Thinking of turning your passion for soccer into a hobby that might net you some impressive returns?
Then you’re probably thinking of getting into the world of soccer trading cards.
Soccer trading cards are an old school investment that remain popular, and for fans of the sport, they can be a way of potentially securing yourself a future nest egg.
The best soccer cards to get are the ones that you can collect and show off, with big name players attracting the most interest among fans.
These are also the ones that have a lot of value for collectors.
There are many different types of cards available, from autographed cards to limited edition cards, so it pays to do your research before buying.
If you’re interested in the soccer card market with an eye to potential profit, take a look at this guide to the best soccer cards you can get.
Whether you’re a fan of the sport, or a card collector looking to branch out, we’ve got you sorted.
What Brand Of Soccer Card Should I Get?
No one brand has exclusive rights to soccer players, so you have a few choices as soccer card collectors.
In terms of what brand of soccer card to buy, there are two main options. These are Topps and Panini.
Both brands have the exclusive rights to certain leagues, but there is some crossover of players.
If you’re a fan of a particular team, and you only want to collect that team, then you want to find out which brand holds the rights to the league they play in.
If you’re just excited to start investing, then check out both brands.
Why Buy Topps Soccer Cards?
Topps sell some of the most valuable soccer cards and also produce hobby boxes that are fantastic for getting a new collector started.
It’s always worth keeping an eye on their Topps Chrome collections, which will often provide a reward with limited risk.
Topps owns the rights to the Bundesliga, MLS, and the UEFA Champions League.
If you’re a fan of other European leagues, take a look at Topps for UEFA Champions League crossovers.
Why Buy Panini Soccer Cards?
Panini is the other great option if you’re getting into soccer cards. Panini has the rights to the La Liga, Serie A, Premier League, and the FIFA World Cup.
Expect Panini to increase their soccer output in the next few years, as they’ve lost some rights to other sports.
Panini does some excellent starter sets, like Panini Prizm and Chronicles, as well as some higher-end sets.
We recommend checking out Panini to start your collection, as their beginner options can net a reward with a lower risk.
Panini has more soccer sets than Topps, and covers more leagues. However, the initial costs can be high.
Which Soccer Player Cards Should I Invest In?
There are hundreds of soccer player cards to choose from and thousands of different designs.
You’ll need to decide what type of cards you like, and how much you want to invest.
As with any investment, the less risky buys are likely to get smaller returns.
Taking a risk can pay off massively, but it won’t come through every time.
As with every sport, there are three main categories to consider: the up and comers, the established players, and the GOATs.
Hotly Tipped Newbies
These are the young guns who haven’t yet made it, but could go on to become superstars. Either way, they’re exciting prospects.
Although they might not have made history yet, collectors are keeping an eye on them.
Recent rookies who’ve caused a stir include Youssoufa Moukoko, Jude Bellingham, and Erling Haaland.
These players have started to make their mark, and appear to have a bright future ahead of them.
By investing now, you can get your hands on limited runs that might gain in popularity.
People who invested in Kylian Mbappé at the start of 2018, for example, have seen his rookie card grow in value.
Of course, the problem with buying a rookie card is that you don’t know where the career will go.
Talented youngsters can turn into injury-prone adults, and there’s always a few who fail to live up to early promise.
Their star will drop, and with it goes the value of your cards.
Established Players
Good soccer players tend to stick around for a long time, making a name for themselves and collecting a fan base.
Vet cards can hold value, but they’re a little trickier to get started with. You need to look for cards with limited printing runs and a proven interest.
Quality vet cards can be difficult to find, especially when looking for specific players.
For example, Lionel Messi is one of the most popular players in the world, so finding his cards should be easy.
But he’s been a major star for years, and the best cards have all been snapped up.
The GOATs
The GOATs are the legends who have dominated the game over many years. They’re often the hardest cards to track down, and the most expensive.
These legends of the sport can sell for upwards of four figures, but they might still be worth the investment if you have the money.
Autographs are where the big money is at.
Look for players with plenty of name recognition, even among non-soccer fans: Cristiano Ronaldo, David Beckham, Diego Maradona, and Pele appeal to an international audience and sell for staggering amounts.
Soccer Cards To Avoid
There are no players we’d really caution you to stay away from, but goalkeepers and defenders tend to sell for less.
A lack of scoring opportunities means that even the greatest defenders are less collectible.
And, of course, avoid cards with bad damage.
Final Thoughts
Collecting soccer cards can be a fun way to make money.
If you’re a fan of the sport, you can put your soccer player knowledge to good use and invest in the rookie cards of players you expect to see making it big.
The soccer card market is set to grow, and you can expect to see savvy collectors making some impressive profits.
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