Grading isn’t just for trading cards — football stickers are finally getting the attention they deserve. From Merlin relics from the late 90’s to the latest Topps releases, collectors everywhere are sending their stickers off to be graded and slabbed.
If you’ve ever wondered how the process works — and how to know if your sticker is worth grading — here’s your go-to guide.
What Sticker Grading Is (and Why It’s Different from Cards)
Grading is the process of having your sticker inspected, authenticated, and rated by professionals based on condition and quality. The result? A permanent numerical grade (usually on a 1–10 scale) and a sealed, tamper-proof case that protects and displays your collectible.
Unlike trading cards, stickers are printed on thinner paper and can be much trickier to handle. Centering, surface gloss, and even gum residue can make or break your grade — which is why careful handling is essential from the moment you open that packet.
The Key Sticker Grading Criteria
Every grading company is different, but uses similar standards, and it’s worth knowing what they look for before you send your stickers in:
Centering — Check how evenly the sticker’s borders are aligned. Off-centre printing or cuts can knock a grade down quickly.
Corners — Crisp corners are king. Rounded or frayed corners usually mean handling wear.
Edges — Look for small tears or nicks, especially on older stickers.
Surface — The most common culprit for lower grades. Scratches, print dots, or glue marks will show up under a grader’s light.
Back Condition — If your sticker is unused, make sure the backing is clean and unpeeled. Bends or stains can also affect the overall score.
Source: ACE Grading
Tips Before You Send Your Football Stickers For Grading
- Handle with clean hands or gloves.
- Keep stickers flat in penny sleeves, then semi-rigid holders or toploaders.
- Avoid humid or hot environments — moisture can warp thin sticker paper.
- Never peel or stick the sticker. Unused is the magic word for top grades.
What Grades Mean
Most grading companies use a 1–10 scale, with “10” representing absolute gem mint condition.
- 10 (Gem Mint): Perfect condition, no visible flaws.
- 9 (Mint): Nearly perfect, with only micro imperfections.
- 8 (Near Mint–Mint): Very light imperfections.
Below that, small issues like soft corners or surface marks become more noticeable.
When to Grade Your Football Stickers (and When Not To)
Grading isn’t always necessary — but it’s a fantastic option when you’ve got:
- Rare or vintage football stickers (like football legends or limited editions).
- Stickers from key rookie years.
- A personal collection you want to preserve long-term.
If your sticker is modern and widely available, you might prefer to keep it raw until it gains value or sentimental significance.
Where to Grade Football Stickers in the UK
Good news for UK collectors — you’ve got some great options:
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
The global standard for grading. You can drop off your stickers directly at the PSA grading counter inside the Fanatics Collectibles store in London, making submissions smooth and secure. PSA slabs are recognised globally, which means higher visibility and resale potential for your graded stickers.
ACE Grading
A UK-based favourite among modern collectors. ACE Grading offers unique custom “ACE Labels” that match the design or era of your sticker, giving your collection a personalised edge that other companies simply can’t match.
Majesty Grading
With a focus on Football (as opposed to other TCG’s), Majesty provides a cost-effective service with high-quality encapsulation. Their slabs are crystal-clear and ideal for showcasing vintage or modern pieces.
Looking Ahead: The Next Generation of Football Stickers
The Topps Premier League 2025/26 Sticker Collection drops this January 2026, reimagined for the modern fan while honouring the traditions that made sticker collecting part of football culture.
With rare parallels and numbered variants down to ultra-rare 1/1 Foilfractors, bookmark this article, because grading stickers might just be on the cards for you in the very near future!
