Soccer cards have evolved from the regular World Cup stickers you might be used to. Whether it’s a rare rookie or a slabbed grail that’s gone viral, soccer cards have exploded in value over the past decade. In this blog, we’re diving into some of the most expensive soccer cards of all time and unpacking what makes them so iconic (and pricey). Got your boots on? Let’s kick things off.
Check out the latest soccer card drops here: Cherry’s Soccer Collection
What Makes Soccer Cards Valuable?
Not all cards are created equal—and soccer cards are no different. When trying to figure out why one card is worth a fiver and another is worth a small car, here’s what matters:
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The Player – GOATs like Messi and Ronaldo will always have weight.
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The Year – Rookie years and historical moments = more demand.
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The Team – Playing for a powerhouse club like Barcelona or PSG can up the value.
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Grading Quality – A PSA 10 or BGS 9.5 can be the difference between hobby and high-roller.
Want to get better at judging a card's worth? Check out our blog on How to Tell the Worth of Your Soccer Cards
The Most Expensive Soccer Cards Ever Sold
Here’s the elite tier of soccer card sales:
#5. 1977 Futbol Diego Maradona Rookie Card #11 PSA 7
Stickers were more popular for soccer collectors in the 70's making this rare PSA 7 graded sale of his rookie card quite special.
#4. 2019-20 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Red Refractors Erling Haaland Rookie Card #72 BGS 10
Sold for $170,400 by Goldin Auctions this rare Beckett 10 Pristine grade is the gold standard for Haaland rookie cards.
#3. 2002-03 Panini Futebol Portugal Mega Craques Cristiano Ronaldo Rookie Card #137 PSA 10
Sold for $240,300 by Goldin Auctions there are less than 50 worldwide in a PSA 10 grade.
#2. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Messi Rookie Card #71 PSA 10
Sold for $336,000 at Goldin Auctions this is Messi's most wanted rookie card.
#1. 1958 Alifabolaget Pele Rookie Card #635
This card was sold through Heritage Auctions for $372,000 in 2021.
The Future of Soccer Card Investments
With the next generation of superstars like Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, and Jude Bellingham already dominating the pitch, their card markets are heating up fast. Online platforms, international auctions, and social media hype are only accelerating the boom.
In 5, 10, or 20 years? Today’s modern cards could be tomorrow’s vintage grails.
How to Invest in High Value Soccer Cards
Want to invest like a pro? Here’s your starting 11:
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Research the Market – Check comps, trends, and historical data.
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Inspect the Condition – Edges, centering, surface—don’t sleep on grading potential.
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Buy from Trusted Sources – That’s us 😎 and your fav marketplaces like eBay.
Get the full playbook in our blog on How to Start Collecting Soccer Cards
Find Future Valuable Cards with Cherry Collectables
Whether you're chasing the next GOAT or locking in a PSA 10 rookie, Cherry Collectables has the singles, sealed boxes, and breaks you need to level up your collection.
⚽ Browse all soccer cards here: Soccer Collection
🔍 Hunt rare hits: Soccer Singles
