CHAMPIONS LEAGUE debutants will wear different shirts to their team-mates this season. Players making their first appearance in Europe’s premier competition will have special patches on their sleeves commemorating the occasion. Champions League debut patches are set to feature on kits this season Credit: Getty The change will come into effect as the League Phase begins next week Credit: Reuters The new innovation comes amid Uefa‘s partnership with sports merchandise company Fanatics. Each patch will be given to Fanatics after matches and distributed to their trading card company Topps. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! The one-of-a-kind debut patches will then be turned into signed trading cards. Similar debut patches were worn by the likes of Noni Madueke and Anthony Gordon at the World Cup in North America. And the initiative is now set to hit European club football, beginning as the League Phase gets underway next week. Stars set to make their Champions League debuts include the likes of Manchester United duo Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba. Debut patches are also set to feature in the women’s game, starting with the 2027-28 Women’s Champions League campaign. A similar initiative has already been rolled out in the NBA. Most read in Football BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS And a rookie debut patch card signed by 2025 No1 pick Cooper Flagg is expected to fetch a staggering $5 million (£3.7m) next week. Uefa initially signed with Fanatics in 2022 and the two parties have agreed a long-term extension to 2033. President Aleksander Ceferin said: “Renewing our partnership with Fanatics for UEefa club competitions reflects the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to delivering best-in-class products for fans and collectors globally. “Fanatics know how to make big moments feel special. We are excited for what’s next.” Aleksander Ceferin was delighted to extend the Fanatics deal Credit: Getty Comment now
Champions League debutants to wear different shirts to team-mates as part of new Uefa deal
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