OG Soccer Product History
Debut Year: 1995 
Licensors: UEFA Club Competitions 
Value Level: Accessible 
2023/24 Topps Merlin UEFA Club Competitions is the latest offering to build on the exciting recent history of Topps and European soccer. Last year, the release of 2022/23 Topps Chrome UEFA Club Competitions marked the first time a Topps product showcased all three major European competitions. 2022/23 Topps Merlin UEFA followed suit shortly thereafter.
The iconic Topps Merlin brand returns to the fold with a stunning 2023/24 set that pays homage to a storied past while looking forward to an exciting future. “Merlin’s origins date back to the ’90s and early-aughts and its influential sticker sets,” said Product Director Dillon Stambaugh. “Our goal when designing a Merlin hobby set is always to nod to where Merlin all began. That means base cards that evoke classic sticker albums with aspects like angular borders, gradients, goal nets, and the color of the packaging. We’ve changed the packaging color each year from red to purple, green, and now pink. It creates a fun and memorable rip, and helps collectors visualize the season like “Yes – that was the red box year!”
Who is Topps Merlin For?
2023/24 Topps Merlin UEFA Club Competitions is designed for soccer fans and collectors, especially those who focus on the European game and the traditions of European collecting. Merlin built its legacy on the European continent, and the contemporary set is designed to emphasize Merlin’s roots and appeal both to collectors looking to get into the game and those who revere the wonderful nostalgia of the Merlin brand.
Why Does Topps Merlin Matter?
This brand has earned the respect of European collectors through years of exciting and covetable offerings. It’s impossible to tell the story of soccer collecting on the European continent without the influence of Topps Merlin. With its longtime focus on the European game, Topps Merlin has provided some of the most essential RCs in the soccer hobby landscape. Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, and Jamal Musiala have all been showcased with Merlin RC’s. But it’s more than that. Stambaugh said, “We’ve tried to carry on that legacy by having key rookies from clubs that aren’t only the Barcelonas, the Man Citys. Whether Arda Guler at Fenerbahçe or Francesco Camarda at Milan, we always try to extend the rookie chase through this set and offer some great prospects you won’t find anywhere else.”
What Am I Chasing in Topps Merlin?
And, well, speaking of rookies…this is the year of Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy who set the continent alight as he led Spain to a UEFA EURO 2024 title is prominently featured in this year’s set. Go hunting for the stunning Lamine Yamal Renaissance RC. Look out for the wonderfully designed new insert, Mystic Nights. Vintage Merlin Refractors are a must-have. And do not sleep on the brand new Match Ball Signatures Dual Auto Relic Book Cards. If it’s autos you’re after, Merlin has you set, whether you’re looking for current superstars like Erling Haaland or the GOATs he’s chasing down, like Cristiano Ronaldo! And, of course, Merlin features two cards in the Topps-wide chase for The Grail!
