In a landmark partnership, Panini has teamed up with Jannik Sinner to release a series of collectibles celebrating his ascent to the world's top ATP ranking, making him the first Italian to achieve this feat.
Panini, based in Modena, Italy, proudly announced on June 10, 2024, a dynamic multi-year agreement with tennis sensation Jannik Sinner. This partnership marks a significant moment in sports history as Sinner becomes the first Italian to reach the No. 1 spot in the ATP world rankings. The collaboration extends across a broad spectrum of collectibles, including trading cards, autographed memorabilia, game-used gear, books, magazines, and digital collections, all featuring the tennis star.
The relationship between Panini and Sinner dates back to 2022 with the release of "Piccoli grandi campioni – Manuale illustrato del tennis di Jannik Sinner" (Young Great Champions – Jannik Sinner’s Illustrated Tennis Manual) by Panini Comics, which was a hit among fans. The collaboration took a playful turn in May 2024 when Sinner was featured as "Quacknik Spinner," a whimsical, duck-like character on the cover of Topolino magazine, adding a unique twist to the partnership.
Sinner shared his excitement about the partnership, reflecting on his childhood when he collected Panini stickers and read their comics. "It's a joy to be part of the Panini family in such a direct way, giving me a new platform to engage with my fans," Sinner commented.
The collaboration's first major release will be a Panini Instant trading card to celebrate Sinner's historic ranking as world No. 1. This special edition card will be available through Panini America's online platform. Following this, Panini will introduce a dedicated series of trading card collections featuring Sinner, which will include exclusive memorabilia and limited-edition cards. These collections will be distributed worldwide through Panini’s online store and at selected retail locations.
This announcement sets the stage for an extensive array of initiatives slated for 2024 and beyond, as part of Panini's ongoing collaboration with Jannik Sinner, further cementing his legacy in the world of tennis and collectibles.