Topps, the renowned sports card company, is stepping up its game by introducing an exclusive debut patch card program to Major League Soccer. Following the success of this innovative initiative in Major League Baseball, Topps is now set to celebrate the rookies of the MLS 2024 season with unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs.
This groundbreaking program will pay tribute to the debut of MLS rookies by incorporating special debut patches from their first games into one-of-a-kind collector’s cards. These patches, infused with the excitement of a player’s initial appearance, will be transformed into highly sought-after memorabilia for fans and collectors alike.
The process begins with Topps sending the MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers. These managers will then carefully affix the patches to the jerseys of first-year players using adhesive. Once the players have completed their debut game, the patches are removed with precision and sent back to Topps to be immortalized in the form of unique rookie cards, each adorned with the player’s signature.
Players making their MLS debut before April 1 will be featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product lineup, ensuring that new talents are promptly recognized within the collection. For those debuting after this date, their patches will be included in the following year’s series, allowing the card releases to stay current with the latest rookie additions to the league.
As the MLS season gears up for an exciting start, fans can look forward to thrilling matches, including a highly anticipated opening clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While the debut patch program will not showcase last season’s addition of global star Lionel Messi to Miami, it will shine the spotlight on this year’s standout newcomers such as Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris.
The debut patch program has already garnered success in the MLB, with collectors eagerly seeking out the 91 MLB Debut patches featured in the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages. The expansion of this program to Major League Soccer not only offers soccer enthusiasts a unique way to connect with emerging talents but also underscores Topps’ commitment to pushing boundaries and innovating within the sports memorabilia market. Get ready to collect these exclusive relics and cheer on the rising stars of the MLS!
