Why You Should Be Getting Your Soccer Cards Graded ASAP

You might be sitting on a Messi gem and not even know it. Soccer cards have exploded in popularity, and whether you're a diehard collector, a casual fan, or just found your childhood stash, getting your cards graded could be the smartest play you make.
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You might be sitting on a Messi gem and not even know it. Soccer cards have exploded in popularity, and whether you're a diehard collector, a casual fan, or just found your childhood stash, getting your cards graded could be the smartest play you make.

Grading your soccer cards is about securing value, protecting your collection, and stepping into the big leagues of the hobby.

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What Is Card Grading and How Does It Work?

Card grading is the process of having a professional, third-party company assess the condition and authenticity of your cards. For soccer cards, this means your Erling Haaland rookie or vintage Maradona will be scrutinised for corners, centering, edges, and surface.

The result? A number grade—usually from 1 to 10—that gives your card a certified level of condition.

The higher the grade, the more desirable the card becomes. At Cherry, we offer grading services to help you get your cards into top-tier slabs with minimal stress. Learn more about our grading services here.

How Grading Affects the Value of Your Soccer Cards

Grading isn’t just for show—it can make a serious difference to the value of your card. A raw (ungraded) Lionel Messi rookie might fetch a decent price, but a PSA 10 of the same card? That’s another league entirely.

Here’s an example:

  • Raw Kylian Mbappé Panini rookie: ~$40

  • PSA 9: ~$100

  • PSA 10: ~$200+

That’s a pretty big upgrade just for sending it in to be graded.

Keep in mind, even small differences matter. A card graded an 8 might sell for a third of what a 10 gets. Here’s a deeper dive into how to tell what your soccer cards are worth.

Benefits of Grading Your Soccer Cards

Increased Value

Collectors are willing to pay a premium for certified condition. Grading brings credibility and peace of mind to buyers.

Preservation

Let’s be real—cards get dinged up. Slabs protect them from moisture, UV, dust, and the accidental coffee spill.

Easier to Sell

Graded cards are more desirable and sell faster. They also make auctions and online listings much easier to price and negotiate.

Authenticity Guarantee

No one likes a fake. Grading gives you (and any potential buyer) a verified assurance that your card is the real deal.

How to Grade Your Soccer Cards with Cherry Collectables

We make it simple. Whether you’ve got one card or one hundred, our team can help:

  • Pre-screen your cards for grading potential

  • Package them safely

  • Submit them to the best grading companies in the world

Learn more about grading with Cherry

Buy or Grade Your Soccer Cards Today!

Whether you're ready to sell or just want your cards protected and legit, grading is the way to go. We've helped thousands of collectors since 2009 get the most out of their cards, and we can help you too.

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