These cards exploded in price more than any other sport. I had the most “sellers remorse” with these. It was fun discovering these sets and working with PSA to get them approved for grading. Worked with PSA to get the following sets approved for grading: 1978 Figurita Crack Mundial, 2002 Panini Mega Craques, 2009 Gol Cards. Especially notable that the Ronaldo card later appeared on the cover of SMR Magazine, years after we first got the set approved.

Soccer Rookie Cards

Pelé – 1958 Ave Ltda. Coleção Titulares

One of several Pelé cards from 1958, chosen for being made in Brazil. PSA labeled these as hand-cut. A few 1957 issues have surfaced since, including the 1957 A Americana Ltda Balas Futebol and 1957 Oliveira & Benassi Balas Equipe.

• Franz Beckenbauer – 1965 Perfetti Candy

  Early Italian-issued card of the German great, distributed with Perfetti candy products.

• George Best – 1964 Barratt & Co. Ltd Famous Footballers

  UK-issued rookie of the Manchester United icon.

• Diego Maradona – 1978 Figurita Crack Mundial

  Early Argentine release from before Maradona’s professional debut.

• Landon Donovan – 2002–03 Panini Stickers Football 2003 (#222)

  International Panini sticker featuring the U.S. star in national team gear. The set was recalled shortly after release due to licensing issues, adding to its scarcity.

• Roberto Baggio – 1985 Panini Calciatori

  First appearance in Panini’s flagship Italian domestic set.

• David Beckham – 1995 Raven Manchester Utd. Red Devils

  Team-issued release predating Beckham’s mainstream Panini cards.

• Cristiano Ronaldo – 2002 Panini Mega Craques

  Portuguese domestic release and widely accepted Ronaldo rookie.

• Lionel Messi – 2004 Panini Megacracks iconic rookie card released in Spain.

• Neymar – 2009 Gol Cards

  Brazilian release prior to Neymar’s move to Europe.

• Kylian Mbappé – 2016 Panini Foot #505

  First licensed card of Mbappé, issued during his time at AS Monaco.