The History Behind Topps Finest MLS
Debut Year:
2022 
Licensors:
MLS 
Value Level:
Premium Topps Finest MLS made its debut in 2022, bringing the signature high-end Chrome® technology and eye-catching refractor designs of the Topps Finest brand to Major League Soccer. Known for its vibrant card stock, bold parallels, and on-card autographs, Topps Finest has been a staple in baseball and other sports for years. Its introduction to the MLS market in 2022 filled a gap for collectors looking for premium-quality football cards featuring MLS stars and legends.
After a successful inaugural release, Topps followed up with a 2023 edition, which expanded the checklist and introduced additional inserts and autograph formats. With 2024 being the third consecutive release, Topps Finest MLS has quickly become a favorite among football collectors, blending established global icons with emerging MLS talents.
Why does Topps Finest MLS matter?
Topps Finest MLS matters because it brings a premium product to a rapidly growing league and captures key moments and players in MLS history. The 2024 release is particularly significant because it features the MLS Debut Patch Autographs, offering collectors a chance to own autographed cards with authentic patches from a player’s MLS debut. This unique feature connects collectors to pivotal moments in a player’s career and adds extra value to the set.
Lionel Messi’s on-card autographs continue to make waves in the collecting world, driving interest not just in MLS cards but in football cards in general, and Topps Finest MLS offers a slew of Messi autos. Beyond Messi, the 2024 release includes the first rookie autographs for highly anticipated young players such as Julian Hall, Agustín Ojeda, Federico Redondo, David Martínez, and Joseph Paintsil. It also marks the first MLS autographs for big-name international transfers like Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud, giving collectors a chance to secure their inaugural MLS signatures. .
Who is Topps Finest MLS intended for?
Topps Finest MLS is designed for a broad spectrum of collectors, making it appealing to fans of the league, global football enthusiasts, and high-end card collectors alike. Topps Finest collectors who are drawn to the brand’s reputation for premium refractors, bold inserts, and high-quality autographs will appreciate the product’s extension into the MLS space. MLS collectors will find plenty to love with the inclusion of both emerging stars and legendary figures who have shaped the league’s history.
Lionel Messi collectors are another key audience, as Messi’s presence in MLS has created a surge in demand for his autographed and numbered parallels. The product also appeals to rookie chasers looking to secure early autographs and rookie cards of future stars, as well as investors and speculators who see potential long-term value in the debut MLS cards of established international stars like Marco Reus and Olivier Giroud. Whether you’re collecting for the love of the game, building a diverse football PC, or looking for high-end cards to hold as investments, Topps Finest MLS delivers a well-rounded and exciting collecting experience.
What am I chasing in Topps Finest MLS 2024?
The 2024 Topps Finest MLS set is loaded with must-have cards from a mix of international superstars, MLS rookies, and legendary players who have left their mark on the league. Leading the chase is Lionel Messi, whose presence in MLS continues to elevate the league’s visibility and global impact. His cards, especially on-card autographs, are some of the most coveted in the set. Joining him is his former Barcelona and Inter Miami teammate Luis Suárez, along with international icons like Marco Reus (Inter Miami) and Olivier Giroud (LAFC), who made late-season transfers to MLS and have their first MLS cards and autographs in this set.
Rookie chasers will be on the hunt for the first autographs and base rookies of standout prospects like Gabriel Pec (LA Galaxy) and David Martínez (NY Red Bulls), while collectors of rising MLS stars will also target the first rookie autos for names such as Julian Hall, Agustín Ojeda, Federico Redondo, and Joseph Paintsil. In addition to modern stars, the set pays tribute to MLS icons like Thierry Henry and Zlatan Ibrahimović, whose legendary status adds a nostalgic element to the checklist. With such a diverse lineup of talent, Topps Finest MLS 2024 offers something for every type of football fan.
What’s new in Topps Finest MLS 2024?
The 2024 edition of Topps Finest MLS introduces several exciting new features and insert sets that elevate the collecting experience. One of the standout additions is the “Pop Art” insert, which brings a colorful, visually striking design that blends artistic expression with the world of football. Another new addition is the “Team Logo” insert, which showcases the iconic logos of MLS clubs in a fresh, collectible format.
Dual autograph collectors will be excited by the introduction of “Now and Then” dual autos, pairing current MLS stars with legends who have left a lasting impact on the league. For memorabilia collectors, “Finest Fabrics” relics feature game-used materials from both active players and MLS legends, adding a dynamic, multi-era feel to the set. Finally, MLS Debut Patch Autographs make their return, offering a combination of player-worn patches and autographs that commemorate a player’s first appearance in the league. These new elements add variety, creativity, and increased chase value to an already stellar product.
