Topps, the iconic trading card company, is breaking new ground by bringing its exclusive debut patch card program to Major League Soccer. The innovative initiative promises to offer collectors unique 1/1 rookie cards that feature game-worn debut patches coupled with player autographs in upcoming MLS product releases.
The debut patch card program, originally launched in Major League Baseball, is making its way to Major League Soccer for the 2024 season. This pioneering program aims to celebrate and spotlight MLS rookies by incorporating special debut patches from their first game directly into the design of their rookie cards. Each card will not only feature the unique patch but also the signature of the player, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item.
The meticulous process begins by sending the MLS Debut patches to the team equipment managers. They carefully affix these patches to the jerseys of first-year players using an adhesive on the back, ensuring the patches are securely in place for the players’ debut game. After the game, these patches are delicately removed and forwarded to Topps, where they undergo transformation into exquisite, one-of-a-kind rookie cards that will be featured in future Topps MLS card collections.
For players debuting in the MLS before April 1, their unique debut patch cards will be included in the 2024 Topps MLS products. Those making their debut after this date will have their patch incorporated in the following year’s series. This timeline ensures that the new talent is promptly recognized and immortalized within the prestigious Topps trading card collections dedicated to Major League Soccer.
As the MLS season gets underway, fans can expect an electrifying lineup of matches, with standout fixtures like the opening night clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While last year’s addition of international star Lionel Messi to Miami won’t be featured in the debut patch program, the spotlight will shine on this year’s high-profile newcomers, including the likes of Luis Suarez, a football star with stints at Liverpool and Barcelona, as well as Hugo Lloris, the former Tottenham goalkeeper.
The success of the debut patch program in Major League Baseball has been significant, with collectors vying for the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages, many of which surfaced on online platforms like eBay. With the expansion of this program to Major League Soccer, Topps not only offers soccer enthusiasts a distinctive way to connect with emerging talents but also continues its legacy of innovation within the sports memorabilia market. The fusion of game-worn debut patches and player autographs in these exclusive rookie cards adds a touch of exclusivity and allure to the vibrant world of sports trading cards.