josef Martinez | Atlanta United |
3 | Carlos Vela | LAFC |
4 | Wayne Rooney | D.C. United |
5 | Bastian Schweinsteiger | Chicago Fire |
6 | Hector Villalba | Atlanta United |
7 | Jordan Morris | Seattle Sounders FC |
8 | Diego Valeri | Portland Timbers |
9 | Nani | Orlando City SC |
10 | Nicolas Lodeiro | Seattle Sounders FC |
11 | Diego Chara | Portland Timbers |
12 | Cristian Roldan | Seattle Sounders FC |
13 | Chris Wondolowski | San Jose Earthquakes |
14 | Raul Ruidiaz | Seattle Sounders FC |
15 | Ignacio Piatti | Montreal Impact |
16 | Darwin Quintero Jr. | Minnesota United FC |
17 | Sebastian Lletget | LA Galaxy |
18 | Brad Guzan | Atlanta United |
19 | Sebastian Blanco | Portland Timbers |
20 | Alexander Ring | NYCFC |
21 | Dom Dwyer | Orlando City SC |
22 | Romain Alessandrini | LA Galaxy |
23 | Jozy Altidore | Toronto FC |
24 | Graham Zusi | Sporting KC |
25 | Luciano Acosta | D.C. United |
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Source : 90min