Topps, a renowned name in the realm of sports memorabilia, has announced an exciting expansion of its exclusive debut patch card program to Major League Soccer (MLS). The innovative initiative, previously a hit in Major League Baseball, is set to thrill soccer fans with unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in the upcoming MLS products for the 2024 season.
With the 2024 MLS season about to kick off, Topps is gearing up to celebrate the league’s rookies by incorporating special debut patches into their jerseys for their very first game. These patches, carefully affixed by team equipment managers using adhesive, will be removed post-debut and sent to Topps. The collected patches will then be transformed into one-of-a-kind rookie cards, each adorned with the player’s autograph, adding a touch of exclusivity to the cards.
The timeline for inclusion in Topps MLS products is also well-thought-out. Players making their MLS debut before April 1 will be featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product, while those debuting after this date will have their patches showcased in the following year’s series. This strategic move ensures that new talent is promptly recognized and commemorated within Topps’ card collections, keeping fans engaged and eager to collect these unique pieces of memorabilia.
As the MLS season gets underway, fans can look forward to an array of thrilling matches, including the opening night clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While fans won’t find last season’s notable addition of Lionel Messi in Miami among the debut patches, they can anticipate seeing patches of this year’s high-profile newcomers such as Luis Suarez, known for his stints with Liverpool and Barcelona, and Hugo Lloris, the former Tottenham goalkeeper, in the upcoming Topps MLS products.
The success of the debut patch program in MLB is a testament to its appeal, with collectors eagerly chasing after the 1/1 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages. Extending this successful program to MLS not only offers soccer enthusiasts a fresh and exciting way to connect with emerging stars but also underscores Topps’ commitment to innovation within the sports memorabilia market. Fans can expect a new dimension of excitement and collectibility as the debut patch cards featuring game-worn patches and player autographs hit the shelves, creating a buzz among collectors and fans alike.
