Thinking of making some coin from collecting soccer cards? Whether you're a die-hard Messi fan, a rookie hunter, or just wondering if those foiled beauties could pay for your next holiday—you're in the right place.
Soccer card investing is hotter than a 90th-minute winner, and 2025 is shaping up to be a big year for the hobby. In this article, we'll break down what makes some cards worth a mint, why collectors are diving in, and how you can join the action without taking a red card to your wallet.
⚽️ Ready to make moves? Explore our full soccer card collection here.
Understanding How Soccer Cards Get Their Value
Let’s kick things off with what makes soccer cards valuable.
It’s not just about goals and glory—though those help. A card’s value comes down to a mix of player popularity, rarity, condition, and set popularity. Think: a low-numbered rookie card of Jude Bellingham in mint condition vs. a base card of a benchwarmer. One’s a grail. The other? Not so much.
Want a deeper dive into how to tell what your cards are really worth? Check out our blog: How to Tell the Worth of Your Soccer Cards.
What’s the Appeal of Investing in Soccer Cards?
For collectors, it’s the thrill of the hunt, the beauty of the card designs, and the connection to their favourite teams and players.
But for investors? It’s about spotting that next big thing—before they go viral with a hat-trick in the Champions League.
Soccer is the world game. That global reach means global demand, and that can lead to big paydays when a card’s value spikes especially with the World Cup hosted across North America in 2026. Some savvy collectors treat rare cards like stock in a rising star.
Curious which cards are worth chasing? Don’t miss our guide to the Best Soccer Cards to Collect.
The Pros & Cons of Investing in Soccer Cards
Let’s play both sides of the pitch here:
✅ Pros:
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Massive Global Appeal: Soccer isn’t just big—it’s everywhere. More fans = more collectors.
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World Cup Bumps: Major tournaments often skyrocket card values overnight - look for that to happen in 2026 when the World Cup lands in Canada, USA and Mexico.
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Rising Stars: Youth talent is strong. Think Musiala, Garnacho, and Gavi.
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Low Barrier to Entry: You don’t need to drop thousands to start.
⚠️ Cons:
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Volatile Market: A bad season (or transfer) can tank a player’s value.
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Fakes & Overproduction: Be smart about where you buy (yes, like Cherry 👀).
Sales Trends for Soccer Cards in 2025
Here’s the scoreboard: Soccer cards are no longer just playing catch-up to NBA and NFL. They’re now a solid part of the collecting landscape.
2024 saw major movement—boosted by new releases from Topps and Panini and massive demand around women’s soccer stars. In 2025, we’re seeing consistent interest across Europe, South America, and Asia, with collectors eyeing both rookies and legends.
See how far some of these cards have come in our piece on the Most Expensive Soccer Cards of All Time.
From Dud to Deal: The Hidden Mbappé Rookie
Grayson once dropped a few thousand on a bulk card lot—some basketball, some soccer, nothing special at first glance. He shelved it, thinking it was a bad buy.
Months later, while revisiting the pile, he spotted it: a silver Kylian Mbappé rookie Prizm. Just sitting there the whole time.
What seemed like a loss turned into a surprise win—and a reminder that in soccer cards, hidden value can surface when you least expect it.
Start Scoring Top Right Corner Investments with Cherry Collectables
If you're keen to turn your love of the beautiful game into a beautiful collection (or a tidy investment), we’ve got everything you need to get started.
From sealed boxes to singles of rookies, goats and everything in between, Cherry’s where smart soccer collectors shop.
Start your journey here:
Because whether you’re flipping or keeping forever, the game starts at Cherry. ⚽🔥
