Peruse the showcases during any card show and you’ll notice the usual array of sought-after cards staring back at you from under the glass. There are cards of sports legends, like Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie and Mike Trout’s 2011 Topps rookie.
But other non-traditional sports heroes are also making collectors’ must-have lists these days. Formula One cards have seen a sharp uptick as international auto racing has become a bigger deal in the United States. Tennis and golf cards have also grown in popularity.
But the cards from outside the traditional top four North American sports that have gained notable visibility are those of soccer players.
“All cards in general have increased in popularity over the past three to five years. Soccer cards are no different,” said Matt Powers, who sells autographs and sports cards through Missouri-based Powers Sports Memorabilia. “What makes them unique is soccer is the world’s number one most popular sport and has some of the biggest superstars in all of sports. The growth potential for the market is much greater than other growing sports.”
It is even greater given that the World Cup will be contested in Qatar starting in November. Soccer cards, like the
