UEFA is set to introduce special "debut patches" for players making their first appearances in the UEFA Champions League starting from the 2026/27 season.
On Wednesday, UEFA shared the news on its X handle. They said this initiative comes from a new agreement with Fanatics. The small patches will be placed on the sleeves of players making their Champions League debuts.
The patch will have the word "debut" included in the famous starball logo of the competition.
"A special debut patch has been introduced for players making their first-ever #UCL appearance! After the match, the patch will be removed from the player’s shirt and placed inside a unique 1-of-1 autographed Topps trading card," the post said.
After each match, the patch will be taken off the player's jersey and sent to Topps, the trading card company linked to Fanatics. The patches will then be used in unique trading cards signed by the players, with each patch verified before the cards are available.
Players who come on as substitutes and make their first appearance will also get the special patches. But players who are named in the matchday squad but do not play will not get the patches until they actually take part in a Champions League match.
This initiative will give players a special keepsake as they reach one of the biggest milestones in European club football for the first time.
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