Major League Soccer has boldly stepped into the realm of elite trading cards with the unveiling of its 2024 Topps Chrome collection, sending ripples of excitement through the collector community. Following in the footsteps of Major League Baseball’s wildly successful 2023 Topps Chrome Update, the debut of MLS Topps Chrome on December 4 has set pulses racing and hearts aflutter among avid collectors vying to get their hands on the coveted cards. The cherry on top? The exhilarating pull of Hugo Lloris’s redemption card in Brooklyn, igniting a newfound fervor for MLS collectibles.
In a stroke of luck that seemed almost too good to be true, Andy Wert of E and J Boutique in Brooklyn, NY, unearthed a hidden gem within a hobby box of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome edition. The discovery? A redemption card for none other than the illustrious Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card, immortalizing the French football icon’s momentous debut with Los Angeles FC in MLS. As a goalkeeper of unparalleled skill and the cornerstone of France’s 2018 World Cup victory, Lloris’s card has instantly become a cherished relic for fans and collectors alike, symbolizing a convergence of stellar international success and a new chapter in his career on American soil.
The humble $120 price tag of the hobby box belies the priceless treasure that lay within, offering collectors not just one but two chrome autographs per box. However, it was Lloris’s Debut Patch Card that stole the spotlight, emerging as the crowning jewel of the entire set and sending shockwaves of excitement through the collector community.
This significant release marks a groundbreaking moment for MLS trading cards as it introduces Debut Patch Cards for the first time, featuring authentic jersey patches from players’ inaugural MLS appearances. Among the 35 distinguished Debut Patch Cards lies a star-studded lineup of global icons such as Luis Suárez, Emil Forsberg, and Federico Redondo, each representing a shining beacon of talent and charisma within the league. Hugo Lloris’s card, in particular, stands out as a paragon of excellence, blending his storied international legacy with his newfound journey in Major League Soccer.
While the secondary market has witnessed the staggering ascent of MLB’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update hobby boxes to a lofty $400, the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome product remains an accessible treasure trove at just $120 per box. With illustrious cards of Suárez and Forsberg still up for grabs, collectors have embarked on an exhilarating chase to secure their piece of soccer history, fueling the thrill of the hunt and the promise of grand rewards.
The unveiling of Debut Patch Cards not only elevates the stature of MLS trading cards but also cements the league’s expanding footprint in the world of collectibles. By shining a spotlight on international megastars and commemorating their MLS debuts with unique memorabilia, MLS has struck gold in capturing the attention and adoration of a burgeoning collector base hungry for distinctive and exclusive treasures.
As the fervor surrounding the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome collection continues to crescendo, the anticipation mounts to a fever pitch, with fans eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the next iconic card to emerge from the gleaming packs. With Hugo Lloris’s pull setting the stage on fire, the stage is set for a thrilling journey of discovery and joy as collectors delve deeper into the enchanting world of MLS trading cards.