- The former Burnley star has been ever present in Dean Smith’s side since joining
- He has thus established himself as a fan favourite at MLS outfit Charlotte FC
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Shirt sales for former European stars Olivier Giroud, Marco Reus and Sergio Basquets are being outstripped by a Premier League cult hero.
The trio represent just a handful of the talents currently plying their trade in MLS, a league that has only grown in popularity since the arrival of Lionel Messi in 2023.
It’s little surprise that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and arguably the greatest player to play the sport, tops the list for shirts sales this year. He is closely followed by his Inter Miami team-mate Luis Suarez.
But there’s no place in the top-10 or even then top-15 for their former Barcelona colleague Busquets, who finds himself in 16th place.
That sizeable gap allows the likes of ex-Newcastle winger Miguel Almiron, Hirving Lozano and former Crustal Palace star Wilfred Zaha to slot into the top-10.
But the most remarkable name in the expanded list is former Burnley midfielder Ashley Westwood – currently playing in Charlotte with Zaha under Dean Smith – who has the 11th most popular jersey in 2025.
The 35-year-old become a fan favourite in his 18-months at the club following a free transfer from Burnley in 2023.
In 93 appearances for Charlotte, Westwood has netted six times and has been ever present in the side since his arrival.
Prior to moving Stateside, the midfielder spent six years at Turf Moor and was a crucial part of Sean Dyche’s squad that avoided the drop for several years.
Westwood also spent time with Aston Villa and was part of the squad that suffered relegation to the Championship in 2016.
