Topps is bringing its innovative debut patch card program to Major League Soccer, promising unique 1/1 rookie cards featuring game-worn debut patches and player autographs in upcoming MLS products.
Topps is extending its innovative debut patch card initiative, previously introduced in Major League Baseball, to Major League Soccer for the 2024 season. This program will celebrate MLS rookies by incorporating special debut patches into their jerseys for their first game. These patches will then be collected and used to produce one-of-a-kind rookie cards for future Topps MLS product releases, each embellished with the player's autograph.
The process involves sending the MLS Debut patches to team equipment managers, who then affix them to the jerseys of first-year players using an adhesive on the back. Following the player's debut, these patches are carefully removed and sent to Topps, where they will be transformed into highly collectible cards.
Players making their MLS debut by April 1 will be featured in a 2024 Topps MLS product, while those debuting after this date will have their patch included in the next year's series. This timing ensures that new talent is timely recognized and celebrated within Topps' card collections.
The MLS season is kicking off with an exciting lineup of matches, including an opening night face-off between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake. Although the debut patch program will not feature last season's addition of international sensation Lionel Messi to Miami, it will highlight this year's high-profile newcomers such as Luis Suarez, formerly of Liverpool and Barcelona, and Hugo Lloris, the ex-Tottenham goalkeeper.
The debut patch program has already shown success within the MLB, with several of the 91 MLB Debut patches from the 2023 Topps Chrome Update packages finding their way to eBay. The expansion of this program to MLS not only offers soccer fans a unique way to connect with emerging stars but also continues Topps' tradition of innovating within the sports memorabilia market.