Not only does Samu Costa look like Leonidas, Samu plays like him. "Leonidas" started both Portugal friendlies against Mexico and USA this week. The odds of Samu making the Portugal World Cup squad six months ago would have been 300-1. With two strong performances as a starter in both these games, I am hoping he will be getting a plane ticket from Lisbon to US on May 30, when Portugal Manager Robert Martinez names his final roster. Love the way Leonidas plays. Not a good passer, like the rest of the incredible Portugal midfield, I think Leonidas is a great fit with the ground he covers, his tackling, and generally being a bugger disrupting the others team's rhythm. Leonidas finished the week this morning by starting for Mallorca today against Real Madrid. In a shocker of a win, Mallorca near the bottom of the table and fighting relegation, beat Real Madrid 2-1 to pretty much end Real Madrid hopes of beating Barcelona for the Spanish title this year. This is what Spartans do against the odds.
Source of Pictures:
1>Sparta
2> Panini NFT platform. Select White Sparkle 1/8

Panini just announced that the Panini Bridge to OpenSea (Etherum) will be open for business Monday morning. First set to move over will be the Bad Egg set to be followed by the sports sets. Makes sense to start with one of the smaller sets and it is Easter week. Will write a post tomorrow on why the timing might be a hat trick for the soccer faithful on the Panini Platform.
PANINI BLOCKCHAIN BRIDGE TO OPEN FOR BUSINESS – The Knight's Lance

Love Coke and Love Panini World Cup Stickers. Brilliant collaboration. I am really interested in the digital collection that combines with the physical.
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/03/18/panini-coca-cola-to-collab-on-world-cup-sticker-promotion/
I could not help but think of the Mad Men finale. Such a great ending to such a great series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxtZpFl3pPM

Knockout second legs for Champions League knock out stage. Been awhile, but Panini bringing back game Champions League predictions. Win a Select pack and maybe, just maybe, pull a debut rookie Yamal NFT. These are quite fun!
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Welcome to Champions League R16 (Leg 2) Pick-Ems, @everyone!

• Contest: Predict the winners of all the matches this upcoming week! (The games themselves, not the overall leg winners)

• Tiebreaker: Correctly predict the highest rated player of the Barcelona vs. Newcastle match!

• Prizes: Up to 10 winners - 1 Pack of 2023-2024 Select LaLiga per winner!!

If there are ties resulting in over 10 winners, then the final spots will be decided by randomizer.*

Best of luck! 🔥 🍀

Yesterday Panini rolled out the Best of NFL Inserts 2025. Even at $100 a pack, this drop sold out in 10 minutes. Packs now selling on secondary for about $150. I do love these Bo Jackson NFT's I saw on the marketplace. Raiders black jersey's are iconic! With Panini NFL license coming to a close, will this be the last time we see a Panini Bo Jackson NFT?