Soccer, commonly known as football, is one of the most popular sports in the world. The fanbase surrounding soccer is one of the biggest, so it only makes sense that some of the most expensive soccer cards are also some of the most expensive sports trading cards as well.
While American football, baseball and basketball also have their large fanbase, soccer seems to be ever expanding. More and more each year flock to the sport, and even those that aren’t true fans can recognize some names and faces of the players.
So, for those looking to collect some of the most valuable and most expensive soccer cards, read more to find out some examples.
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The Most Expensive Soccer Cards
There are several soccer cards to dive into, and it would take ages to run down the list of every card that could fit here, so we took some of the most popular players and looked into some of the most expensive soccer cards associated with those players.
This is not a complete list, and the numbers will always change depending on new players, stats, and demand of the cards.
50. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Kylian Mbappe #101 Gold Breakaway, $2,938
Kylian Mbappe Lottin is a French professional footballer who players as a forward for Ligue 1 club Paris Saint-Germain and captains the France national team.
He is seen as one of the best players in the world and is known for his dribbling abilities, his speed and finishing, so it’s no wonder why his cards are on the list today. One example is his Gold Breakaway edition graded at a 9 by PSA that sold in February 2023 on eBay for $2,938.
49. 1981 Panini Sport Superstars ’82 Diego Maradona #230, $3,300
Goldin Auctions is one of the many secondary marketplaces where you can find amazing, rare finds like this Panini Sports Superstars 1982 edition of Diego Maradona, a renowned Argentine professional football player and manger.
He was regarded as one of the greatest players in history and was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century award. This edition of the card was auctioned off through Goldin Auctions in 2021 with a sale that reached above $3,000.
48. 1978 Crack Argentina Campeon Libro de Estampas Diego Maradona #1, $4,600
Another Maradona card that was sold off with a grade of 6 by PSA, but still reached over $4,000 in 2020 on eBay. Maradona was the first player to set the world record transfer fee twice.
Once in 1982 when he transferred to Barcelona for 5 million pounds and in then once again 1984 when he moved to Napoli for 6.9 million pounds.
47. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Kylian Mbappe #101 Gold Prizm, $5,100
Another Kylian card, this Gold Prizm edition of the 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar reached a sale of over $5,000 on eBay in 2023.
Kylian made his senior debut for France at age 18 in 2017 and became the youngest French player to score at the World Cup, as well as the second teenager, after Pele, to score in a World Cup Final. For such a prestigious career, we’ll be seeing a lot of his name throughout the list.
46. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Lionel Messi #7 Blue Shimmer, $6,600
Messi is a name that you have to have heard of, even if you’re not a fan of soccer. Messi’s name is almost plastered everywhere when talking about sports in general. The Argentine professional footballer plays as a forward for and captains both Major League Soccer Club Inter Miami and the Argentina National Team.
The 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar has several beautiful cards, and one of them is the blue shimmer with Lionel Messi that sold in Goldin Auctions in 2023 for over $6,000.
45. 2003 Magic Box Int. Shoot Out Premier League Cristiano Ronaldo, $9,224
Another name that seems familiar even if you’re not a soccer fan is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer who plays as a forward for a captain both Saudi Pro League club AI Nassr and the Portugal national team.
This card was sold through Goldin Auctions in 2021 for over $7,000.
44. 2003 merlin’s F.A. Premier League Stickers Cristiano Ronaldo #385, $8,400
Ronaldo is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time as he won five Ballon d’Or awards, a record of three UEFA Best Player in Europe and four European Golden Shoes, the most by a European Player.
This makes seeing his name several times on this list make a bit more sense. One such card was auctioned off through Goldin Auctions in 2022 and sold for over $8,000.
43. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Gold Prizm Cristiano Ronaldo #175, $8,459
This Gold Prizm edition of the Cristiano Ronaldo card in the 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar series sold on eBay for over $8,000.
Again, another card by the amazing Ronaldo, who currently holds the record for most appearance, goals and assists in the Champions League, goals in the European Championship, international goals and international appearances.
42. 1961 Oliveira & Benassi Album Balas Equipe Pele #10, $9,000
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, also known by Pele, is another big name in soccer. He was a Brazilian professional footballer who played as a forward. He is widely regarded as one of the greats in all time and is one of the most successful and popular sports figures of the 20th century.
With a history like that, his cards will be going for a lot of money. For instance, this card through Goldin Auctions was auctioned off in 2022 for $9,000.
41. 1978 Crack Campeonato Mundial de Futbol Maradona #24, $11,400
This art style in itself is adorable, but with a name assocaited to it like Marandona, it’s obvious why this card holds so much value at over $11,000.
This card from Goldin Auctions sold this in 2022 and is one of the most expensive soccer cards that you can come across.
40. 2019 Finest UEFA Champions League Autographs Erling Haaland #EH, $15,300
Another eBay sale in 2021, this is a grade GEM MINT 10 reaching over $15,000 for an autographed finest UEFA champions league card.
Erling Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer who plays as a striker for Premier League club Manchester City and the Norway national team and is considered one of the best players in the world.
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39. 1958 Brasilien Team #649 with Pele, $17,877
We’ll be seeing a lot from Pele on this list. With such a successful career, it’s obvious that his cards will be going for a substantial amount of money. In 1999, he was named Athlete of the Century by the International Olympic Committee and was included in the Time list of the 100 most important people in the 20th century.
In 2000, Pele was voted World Player of the Century by International Federation of Football history and Statistics. March 2021, this soccer card was sold on eBay for over $17,000.
38. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Orange Prizm Kylian Mbappé #80 PSA 10, $20,910
With a transfer that costs 180 million euros, Kylian is the second-most-expensive players and most expensive teenager play of all time.
At such a young age he made a large name for himself and is still growing his name today at the age of 24. This card was auctioned at Goldin Auctions for over $20,000 and sold in 2021.
37. 1958 Editora Aquarela Brasil Campeao Mundial de Futebol Perforated Blue Pele #10, $23,370
One of the most expensive soccer cards in the world is from Pele in the 1958 Editor Aquarela Mundial de Futebol that was auctioned at Goldin Auctions for over $23,000 in 2020.
Pele is also recognized in the Guiness World Record for making 1,279 goals in 1,363 games, which includes friendlies.
36. 2019 Finest UEFA Champions League Prized Footballers Erling Haaland #PFEHA Gold Refractor, $25,000
Sold through eBay in 2021, this card reached $25,000, making it one of the most expensive soccer cards. In his debut in the Premier League season, Haaland broke the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single season, reaching 36 total.
With such a promising career, his cards will surely be worth more in the future. Getting your hands on the cards now might be a great investment.
35. 2019 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Erling Haaland #74 Red Carbon Fiber Refractor PSA MINT 10, $26,700
Sold at Goldin Auctions in 2022 for $26,700, this card is another great edition for the footballer. Haaland has won several individual awards and have broken various records during his career.
There is no doubt that he will be working to grow his career even further.
34. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Prizm Lionel Messi #1, $34,440
Lionel Messi is a common name when thinking of soccer, and it’s proven when looking at the price of the cards that sells with his name.
The 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup series with Lionel Messi’s Gold Prizm card graded at a 9 sold for over $34,000 at Goldin Auctions in 2021, making it one of the most expensive soccer cards.
33. 2003 Christiano Ronaldo Panini Portugal Mega Craques #137 PSA 9, $44,280
A 2021 sale at Goldin Auctions reached over $44,000 for a PSA 9 graded 2003 Panini Sports Cristiano Ronaldo Mega Craques.
At only 23, Ronaldo was able to win his first Ballon d’Or and then several more down the line of his career.
32. 2004 Panini Stickers Colecciones Este Lionel Messi, $52,800
Back to Messi, this Panini Stickers collection was auctioned off through Goldin Auctions in 2022 and it reached over $52,000 for a MT 10 grading.
Messi currently holds the records for most goals in La Liga, most hat-tricks in La Liga, and the UEFA Champions League, and most assists in La Liga and the Copa America. He also has the most international goals by a South American Male.
31. 2003 Upper Deck Manchester United Cristiano Ronaldo #13 Gold, $54,000
Heritage Auctions sold this card in 2022 for $54,000, making it one of the most expensive soccer cards that you can find right now.
With the name associated with the card, it is surely has a high demand, as collectors and fans everywhere want to get ahold of some of his best memorabilia and collectibles.
30. 2003 Upper Deck Manchester United Gold Cristiano Ronaldo #14, $59,040
Very similar to the one previously listed, this #14 in Goldin Auctions sold in 2021 for over $59,000, another most expensive soccer card.
Ronaldo is a famous name in soccer history as he was also recognized by the Guinness World Records for being the most-capped player of all time as he earned more than 200 caps.
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29. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Gold Prizm Lionel Messi #7, $67,214
With such a rewarding career that Messi has, it’s no surprise that his name is everywhere to be seen on the list of the most expensive soccer cards in the world.
This card sold in 2023 at Goldin Auctions for over $67,000 and is part of the 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar collection.
28. 2019 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Erling Haaland #72 Gold Refractor Autograph PSA 10, $67,700
Sold on eBay in 2021 for over $67,000 is the Erling Haaland #72 autographed gold refractor graded at MINT 10.
Another one was purchased in 2020 for only $11,000, so surely the value will only be moving upwards.
27. 1991 Panini Foot ’92 Zinedine Zidane #43, $68,880
Goldin Auctions bid off this card in 2021 for over $68,000 and is currently one of the most expensive soccer cards in the world.
Zinedine Zidane, also known as Zizou, is a French professional football manager and former player who played as an attacking midfielder.
26. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Lionel Messi #7 Nebula Choice, $97,201
This stunning card sold at Goldin Auctions in 2023 for over $97,000.
Messi is Argentine’s all-time leading goal scorer and even was successful at a young age, as he won the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship, finishing the tournament with both the Golden Ball and Golden Shoe, and an Olympic Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
25. 2002 Panini Futebol Portugal Stickers Cristiano Ronaldo #306, $98,400
Auctioned at Goldin Auctions in 2020 for $98,400, this is one of the many most expensive soccer cards in the world.
In 2016, Ronaldo was ranked the world’s highest paid athlete by Forbes, as well as in 2017 and 2023, perfectly describing how popular and successful he’s currently doing.
24. 1978 Crack Campeonato Mundial de Futbol Diego Maradona, $110,400
June 2021 was when this was auctioned off at Goldin Auctions for over $110,000.
During his career, he played in four FIFA World Cups, including the 1986 World Cup in Mexico where he captained Argentina and led them to victory over West Germany in the final, and won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
23. 2019 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Erling Haaland #72 Orange Refractor Autograph PSA 10, $124,230
The orange refractor, like the gold refractor, recently sold in 2021 at Gold Auctions for a whopping $124,000, almost double the price of the gold refractor.
Both are signed copies, and both are MINT 10. However, the orange refractor has went down on recent sales, with the most recent on eBay being only $24,555.
22. 2022 Panini FIFA World Cup Qatar Stickers Lionel Messi #ARG20, $139,200
Sold at the Goldin Auctions in 2023 recently for $139,200, this is one of the most expensive soccer cards in the world.
And of course, with so many popular names in the sport, there’s bound to be comparisons. Messi is often compared to Maradona due to his style of play as a diminutive, left-footed dribbler.
21. 2019 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Red Refractor Erling Haaland #72, $145,200
This rookie card from the 2019 Topps Chrome Bundesliga collection of Erling Haaland is one of the most expensive soccer cards in the world as it sits at $145,000 with a MINT 10 grading from Goldin Auctions.
20. 1977 Futbol Discs #11 Diego Armando Maradona Rookie Card PSA 7, $157,000
Goldin Auctions once again has an auction going currently for one of Diego Maradona’s rookie cards.
There have been only 22 copied recorded in PSA census’ reports, with only three examples being a PSA 7 with none higher. This current lot sits at around $157,200, and the most recent sale in 2021 reaching only $100,860.
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19. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Lionel Messi #7 Black Prizm, $159,584
With a more recent sale in 2023, this Goldin Auctions listing sold for over $159,000 with a 9 grade of the Black Prizm 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup collection.
In 2022, he led Argentina to a win in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and even broke the record for the most games played at the World Cup.
18. 1958 Editora Aquarela Black Number Pele Rookie #10 PSA 7, $168,000
Recorded in the Pele Card Encyclopedia is this item which was sold for over $160,000 and only graded 7.
Even after Pele’s retirement, he was still receiving rewards for his career, always proving that he was one of the best players in the sport.
17. 1958 Tupinamba LTDA Colecao Quigol Pele #109, $180,000
With only three gradings of the card not reaching above 8, this is an exceptional card to find that is pretty pricey.
For a grade 8 to be at $180,000, there’s no wonder what an above grade could be. Auctioned at Goldin Auctions in 2021, this card is one of the many rookie cards from Pele that collectors will want to get their hands on.
16. 1995-2000 Circa Lionel Messi Newell’s Old Boys Signed Asociacion Rosarina de Futbol (Rosario Football Association), $181,000
While not truly a soccer card like we might know and love, this is still a memorable piece that needs to be included.
This pass card features a photograph of the young Messi around 1995-2000 and is the earliest documented signature by the footballer. This is currently on sale at Goldin Auctions for over $181,000, just proving more how exceptional the player is for collectors.
15. 2019Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Superfractor #74 Erling Haaland Rookie Card (#1/1), $181,200
Sitting with a MINT 9 PSA grading that is currently on auction at Goldin Auctions is the Erling Haaland Superfractor card in the Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League that celebrates his ground-breaking debut-campaign with German club Borussia Dortmund.
You can bid with a minimum of $10,000 along with the buyers premium of $181,200.
14. 1957 Pele Oliveira & Benassi Balas Equipe #54 Rookie Card PSA 1.5, $186,960
According to PSA, there is just one copy of this card in graded condition and is known as a sticker card.
It features Pele during his debut for the Brazilian national team when he was just 16 years old. Another item sold at Goldin Auctions in 2020 for $186,000.
13. Pele 1958 Americana Futebol Rookie PSA 6, $195,600
It really says something about a player when they not only are constantly on the most expensive soccer cards list, but when a grade 6 of a rookie card reaches almost $200,000.
2022 at Goldin Auctions had this card sold for $195,600, proving Pele’s worth once more.
12. 2019 Topps Finest UEFA Champions League Superfractor Erling Haaland #91 BGS 9.5, $210,000
Goldin Auction is currently selling the UEFA Superfractor #91 Earling Haaland Rookie Card #1/1 with a BGS grading of MINT 9.5.
The current minimum bid is around $10,000 with the buyer’s premium of $210,330.
11. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Prizm Kylian Mbappé #80 PSA 10, $216,000
Sold on 2022 by Heritage Auctions for $216,000, this is one of the many most expensive soccer cards that you can find. Find more of Kylian Mbappe’s cards on eBay here.
Kylian’s skill and passion helped him, and his team reach the finale in the 2022 FIFA World Cup where he won the Golden Boot and Silver Ball, also setting the record for the most goals scored in World Cup finals.
10. 2022 Panini Prizm World Cup Qatar Gold Power Prizm Lionel Messi #7, $218,400
Another Messi card here at Goldin Auctions that sold for over $218,000 just recently in 2023.
The Gold Power 1/1 prism card was graded MINT 10, making it one of the more expensive soccer cards.
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9. 1958 Pele Alifabolaget RC #635 PSA 9, $295,200
Rookie cards always go for more than regular cards, because they’re much more valuable. Rookie cards are one of the best cards to collect if you’re interested in a sport or player.
And Pele is no different with his card. As he’s one of the most prominent names on the list as well as one of the best noted soccer players, it’s no wonder that his rookie card is one of the most expensive soccer cards. Goldin Auctions sold this card in 2020 for over $295,000.
8. 2002 Panini Sports Mega Craques Cristiano Ronaldo #137, $312,000
Cristiano Ranaldo is a Portuguese professional footballer and is seen as one of the best players as he won five Ballon d’Or awards, a record three UEFA Best Player in Europe, and four European Golden Shoes, the most by a European player.
So, it’s no wonder why his 2002 Panini Mega Craques card reached over $310,000 at the Goldin Auctions in 2021 for a MINT 10.
7. 2004 Panini Sports Mega Cracks Lionel Messi #71, $336,000
Goldin Auctions is a popular auction house for those looking to find the best collector items.
One such example is for the Lionel Messi 2004 Panini Mega Cracks cards, which was sold at that auction house in 2021 for over $330,000 with a grading of MINT 10.
6. 1958 Pele Alifabolaget Base #635 PSA 8, $340,100
Working our way up to see the most expensive soccer cards, we see a lot of Pele cards in various PSA ratings. While it is the same card, the ratings at a lower grade still exceed the price of several other cards on the list.
One such example is the #635 with a grading of PSA 8 which was sold on eBay for over $340,000 in 2021.
5. 1958 Pele Alifabolaget Base #635 PSA 8.5, $372,000
And of course, if one of Pele’s cards at PSA 8 can reach that amount, then it’s worth checking out what PSA 8.5 can get you.
For over $370,000 at Heritage Auctions, this card was sold in 2021 for a substantial amount.
4. 2019 Topps Chrome Bundesliga Autographs Superfractor Erling Haaland #91, $432,000
Another auction at Goldin Auctions is the Superfractor Erling Haaland #91 card with a grading of MINT 9.5/BGS 10. The sale was in 2021 and reached over $430,000. There are several Erling Haaland cards that can be found on secondary marketplaces like eBay.
Haaland is a Norwegian professional footballer and is considered one of the best players in the world as he’s known for his speed, strength and positioning. Haaland is also known for breaking the record for most goals scored by a player in a single season, with a total of 36.
3. 2014 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Prizm Lionel Messi #12, $522,000
The reason for this card being so pricey is due to only 10 copies being created, with only one that has sold in 2022 for a grand total of $522,000 for a MINT 10 grading at Goldin Auctions.
Lionel Messi is an Argentine professional footballer and is regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, as he won a record of seven Ballon d’Or awards and a record of six European Golden Shoes. In 2020, he was named to the Ballon d’Or Dream Team. If you’re in search of more from Lionel Messi, check out eBay here.
2. 1979 Panini Calciatori Diego Maradona #312 PSA 10, $555,960
Auctioned at Goldin Auctions in 2021, Diego Maradona #312 PSA 10 grade sold for over $555,000, making it one of the most expensive soccer cards in the world. Diego Armando Maradona was an Argentine professional football player and manager and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
He was one of the two joint winners of the FIFA Player of the 20th Century Award. With a PSA value of over $800,000, this is a one of the cards that collectors will definitely want to snag up. Ebay has a variety of Maradona memorabilia to check out.
1. 1958 Alifabolaget Pele Base #635 PSA 9, $1,330,000
Earning the number one spot of being the most expensive soccer card of all time is the most revered soccer player on the planet, Pele. The Brazilian player made 77 goals in 92 caps for the Brazilian national team and led them to the World Cup titles in 1958, 1962 and 1970.
With a career like that lasting two decades, it makes sense why his cards are valued so high. Heritage Auctions sold this card in 2021 for $372,000, with a PSA value being over a million. There are a few eBay listings if you can get lucky enough to find one.
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Where to Find Soccer Cards?
Secondary marketplaces are a great place to start besides the packs that for sale through places like Panini. For instance, there are several mentions above of places like eBay, Goldin Auctions, Heritage Auctions and more. And if you’re worried about potentially getting scammed through these options, eBay has become a great place especially since they launched their Authentication for Trading card programs.
Under this program, eBay offers a guarantee on any ungraded card sold on its platform for $250 or higher. The grading system is provided by CSG (Certified Sports Guarantee), a newer grading competitor in the sports card industry.
When purchasing a card, the card will be sent to CSG where it will be examined to check for authenticity. If they determine that the card is authentic, they will ship it to the buyer with a sleeve with a bar code confirming the authenticity.
Are Soccer Cards Worth Investing?
Yes!
If you’re looking for collectibles that are a great investment, sports trading cards are one of the biggest options, simply due to the fanbase surrounding them.
Trading cards of all genres are a great way to invest, as they usually always have a demand. Of course, more popular demanded cards reach a higher value, but for collectors, there’s always someone look for a card.
If you’re interested in investing, finding the most popular players in whatever sports you’re interested in is the best way to go. For instance, like mentioned above, some of the most popular players in soccer for investing cards include Lionel Messi, Pele and Diego Maradona.
What Makes a Sports Trading Card Expensive?
Trading cards can be extremely profitable just because they usually bring in large investments. The demand of popular names can exceed to the thousands.
While the brands, such as Panini, can have a heavy sway on the price, a lot of it is about the edition of the card, how many have been made, and the name associated. For instance, some cards only have 1-10 cards made, and if it’s associated with an extremely popular name in the field, the price only rises.
And of course, the grading system determines the price as well. Usually through PSA, the higher the grade, all the way to a GEM MT 10, the higher the price. If you’re looking for an investment, try finding a higher PSA grading, however, if you’re just wanting a card for your own collection, lower grades like 7 or 8 is completely okay.
Therefore, if you come across a rare card worth a steal, you might as well grab it fast that way you can either add a rare find into your collection or turn around and sell it for more.
Conclusion
Sports trading cards can make for a great collection, and with soccer being incredibly popular, you could end up coming across an incredibly valuable trading card with a popular name.
Whether you’re interested in starting your own collection, or want to start investing, there are several cards that could fit your needs. With popular names like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland, working with soccer cards could be extremely profitable.
