UEFA introduces debut patches for Champions League first-timers

UEFA has announced a new initiative for the 2026/27 UEFA Champions League season, introducing special "debut patches" for players making their first appearances in the competition. This move is part of a new partnership between UEFA and Fanatics, the company that owns the trading card brand Topps. The patches will feature the word "debut" incorporated into UEFA's signature starball logo and will be sewn onto the sleeves of player jerseys during matches.

After each game, the patch will be removed from the player's shirt and sent to Topps, where it will be incorporated into a unique, player-signed trading card. Players who make their first-ever Champions League appearance, whether starting or coming on as substitutes, will qualify for the patch. However, players named in the squad but not used as substitutes will not qualify until they actually take part in a Champions League match.

UEFA and Fanatics aim to create a memorable keepsake for players reaching this significant milestone in European club football.