From Lamine Yamal to Kylian Mbappe: Why football fans are buzzing about the new Topps Chrome UEFA set

Topps Chrome is one of the most iconic and premium card types in the collecting space.

Unlike traditional paper cards, Chrome cards are printed on chromium paper, giving them a shiny, metallic finish and a durable, high-end feel. First introduced in 1996, Chrome has a rich history in the hobby and is a collector favourite for its visual appeal, longevity and prestige.

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At its core, the 2024-25 Topps Chrome UEFA Club Competitions release is a celebration of European football at every level. Featuring stars from the Champions League, Europa League and Conference League, this is the flagship Chrome set that captures the season's story in collectible form.

The 400-card base set spans football's full spectrum – from household names and international legends to breakout talent. And for those chasing something rarer, the cards have parallel versions with different colours, and even autographed editions - some of which are produced in ultra-limited quantities, making them especially desirable.

What makes this set so exciting – especially for first-time collectors - is how it connects generations of greatness together.

Take the Quad Autograph cards, for example. This year marks their debut in UCC Chrome, and they’re unlike anything fans have seen before. Imagine pulling a single card that features the autographs of Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Hristo Stoichkov – four Barcelona legends on one iconic piece. It’s not just a collectible; it’s football history, signed and sealed.

Then there’s Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old sensation lighting up Barcelona and the Champions League. This is his most comprehensive Chrome appearance yet, with the opportunity to pull his base cards, autograph cards and limited-edition parallels.

On the global stage, Kylian Mbappé continues to be one of the most sought-after names in the hobby. His cards in this year’s set are loaded with rarity and visual appeal – especially standout inserts like Golazo and White Noise, which showcase him looking as sharp as his form for Real Madrid.

And let’s not forget Endrick, the next Brazilian phenom and Real Madrid’s future star. His chase cards are some of the most desirable in the entire checklist, especially the Triple Autograph card shared with teammates Vinícius Jr. and Rodrygo. For fans of Brazilian football, that’s a generation-defining collectible.

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One of the best things about Topps Chrome UCC is that you don’t have to be an expert in the hobby to get started. There are three main product formats - each offering a different kind of collecting experience.

If you're looking for a balanced mix of value, variety and exclusivity, the Hobby Box is a smart place to begin. It includes one guaranteed autograph, plus a strong line-up of inserts like Wonderkids, Golazo and even a UEFA Youth League insert. For collectors who want a real shot at legends, rookies and surprises, this Hobby Box has you covered.

Want to go big? The Jumbo Box is packed with firepower. You’ll find three autographs per box, more numbered parallelsand exclusive cards like Speckled Refractors and Black Lazer Autos. This format is ideal for fans chasing high-end hits and unique, premium cards.

If you're just testing the waters or want a more affordable entry point, the Value Box is your go-to. With exclusive Wave Parallels, two Refractors and access to inserts like Final Destination and the retail-only Soccer Brush, it’s a fun, low-pressure way to rip packs and discover the thrill of collecting.

The 2024/25 Topps Chrome UEFA Club Competitions set launches on 15 May. Whether you’re building your collection, chasing rare autographs or just ripping for the fun of it –this is where the thrill of the hobby comes to life.

Visit Topps.com to find out more now!