Major League Soccer has stepped onto the trading card field with the debut of their 2024 Topps Chrome collection on December 4. Drawing inspiration from the frenzy sparked by Major League Baseball’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update, soccer card collectors now have a new gem to hunt for in the midst of the holiday season. Among the treasures awaiting enthusiastic collectors is a particular card that has already stirred up a buzz—a redemption card for the sought-after Hugo Lloris Debut Patch.
Hugo Lloris Redemption Unveiled in Brooklyn
In a thrilling moment on December 7, the spotlight fell on Andy Wert at E and J Boutique in Brooklyn, NY, as he uncovered a redemption card for Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch. Lloris, a formidable goalkeeper renowned for leading France to a World Cup victory in 2018, holds the record for the highest number of appearances for the French national team with 145 caps. This year, Lloris made his MLS debut with Los Angeles FC, elevating the allure of this card for fans and collectors.
Priced at a reasonable $120, the hobby box where this redemption card was found promises two chrome autographs per box, but the Hugo Lloris Debut Patch card steals the show as one of the prime targets for collectors and fans alike.
A New Era for MLS Trading Cards
The introduction of Debut Patch Cards in the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome release signifies a breakthrough for the league in the trading card realm. These cards feature authentic jersey patches from players’ initial MLS appearances, with the set showcasing 35 Debut Patch Cards. Among the prominent figures featured are global stars like Luis Suárez, the Uruguayan striker now playing for Inter Miami, Emil Forsberg, the Swedish international with the New York Red Bulls, and rising Argentinian talent Federico Redondo of Inter Miami. However, it’s Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch that steals the spotlight, blending his acclaimed international career with his move to Major League Soccer.
Accessible Pursuit, Lucrative Rewards
While the prices of MLB’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update hobby boxes have soared to around $400 on secondary markets, the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome product retains its affordability at just $120 per box. With various high-profile Debut Patch Cards, including those of Suárez and Forsberg, still waiting to be uncovered, soccer aficionados are on the hunt for their own slice of history.
MLS Expands Its Reach in Memorabilia
The launch of Debut Patch Cards not only enhances the appeal of MLS trading cards but also solidifies the league’s position in the collectibles world. By shining a spotlight on international stars and commemorating their debuts in MLS, the league has tapped into a burgeoning community of collectors craving unique memorabilia.
As collectors eagerly tear open packs, the fervor surrounding the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome edition continues to grow. With headlines buzzing about Hugo Lloris’s redemption card, enthusiasts are on the edge of their seats, eager to see which illustrious cards will emerge next.
