A New Record in Football Memorabilia
A one‑of‑a‑kind Cristiano Ronaldo trading card fetched $1.35 million at auction, eclipsing the previous high for any Ronaldo memorabilia and underscoring the surging value of sports collectibles. The card, a 2018 Panini Kaboom Green parallel, is the sole example of its kind, a fact that drove intense competition among bidders.
Ronaldo’s recent contribution to Al Nassr’s Saudi Pro League triumph, a 4‑1 victory over Damac that secured the championship, added a narrative backdrop that collectors say amplified the card’s appeal.
The sale comes amid a broader rivalry with Lionel Messi, whose 2004 Panini Mega Cracks rookie card previously set the benchmark at $1.5 million, a record that still stands as the highest price ever paid for a soccer‑themed card.
Originating from the 2013‑14 Panini Innovation Basketball line, the Kaboom design has migrated across sports, spawning a 50‑player set in 2018 that includes the celebrated green parallel. Collectors note that such cards have become touchstones in modern trading‑card culture, blending nostalgia with speculative investment.
Industry observers predict that the market for elite athlete cards will continue to expand, especially as high‑profile events like the forthcoming 2026 World Cup promise new moments that could be immortalized in future releases.