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Behind the Cards

Fanatics Live has Arrived in the UK

On April 1, 2025, Topps UK announced via email that Fanatics Live, the popular live-commerce platform for sports collectibles, has officially arrived in the UK.

Driven by the immense popularity of breaking culture, Fanatics Live was launched in 2023, and has become a community hub for US-based collectors. Fanatics then acquired French-based e-commerce platform Voggt in October 2024, expanding their reach across Europe, and strengthening Fanatics Live launches in France and Germany. As of this week UK residents can use the platform as buyers, however full seller functionality is not widely available to UK-based accounts as yet. UK-based breaker Ben a.k.a. Dr Box Breaks, who has now launched as a seller on the platform, confirmed that around fifteen UK-based breakers have early access as sellers.

As Fanatics also prepares to unveil its global flagship trading card store on Regent Street, London in the near future, the UK hobby is poised to reach new heights in 2025 and beyond.

Product Watch

Popular Products: Global Price Trends and Changes

5 March 2025 - 4 April 2025

Featured on Graph Above (average price per hobby box):

• Panini Prizm Premier League 2023/24 — £130 (-4%)

• Topps Finest UEFA Club Competitions 2023/24 — £231 (+26%)

• Panini Impeccable Premier League 2023/24 — £382 (-10%)

• Topps Chrome UEFA Women’s Champions League 2023/24 — £61.08 (+7%)

• Panini Obsidian 2023/24 — £296 (+21%)

• Panini Immaculate 2023/24 — £554 (+8%)

  (figures in brackets indicate last sale change %)

Featured on Graph Above (average price per hobby box):

• Topps Pristine Road to UEFA Euro 2024 — £139 (+11%)

• Panini Prizm Copa America 2024 — £244 (-9%)

• Topps Chrome MLS 2024 — £53.84 (-13%)

• Topps UEFA Club Competitions 2024/25 — £98.51 (15%)

• Panini Soccer Donruss 2024/25 — £147 (-12%)

• Topps Finest MLS 2024 — £108 (0%)

  (figures in brackets indicate last sale change %)

Industry

2024 Topps Finest MLS!

Topps’ latest football release is 2024 Topps Finest MLS, an attractive set offering collectors and investors plenty of big name chasers from Major League Soccer, past and present.

2024 Topps Finest MLS was released on April 3, 2025, and the checklist is stacked with the names of many of football’s all-time greats. The 100-card base set is unusually repeated across common, uncommon, and rare variations, therefore totaling 300 base cards, plus short print chasers such as Gareth Bale, Wayne Rooney, Zlatan Ibrahimović and Kaká. The autograph checklist is extremely impressive, for example featuring ‘Now and Then’ dual autographed cards with fascinating combinations such as: Sergio Busquets / Frank Lampard; Didier Drogba / Luis Suárez; Lionel Messi / Thierry Henry; and Lionel Messi / Zlatan Ibrahimović. Add to this the allure of Messi cards in all their scarcities and variations throughout the product, and you have the makings of a release that could fly under the radar in terms of value.

Each hobby box will contain 6 packs of 10 cards, and will contain two autographs per box, further improving the product’s appeal.

The product remains available at £105 per box on the Topps UK website, and ships in 3 to 5 business days.

Card Watch

Cristiano Ronaldo: A Legendary Career Through Cards

From rookie grails to valuable ultra-modern releases, Cristiano Ronaldo’s cards tell the story of a player whose global cultural impact transcends the sport of football.

Unsurprisingly, Cristiano Ronaldo’s high-end football cards are both expensive and highly coveted, but as always, I’ll attempt to uncover some investment potential in this week’s Card Watch. Following the heartbreak of a shock final loss to Greece at Euro 2004—and with no significant cards released for that tournament—Ronaldo’s international journey through cards truly began in Germany in 2006. Featured below is his #169 Panini World Cup 2006 card, which, much like Lionel Messi’s from the same set, offers an intriguing investment opportunity for collectors willing to seek out high-quality raw cards for grading. At the other end of the spectrum, Ronaldo’s 2003 Panini Sports Mega Craques #137 Sporting Lisbon card is widely considered his authentic rookie card, and last sold on Oct 4, 2024 for £55,440.

Ronaldo cards offer tremendous value potential for collectors and investors across all budgets, from the quirky misspelt 2004 Topps Premier Gold #MU6 ‘Christiano’ Ronaldo Manchester United card to the ultra-rare Panini Kaboom! Gold /10 #K-CR Juventus card from the 2018 Panini Kaboom Rewards Multi-Sport set.

Collecting Ronaldo’s cards offers a lifelong project with genuine investment potential, safe in the knowledge you are collecting a true sporting legend, much like the iconic cards of Lionel Messi featured last week.

Below, I’ve used Card Ladder data to showcase a range of options that highlight the potential value available to collectors across all budgets.

PS: If you decide to sign up for Card Ladder using my affiliate link, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps me continue to provide valuable content through ND Soccer Capital. Thank you!

All data courtesy of Card Ladder—Why not discover how Card Ladder can enhance your card collecting experience?

You’ve Pulled!

A celebration of recent big card pulls!

Congratulations to @getgradedsports / Jamie’s Whatnot / suleyz & @tffbreaks for hitting these awesome cards!

If anyone pulls anything big please feel free to hit me up on Instagram! @ndsoccercapital

As I conclude this issue of ND Soccer Capital, I hope you found the insights into Lionel Messi’s market value informative and engaging. Stay tuned for future updates on emerging trends and the most valuable cards to watch in the dynamic world of football collecting.

• Explore More: Dive deeper into the world of football cards in my upcoming issues — Who Am I?

• Stay Connected: Follow me on social media for regular updates and behind-the-scenes insights

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Disclaimer: ND Soccer Capital provides information and opinions about sports card investing for educational purposes only. We are not financial advisors, and our content should not be considered investment advice. Investing in sports cards carries substantial risk of loss and may not be suitable for everyone. The value of cards can fluctuate significantly based on various factors, including player performance, market trends, and condition. Any investment decisions you make are solely your responsibility. ND Soccer Capital, its owners, employees, and affiliates shall not be held liable for any losses, damages, or legal issues arising from your investment choices. Always conduct your own research and consider seeking advice from a qualified financial professional before making any investment decisions.