Topps, the renowned sports memorabilia company, is stepping up its game by introducing the exclusive debut patch card program to Major League Soccer (MLS). This exciting initiative promises to bring unique 1/1 rookie cards to MLS fans, featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in upcoming Topps products.
Building on the success of its debut patch card program in Major League Baseball, Topps is now extending this innovation to the world of soccer with a focus on MLS rookies for the 2024 season. The program aims to celebrate the debut of new talents in the league by incorporating special debut patches into their jerseys for their first game. These patches will then be carefully collected, utilized, and transformed into one-of-a-kind rookie cards for future releases of Topps MLS products, each adorned with the player’s autograph, making them highly coveted among collectors.
The process starts by sending the MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers who then attach them to the jerseys of first-year players using adhesive. Once the player makes their debut, these patches are delicately removed and sent to Topps for the transformation into highly collectible cards that will be cherished by fans and collectors alike.
Players who make their MLS debut before April 1 will have their debut patches featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product, while those making their debut after this date will be included in the following year’s series. This ensures that new talent is promptly recognized and celebrated within the realm of Topps card collections, further engaging fans with their favorite players.
As the MLS season kicks off with thrilling matches, the debut patch program adds an extra layer of excitement for fans. While last season’s addition of Lionel Messi to Inter Miami CF will not be featured in this program, high-profile newcomers such as Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris will take the spotlight, bringing their own unique flair to the collection of debut patch cards.
The success of the debut patch program in MLB is a testament to its popularity, with many of the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages making their way to online auction sites like eBay. By expanding this program to MLS, Topps not only offers soccer enthusiasts a fresh and engaging way to connect with emerging stars but also solidifies its position as a leader in innovating within the sports memorabilia market.
With Topps leading the way in bringing the excitement of debut patch cards to Major League Soccer, fans can look forward to collecting these exceptional 1/1 rookie cards showcasing game-worn patches and player autographs, further enhancing the thrill of following MLS and the rising stars of the sport.