Major League Soccer (MLS) has made a splash in the collectibles arena with the release of the highly anticipated 2024 Topps Chrome Debut Patch Cards. Drawing parallels to the excitement generated by Major League Baseball’s (MLB) 2023 Topps Chrome Update, this new MLS set has collectors buzzing with anticipation as they chase after coveted cards featuring authentic jersey patches from players’ first MLS appearances.
One of the most thrilling moments came on December 7 when Andy Wert of E and J Boutique in Brooklyn, NY, uncovered a true gem in a hobby box of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome product—a redemption for the Hugo Lloris Debut Patch Card. Lloris, renowned for his remarkable career as a goalkeeper, led France to World Cup victory in 2018 and boasts the record for the most appearances in the French national team history with 145 caps. His debut in MLS with Los Angeles FC adds an extra layer of excitement to this particular card, making it a highly sought-after treasure among fans and collectors alike.
Priced at a modest $120, the hobby box offers two chrome autographs per box, but it’s the redemption card for Hugo Lloris that steals the spotlight as one of the most coveted pulls in the entire set.
The release of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome marks a breakthrough for MLS trading cards, introducing Debut Patch Cards that feature authentic jersey patches from players’ inaugural MLS matches. The set includes 35 unique Debut Patch Cards, with top names like Luis Suárez playing for Inter Miami, Emil Forsberg of the New York Red Bulls, and Federico Redondo, a promising talent at Inter Miami. Among these standout cards, Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card shines brightly, symbolizing the fusion of his illustrious international career with his transition to MLS.
While the secondary market prices for MLB’s 2023 Topps Chrome Update hobby boxes have soared to $400, the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome product remains a steal at $120 per box. With sought-after Debut Patch Cards still in circulation, such as those of Suárez and Forsberg, soccer enthusiasts have an affordable opportunity to chase after these iconic pieces of memorabilia.
The introduction of Debut Patch Cards by MLS is a strategic move that reinforces the league’s presence in the world of collectibles. By featuring global soccer stars and commemorating their MLS debuts, MLS trading cards are capturing the attention of a growing collector base eager for unique and special items to add to their collections.
As collectors eagerly tear open packs of the 2024 MLS Topps Chrome, the fervor and anticipation surrounding the collection show no signs of waning. With Hugo Lloris’s Debut Patch Card already making waves, fans are on the edge of their seats, waiting to see which other iconic cards will be revealed next in this exciting new era for MLS collectibles.