Shohei Ohtani continues to cause quite the stir, with it revealed that the MLB sensation has smashed a record previously held by Lionel Messi.
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Stunning deal agreed in baseball circlesJapanese star generating interest around the worldTopped shirt sales from soccer & NFL starsWHAT HAPPENED?
Japanese superstar Ohtani is dominating headlines across the planet after agreeing a $700 million (£551m) contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. That deal has captured the imagination of fans across America and throughout the world.
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It has now been revealed by retail giants Fanatics that Ohtani has raised the bar for shirt sales within 48 hours of a release. Messi had been top of the chart following his stunning move to MLS side Inter Miami – with his No.10 jersey in huge demand. Portuguese superstar Ronaldo also figures prominently on a star-studded chart, with his return to Manchester United in 2021 leading to an explosion in sales of No.7 shirts.
DID YOU KNOW?
Stars from NFL and baseball – Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields and Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper – complete the top five, with Ohtani very much top of the shop. Physical and digital orders for Ohtani's new No.17 jersey were so high that he has doubled the sales mark set by Messi.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
The Dodgers appear set to benefit on and off the field from Ohtani’s arrival from cross-city rivals the LA Angels, with a shrewd deal put in place by Todd Boehly – who is also a co-owner at Premier League side Chelsea – that means Ohtani will defer all but $2m of his lucrative contract on an annual basis through to 2034.