Topps is known for its innovative approach to sports cards, and now, Major League Soccer (MLS) fans can rejoice as the company introduces its exclusive Debut Patch Card Program to the soccer realm. Building on the success of their debut patch card initiative in Major League Baseball, Topps is now set to celebrate MLS rookies with unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in upcoming MLS products.
The 2024 MLS season will mark the debut of this special program, which aims to highlight and commemorate the first games of new MLS talents. How does it work, you may ask? Well, the process involves sending special MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers. These patches are then affixed to the jerseys of first-year players using adhesive, ready for their debut on the field. After the game, these patches are carefully removed, collected, and sent to Topps, where they will be transformed into one-of-a-kind rookie cards – complete with the player’s autograph.
Players making their debut before April 1 will be featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product, while those debuting later will have their patches included in the following year’s series. This schedule ensures that new talent is promptly recognized and celebrated within the world of collectible sports cards.
As the MLS season kicks off, fans can anticipate an array of exciting matches, including the opening night showdown between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. Though the debut patch program won’t showcase last season’s addition of global star Lionel Messi to Miami, it will shine a spotlight on this year’s notable newcomers like Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris – both esteemed players in the soccer world.
The success of the debut patch program in Major League Baseball is undeniable, with collectors eagerly seeking out the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages on platforms like eBay. Now, by expanding this program to Major League Soccer, Topps is not only offering soccer enthusiasts a unique way to connect with emerging talents but also reinforcing its reputation for innovation within the sports memorabilia market. So, keep an eye out for these special MLS Debut Patch Cards and get ready to add a piece of soccer history to your collection.
