Topps is known for shaking up the sports memorabilia market, and their latest move involves introducing an exclusive debut patch card program to Major League Soccer. This groundbreaking initiative, initially seen in Major League Baseball, will showcase unique 1/1 rookie cards adorned with game-worn debut patches and player autographs in the upcoming MLS products.
For the 2024 season, Topps is taking the innovative debut patch card concept to MLS, aiming to celebrate and highlight the league’s new talents. The process involves special debut patches being incorporated into the jerseys of rookie players for their first games. Once the debut is completed, these patches are collected, adorned with the player’s autograph, and transformed into one-of-a-kind rookie cards for future Topps MLS releases.
To ensure the timely recognition of new talents, players who make their MLS debut before April 1 will be featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product. Those debuting after this date will have their patches included in the following year’s series, guaranteeing that the program remains up to date with the latest crop of emerging stars.
As the MLS season kicks off with thrilling matchups, fans can anticipate the debut patch program to capture the attention of collectors and enthusiasts alike. While international sensation Lionel Messi won’t be featured from last season’s addition to Inter Miami CF, this year’s program will shine a spotlight on notable newcomers like Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris, adding to the excitement and intrigue surrounding the card collections.
Following the success of the debut patch program in MLB, where collectors eagerly sought after the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages, it’s no surprise that Topps is expanding this concept to MLS. This move not only provides soccer fans with a unique way to engage with rising stars but also underscores Topps’ commitment to innovating and pushing boundaries in the sports memorabilia industry.
