UEFA Launches Debut Patches for Champions League Players

UEFA announced the introduction of special “debut patches” for players making their first appearances in the UEFA Champions League during the 2026/27 season. This initiative is part of a new agreement between UEFA and Fanatics.

The patches will be placed on the sleeves of debuting players and will feature the word “debut” integrated into the Champions League's iconic starball logo. After each match, the patches will be removed from the players' shirts and sent to Topps, the trading card company owned by Fanatics.

These patches will then be incorporated into unique, player-signed trading cards, which will be authenticated before release. Players who enter a match as substitutes and make their first appearance will also receive the patches, while those named in the matchday squad but not used will not qualify until they actually play in a Champions League match.

This initiative aims to provide a unique keepsake for players achieving this significant milestone in European club football.