Match Attax is much loved in the trading card world, both among players of the game and collectors alike. The satisfaction of winning an epic head-to-head, or completing an entire set is unmatched. Well, almost…
Imagine pulling a rare numbered Haaland, or getting your hands on an early World Cup Messi card!
Below we’ll look at five significant cards, and why the achieved historic figures at auction!
1. 2020-21 Topps Chrome Match Attax Bundesliga Saison Superstars Superfractors #158 Erling Haaland (#1/1) – BGS GEM MINT 9.5
Let’s appreciate this incredible Erling Haaland card that hit mid-five figures at auction! In a previous article, we’ve discussed why Haaland’s cards are so in demand. But let’s specifically look at what makes this Match Attax card so special.
Firstly, it’s a 1 of 1 Superfractor! This means, it’s the only one in the world and incredibly rare.
Secondly, it’s from his first full season at Dortmund, and although it’s technically not a ‘rookie card‘, collectors still love an early Erling Haaland card.
And then thirdly, it achieved an incredibly high grade of a BGS Gem Mint 9.5, meaning it’s a near perfect card. Taking a deeper look at the subgrades, it scored a 9.5 for Centering, Edges and Corners, with the Surface achieving a 9.
When we combine all three of these factors (rarity, demand and condition) we can better understand why this is one of the most valuable Match Attax cards ever sold at auction.
2. 2019 Topps On Demand Match Attax UEFA Erling Haland ROOKIE RC PSA 10 GEM MINT
Sticking with Erling Haaland, we’ve got another great card from his Champions League debut season at RB Salzburg.
Although Haaland has a variety of valuable cards from early in his career, this one is classed as his ‘Match Attax Rookie Card’. This means it’s his first ever Match Attax card, and is seen as a meaningful piece by collectors.
Combine that with the Gem Mint 10 grade it achieved from PSA, and the fact that only 7 PSA 10’s existed (at the time of auction), we begin to understand why it achieved a substantial price at auction.
3. 2016-17 Topps Match Attax UCL #DOR9 Christian Pulisic Rookie Card – PSA GEM MT 10 – Pop 4
Now perhaps you weren’t expecting to see Christian Pulisic at number three on our list, so let’s explore why.
Firstly, it’s important to remember that the popularity of ‘soccer’ in the States has grown massively in recent years. With America’s rich history in sports card collecting, the crossover was inevitable.
Sure, American fans love watching Messi light up the MLS, but in the case of Christian Pulisic, they love nothing more than getting behind a homegrown talent. Especially one who arguably is on the same level as Client Dempsey was.
So when savvy collectors cottoned-on to the fact that his card is actually his Match Attax rookie (also in a PSA 10), they realised just what an important piece it actually is. Naturally, it was in high-demand at auction.
4. 2006 Topps Match Attax World Cup #39 Lionel Messi – PSA MINT 9
No list of important football cards is complete without a Messi card, and this one is really quite unique!
Firstly, this is a die-cut card, meaning it’s been cut to a specific shape. Note the wings on each side emphasizing Messi’s attack of 8.5 and defence of 2.5.
Now because of the obscure shape of die-cut cards, they are notoriously hard to grade in a Gem Mint 10. So that fact that this copy achieved a Mint 9, is testament to it’s great condition.
More importantly though, this card is from the 2006 World Cup, where Messi made his first ever appearance in the tournament. This is why the card has extra meaning and added value among collectors.
5. 2020 Topps Chrome Match Attax UEFA Orange Jude Bellingham ROOKIE /25 #90 PSA 9
From the G.O.A.T to England’s star boy… Jude Bellingham has a special place in the heart of Match Attax collectors, especially with this year’s ‘Ultimate Talent’ chase card.
(Too see more of this season’s Match Attax chase cards, follow the link).
But in this particular example, we showcase a card from Bellingham’s debut season at Dortmund, and his first appearance in the Champion’s league.
That alone makes this a desirable card, but this is also an ‘Orange Refactor’ numbered 015/025.
Refractor Cards utilize a special printing technology to create a unique visual effect. The cards refract light to create a prism or rainbow-like look and colorful shine.
This combination of rarity, Bellingham’s rise, and his growing stature in the game made this another interesting example of how collectible certain Match Attax’s can be.
Match Attax and Beyond
The cards in this article offer interesting insight into what takes a trading card beyond something ‘playable’ to actually, something highly collectible.
Paying close attention rarity, player significance and card condition are all skills any aspiring collector should look to hone.
But of course, Match Attax isn’t the only place rare and desirable cards can be found. There’s a world of collectibles to be explored; from Topps NOW to Lost Rookie Cards to Merlin and beyond!
Topps Ripped is the site to learn about it all, and continue your journey deeper into this wonderful hobby… Where will it take you next?
