Topps, known for its creative approach in the sports memorabilia market, is taking Major League Soccer (MLS) by storm with its exclusive debut patch card program. Building on the success of its initiative in Major League Baseball, Topps is set to introduce unique 1/1 rookie cards adorned with game-worn debut patches and player autographs in its upcoming MLS products.
In a nod to celebrating the emergence of new talent in MLS, Topps will be incorporating special debut patches into the jerseys of rookies during their first game. These patches, symbolic of the player’s inauguration into professional soccer, will then be meticulously collected and repurposed to create one-of-a-kind rookie cards for future releases of Topps MLS products, each bearing the player’s signature as a testament to authenticity.
The intricate process begins by dispatching the MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers, who delicately attach them to the jerseys of first-year players using a specialized adhesive. Post their inaugural match, these patches are carefully removed and promptly dispatched to Topps, where they undergo a transformative journey to emerge as highly sought-after collectibles.
Players making their MLS debut before April 1 will have the privilege of being featured in a 2024 Topps MLS product, immortalizing their initiation into the league. Meanwhile, those debuting after this date will have their exclusive patches reserved for the subsequent year’s series, ensuring that new talents are promptly recognized and commemorated within the realm of Topps collector cards.
As the MLS season kicks off with an array of exhilarating matches, enthusiasts can anticipate a riveting opening night clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While last season’s star addition, Lionel Messi, will not be part of the debut patch program this year, the spotlight will be on prominent newcomers like Luis Suarez, formerly of Liverpool and Barcelona, and Hugo Lloris, the esteemed ex-Tottenham goalkeeper.
The inaugural success of the debut patch program in Major League Baseball is a testament to its popularity, with a multitude of the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update edition swiftly making their way to online platforms like eBay. The program’s extension to Major League Soccer not only provides soccer aficionados with a distinctive avenue to connect with burgeoning talents but also underscores Topps’ commitment to fostering innovation within the domain of sports memorabilia, solidifying its status as a trailblazer in the industry.
