Major League Soccer has hit a home run in the collectibles arena with the release of its 2024 Topps Chrome Debut Patch Cards, following the success of Major League Baseball’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update. Fans and collectors alike were abuzz with excitement as the new MLS trading card set hit the shelves on December 4, presenting a fresh opportunity to dive into the world of sports memorabilia.
One lucky hobbyist, Andy Wert, owner of E and J Boutique in Brooklyn, NY, struck gold on December 7 when he opened a hobby box of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome and uncovered a redemption card for Hugo Lloris’s highly sought-after Debut Patch Card. Lloris, renowned as one of the greatest goalkeepers in history, famously led France to a World Cup victory in 2018 and boasts the record for the most appearances for the French national team with 145 caps. His recent debut in Major League Soccer with Los Angeles FC has added another layer of prestige to his collectible card, making it a prized possession for enthusiasts.
Priced at a modest $120 per box, the hobby box contains two chrome autographs each, but it was the tantalizing allure of securing coveted cards like Lloris’s that drew collectors to the MLS Topps Chrome release.
The 2024 Topps Chrome set signifies a groundbreaking moment for MLS trading cards with the introduction of Debut Patch Cards, featuring authentic jersey patches from players’ inaugural MLS matches. The collection includes 35 Debut Patch Cards spotlighting international stars such as Luis Suárez, Emil Forsberg, and Federico Redondo, all making waves in Major League Soccer with their respective clubs. Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card shines as one of the jewels in the crown, blending his illustrious global career with his fresh start in MLS.
In contrast to the soaring prices of MLB’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update hobby boxes, which have surged to $400 on the resale market, the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome remains a budget-friendly option at $120 per box. With prime Debut Patch Cards featuring top-tier players like Suárez and Forsberg still up for grabs, collectors are eagerly delving into the chase in hopes of securing a piece of soccer history.
The debut of Debut Patch Cards in the MLS trading card landscape not only elevates the league’s presence in collectibles but also caters to a growing cohort of enthusiasts hungry for unique and exclusive memorabilia. By spotlighting iconic international talents and commemorating their first MLS appearances, Major League Soccer is carving out a distinct niche in the hobby market, enticing fans with a diverse array of collectible offerings.
As the frenzy around the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome continues to build momentum, Hugo Lloris’s headline-making pull serves as a harbinger of the potential treasures waiting to be discovered. Collectors and fans alike are on the edge of their seats, eager to witness which of the remaining coveted cards will emerge from the packs next, fueling the fervor and anticipation in the vibrant world of sports collectibles.
