Kicking into the male-dominated trading card industry

The last few months have seen an unprecedented surge in trading card collecting, and with one of the biggest sporting events — the men’s FIFA World Cup — underway, there’s no better time to get in on the fun.

• This is the second article in our multi-part collaboration with Topps to help more women learn about and join the trading card hobby. Our first feature covered the history of trading cards, key terms to know and the various ways you can get involved.

• TL;DR? The trading card landscape is booming (it’s estimated to be worth $98 billion by 2027!) and it’s easier than ever to (literally) break into the pack.

As much as card collecting remains male-dominated, there are plenty of women carving out their own space in the hobby. Leveling the playing card, if you will.

Our first article highlighted Women of the Hobby, a podcast dedicated to telling the stories of female collectors.

• A scroll through their Instagram is sure to inspire, and we’re especially obsessed with the following quotes from a few featured collectors.

• “It’s the most community based hobby I think I have ever seen,” one noted. “The way they help each other out, and talk to each other and everybody is trying to teach each other.”

• “It’s the camaraderie you have,” another added. “The connection you automatically have with the people collecting…connecting with the people that love sports.”

That shared passion and love for the game will be on full display as the highly anticipated men’s World Cup continues to take over our TVs. From game-winning goals to goalie heroics, legends are being made on the biggest stage.

• And Topps is here to help you be part of that history. While baseball might be the first sport that comes to mind when you think of trading cards, fútbolers are featured on packs too, and now’s the perfect time to kick into the space.

• Topps offers UEFA and MLS trading packs featuring superstars like Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Brazil’s Neymar, two icons who could be playing in their last World Cup.

But be warned — just like France’s Kylian Mbappé speeding down the pitch, these items sell out fast.

• If the card you’re looking for isn’t available online, check out your local hobby shop or other retailers. You just might stumble into some treasures, or new friends, along the way.

Speaking of hidden gems, there have already been plenty of unexpected heroes shining bright in Qatar (shoutout to Japan’s Takuma Asano). Our advice for starting your collection during the Cup action? Choose a young up-and-comer, and go all in. You’ll have a rising star to root for, and potentially a major payday if they rise to the moment.

• We (also) have our eyes on 19-year-old English midfielder Jude Bellingham and 20-year-old Spanish forward Ansu Fati. The kids are quite alright.

P.S. If you’re already counting the days until next summer’s women’sWorld Cup (same), Topps can help. Score a UEFA women’s champions league pack now so you can assemble a roster of your faves (hi, Spain’s Alexia Putellas and Australia’s Sam Kerr) before the fun kicks off down under in July 2023. Get in the game now…before they’re sold out.