Five Iconic Soccer Cards/Stickers

Every year, thousands of new soccer cards are printed and placed into packs for collectors to find. People chase the hot rookies and short printed veterans hoping to find a valuable card.

Then, the hype dies down and new sets and rookies become available. Some cards though are able to stay relevant and become heavily sought after.

As footballers cement their legacy, these cards become iconic. Fans and collectors search all over to try and get their hands on these historic pieces.

Here are five of some of the most iconic soccer cards/stickers in the hobby.

1958 Alifabolaget Pelé #635

This card is widely regarded as the "holy grail" of soccer cards. Released in Sweden during Pelé's breakout World Cup year, it captures the young legend in his Brazil jersey.

A PSA 9 graded copy of this card sold for a record $1.33 million in 2022, making it the most expensive soccer card ever sold.

LAST NOTABLE SALE - MARCH 21, 2025 - PSA 5.5 $31,200

1979 Panini Calciatori Diego Maradona #312

Maradona's rookie sticker from the Panini Calciatori set is highly sought after. Its rarity and the legend's storied career contributes to its value, with a PSA 10 copy fetching $555,960 at auction.

LAST NOTABLE SALE - MARCH 23, 2025 - PSA 8 $3,600

2004 Panini Mega Cracks Lionel Messi #7

Messi's rookie card from the Mega Cracks series is a prized possession for collectors. Its significance lies in marking the beginning of one of the most illustrious careers in soccer history.

LAST NOTABLE SALE - APRIL1, 2025 - BGS 7 $3,295

2002 Panini Mega Craques Cristiano Ronaldo #137

This card features a young Cristiano Ronaldo during his time at Sporting Lisbon. It's highly valued, with a PSA 10 copy selling for $312,000, reflecting Ronaldo's global impact in the sport.

LAST NOTABLE SALE - MARCH 27, 2025 - PSA 5 $2812

2019 Topps Finest UEFA Erling Haaland Superfractor #1

This one-of-one Superfractor card captures Haaland's explosive entry into top-tier soccer. Its uniqueness and Haaland's rising stardom makes it a centerpiece for one lucky collector.

LAST NOTABLE SALE - AUGUST 30, 2021 - BGS 9.5 $210,330

These cards not only represent the pinnacle of soccer achievements but also serve as valuable collectibles that continue to captivate fans and collectors worldwide. Are these what you deem iconic to the hobby or are there others in a longer list?