UEFA to introduce debut patches for Champions League players

UEFA has announced the introduction of a “Debut Patch” for the Champions League, starting with the 2026-27 season. The initiative, developed in collaboration with UC3 and Fanatics, aims to commemorate a player's first appearance in the competition.

Players making their debut—whether as starters or as substitutes—will wear a special blue patch integrated into the Starball emblem on their jersey sleeve. To ensure the item's value as memorabilia, the patch will be removed from the jersey after the match, authenticated with a Certificate of Authenticity, and sent to Topps.

Topps will then incorporate the physical patch into a unique, 1-of-1 trading card that is signed by the player. This program is part of a broader licensing agreement between UEFA and Fanatics that extends to 2033, covering various club competitions including the Europa League and Women’s Champions League, the latter of which is expected to adopt the program in the 2027-28 season.