Topps, the renowned sports card company, is set to revolutionize the world of Major League Soccer with its exclusive debut patch card program. This innovative initiative, previously a hit in Major League Baseball, will now showcase unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in upcoming MLS products.
For the 2024 season, Topps is rolling out this program to honor MLS rookies by incorporating special debut patches worn during their first game into collectible cards. The process involves sending these distinctive MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers, who will delicately affix them to the jerseys of first-year players using a special adhesive. Once the player makes their debut, these patches will be carefully removed and sent back to Topps to be transformed into highly collectible rookie cards, each adorned with the player’s autograph.
Players debuting in MLS before April 1 will be featured in the 2024 Topps MLS product lineup, while those making their debut after this date will have their patches included in the following year’s series. This strategic timing ensures that new talents are promptly recognized and celebrated within the realm of Topps’ card collections.
As the MLS season kicks off, fans can anticipate an exciting array of matches, including an electrifying opening night clash between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. While last season saw the addition of international star Lionel Messi to Miami, this year’s debut patch program will shine the spotlight on new high-profile arrivals like Luis Suarez, previously of Liverpool and Barcelona, and Hugo Lloris, the former Tottenham goalkeeper.
The debut patch program has already proven to be a success in Major League Baseball, with many of the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages making their way to online marketplaces like eBay. By extending this program to Major League Soccer, Topps not only provides soccer enthusiasts with an exclusive opportunity to connect with emerging stars but also upholds its tradition of innovation in the realm of sports memorabilia.
