Topps, known for its iconic sports trading cards, is taking its innovative debut patch card program to Major League Soccer (MLS). The program, initially introduced in Major League Baseball, will now highlight emerging talents in the MLS through unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in upcoming Topps MLS products.
For the 2024 season, Topps is expanding its debut patch card initiative to celebrate rookies in the MLS. The program involves incorporating special debut patches into the jerseys of first-year players for their first games. These distinctive patches are then collected, removed post-game, and sent to Topps to create exclusive rookie cards adorned with the player’s autograph, making each card a one-of-a-kind collectible for fans and enthusiasts.
To participate in the MLS debut patch program, players making their first appearance by April 1 will be included in the 2024 Topps MLS product. Those debuting after this date will have their patches featured in the following year’s series. This ensures that new talents are promptly recognized and honored within the Topps collection, creating excitement among fans eager to collect these special cards.
As the MLS season commences, fans can look forward to thrilling matches, including an opening clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While last season saw the addition of global superstar Lionel Messi to Miami, this year’s highlight will be newcomers such as Luis Suarez, previously of Liverpool and Barcelona, and Hugo Lloris, the former goalkeeper of Tottenham Hotspur, featured in the debut patch program.
The success of the debut patch program in Major League Baseball is evident, with numerous MLB Debut patches finding their way to online marketplaces like eBay. By extending this program to the MLS, Topps not only offers soccer aficionados a unique way to connect with emerging stars but also continues to push boundaries and innovate within the sports memorabilia market, creating excitement and anticipation among collectors and fans alike.
