Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterThe Champions League kicks off this evening, in an exclusive match-week that will also see games played on Thursday.Players making their debut appearance in the competition, including substitutes, will wear a one-off patch given to them by UEFA.The debut patch is valid only for each players first-ever Champions League appearance. As to where the patches go post-game, it appears that football has been taking notes from the NBA.Debut patches in the Champions League to be turned into trading cardsAfter each patch-wearing players debut, it will be retrieved and turned into a unique trading card. These items are anticipated to sell for staggering sums of money.The move is akin to NBA debut patches and rookie trading cards being sold for exorbitant fees, in the event of players becoming sporting legends. You may like What are the patches on players' shirts at the World Cup and why are they wearing them? This is how you can buy 2026 World Cup souvenir worn by Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal and more Why are Champions League games on Thursday this week? Cooper Flagg, who delivered a Rookie of the Year-worthy NBA season in his breakout campaign for the Dallas Mavericks, recently saw his debut patch go to auction. It is anticipated to sell for over $1 million.One of LeBron James rookie trading cards, signed by the NBA legend, is believed to be worth around $10 million, with the now-Philadelphia 76er becoming, arguably, the sports all-time greatest.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.In the Champions League, plenty of high-profile players are expected to make their competition debuts, and will wear the tournaments debut patches.At Manchester United, both Bryan Mbeumo, expected to appear in the Red Devils opening match versus Sabah FK on Thursday, and Carlos Baleba will make their Champions League debuts.For the latter, Michael Carrick revealed last week that his debut is set to arrive in 10-14 days. He is due to appear initially in either a Premier League or Carabao Cup clash, then a Champions League game later in the league phase.The move also follows patches being introduced at the 2026 World Cup, as part of a licensing deal with trading card and stickers company Fanatics.Global stars such as Erling Haaland, Lamine Yamal (and Dan Burn) wore debut patches that were later turned into high-value collectables.Previous edition Golden Boot, Glove and Ball winners were also given special patches in North America.Kedar BayleySocial Links NavigationFreelance WriterKedar Bayley is a trained journalist specialising in culture reporting. As a fan of Liverpool FC,he writes on the Reds often. Knowledgable about all things sports, cinema and television,you can find his words in Screen International, FourFourTwo, Manchester Evening News and more.
