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Fan’s ‘Sorry Michael, We Were Jordan First’ Sign Draws Global Attention at World Cup

A televised shot of the placard turned a long-running internet meme into a playful cultural moment that highlighted Jordan’s first World Cup appearance.

Overview

  • A Jordan national team supporter held up a placard showing the viral “crying Michael Jordan” image with the caption “Sorry Michael, we were Jordan first,” and the sign was captured on the FOX broadcast.
  • Video and photos of the sign spread widely online and were described by outlets as a lighthearted, viral moment with no reported formal response from Michael Jordan or official parties.
  • The image appeared during Jordan’s group match against Argentina, which Argentina won after Lionel Messi was subbed on and scored a free kick that extended his scoring run.
  • Jordan reached the World Cup for the first time under the expanded 48-team format and drew attention for its spirited play despite losing its group fixtures.
  • The joke plays on the shared name: the crying-Jordan meme is a long-established sports gag and Michael Jordan’s global fame and business ties to football make the juxtaposition especially resonant for fans.