You’ve seen the photos. It’s June 3, 2017, in Cardiff. The lights are blinding, the tension is thick enough to cut with a dull blade, and there stands Cristiano Ronaldo. But he isn’t in the iconic pristine white of Real Madrid. He’s wearing a vibrant, almost electric violet. That image of Ronaldo in purple jersey celebrations has become a permanent fixture of football mood boards and "aura" edits across social media.
Honestly, it shouldn’t have worked. Real Madrid is Los Blancos. They’re the "White House." Yet, that specific kit—the 2016/17 away shirt—became the skin for one of the most dominant individual seasons in the history of the sport. It wasn't just a fashion choice; it was the uniform of a demolition job.
The Cardiff Masterclass: More Than Just a Color
Most people forget that Real Madrid actually played the 2017 Champions League Final as the "away" team. Because of a kit clash with Juventus—who were the designated home side—Madrid couldn’t wear their traditional white. They had to pivot. They chose the purple.
Ronaldo didn't just play in that game; he owned it. He scored twice. One was a clinical first-time strike, the other a predator’s poke at the near post. By the time the final whistle blew and Madrid had secured a 4-1 victory, the Ronaldo in purple jersey aesthetic was etched into history. It became the first time a team defended the Champions League title in the modern era.
Why does this specific look resonate so much?
Kinda has to do with the contrast. The deep violet against the green grass of the Principality Stadium made Ronaldo look like a comic book character. It was bold. It was different. It felt like a departure from the "corporate" elegance of the white kit and signaled a more aggressive, hungry version of CR7.
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Why Purple? The History Behind the Hue
Believe it or not, purple isn't some random marketing gimmick for Real Madrid. It’s actually deeply rooted in the club’s DNA. If you look closely at the Real Madrid crest, there’s a diagonal mulberry band. That stripe represents the region of Castile.
Back in the 80s and 90s, manufacturers like Hummel and Kelme leaned heavily into this. They produced away kits that were almost exclusively purple. When Adidas brought back the vibrant purple for the 2016/17 season, it was a nostalgic nod to the days of Emilio Butragueño and the "Quinta del Buitre."
The Performance Specs
- The Fabric: It used Adidas’s Climacool technology, which was the gold standard back then.
- The Details: White three-stripes on the shoulders and a simple crew neck.
- The Vibe: It was loud.
Ronaldo seemed to play with a different level of "villain energy" in that kit. He scored a hat-trick against Bayern Munich. He tore through Atletico Madrid. It was a season where he transitioned fully from a touchline winger to the ultimate box striker. Every time he stepped out in that purple, you just knew a goal was coming.
The Modern Resurgence: Al-Nassr and Beyond
Fast forward to the current era. You might have seen more recent clips of Ronaldo in purple jersey setups, but they look a little different. That’s because Al-Nassr, his current club in Saudi Arabia, has experimented with purple and navy tones in their training gear and third kits.
In late 2024 and early 2025, the demand for "purple Ronaldo" kits spiked again. It's a testament to his brand power. Collectors aren't just looking for the 2017 Madrid away shirt anymore; they're hunting for anything that captures that specific color palette.
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Is it the "best" he's ever looked?
That’s subjective. Some fans swear by the 2008 Manchester United long-sleeve. Others think the 2012 Madrid black and gold kit is the peak. But the purple one represents a very specific peak—the moment he became "The Final Boss" of European football.
What Most People Get Wrong About the 2017 Kit
There's a common misconception that the purple kit was "unlucky" before that final. In reality, Madrid had a fairly solid record in it throughout the La Liga campaign.
Another weird detail: The version Ronaldo wore in the final had the match details printed on the chest, right between the Adidas logo and the club crest. If you're looking to buy a replica today, the "Cardiff 2017" inscription is what separates a standard away shirt from a true collector's piece.
Prices for an authentic 2016/17 purple Ronaldo jersey have skyrocketed. You’re looking at anywhere from $200 to $700 depending on the condition and whether it’s the "Adizero" (player version) or the "Climacool" (fan version).
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How to Style the Look Today
If you’re lucky enough to own one, or you’re planning on picking up a high-quality remake, don't overthink it.
The color is so loud that everything else needs to be quiet. Dark denim or black joggers work best. It’s a piece of sporting history, not just a shirt. Most people wearing it today are doing so as a statement of "GOAT" loyalty.
Basically, the Ronaldo in purple jersey era was about dominance. It was the year he proved he could win anywhere, in any color, against anyone. It remains a symbol of that brief window where he was arguably the most efficient goal-scoring machine the world had ever seen.
If you are looking to track down one of these jerseys, start by verifying the product code on the inner tag. For the 2016/17 Adidas kits, the "CW" or "AI" codes are your best friends to ensure you aren't getting a cheap knockoff. Check reputable vintage sellers like Classic Football Shirts or Cult Kits rather than rolling the dice on random auction sites. Authenticity is everything when it comes to a kit this iconic.
Key Actionable Insights for Collectors
- Check the Crest: On the authentic player-issue shirts, the crest is heat-pressed (plastic-like) to save weight, while fan versions are embroidered.
- Match Details Matter: The 2017 Final print is often faked. Look for sharp, non-bleeding edges on the lettering.
- Sizing: The 2016/17 Adidas kits ran slightly slimmer than today's oversized trends. If you're buying vintage, consider sizing up for a comfortable fit.