Searching For Soccer: The Football Card Podcast

Would you prefer Ronaldo’s rookie sticker, or a unique rare piece from the peak of his career with a fascinating story behind it? Today, I’m joined by Kev (AKA Fora) to look at his Ronaldo 1997 Panini Super Craques sticker fresh back from grading that captures a unique moment in the career of the great Ronaldo Nazario.

We’re breaking down a the sticker that features a name you wouldn't expect to see on an R9 item: Ronaldinho. We talk about why that nickname existed in the Brazilian media, why it was eventually scrapped, and how Kev managed to disrupt the PSA pop report with a "Pop 1, none higher" grade.

This episode is sponsored by the Intercity Sports Paradiso. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Events at The Amex Stadium, Brighton on Saturday 30th May 2026.

Searching For Soccer subscribers get a 25% on tickets with the code UNCCOMPS25

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Use the code when purchasing tickets at https://intercitysports.co.uk/

Hit subscribe to join the community.

Wayne Rooney is Manchester United's leading goalscorer and one of the greatest English players of all time. I’ve followed his career from the very start. I was actually at Goodison Park in 2002 to see him score that legendary first goal against Arsenal.

Today we dive into his rookie market. If you’re looking to collect or invest in Rooney, you need to understand the nuances of his early issues.

This episode is sponsored by the Intercity Sports Paradiso. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Events at The Amex Stadium, Brighton on Saturday 30th May 2026.

Searching For Soccer subscribers get a 25% on tickets with the code UNCCOMPS25

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Use the code when purchasing tickets at https://intercitysports.co.uk/

Hit subscribe to join the community.

Buying raw cards from overseas is always a gamble, but buying a 1977 Maradona Football Disc raw from Argentina is on another level of risk.

Today on Searching for Soccer, I’m joined by James (@MadCityCollector) to unpack the story behind how he found a Maradona Rookie and what makes it so special.

James shares the sketchy details of how this disc arrived and the stress of overnighting it to PSA to see if it was a high-grade treasure or a total fake.

This episode is sponsored by the Intercity Sports Paradiso. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Events at The Amex Stadium, Brighton on Saturday 30th May 2026.

Searching For Soccer subscribers get a 25% on tickets with the code UNCCOMPS25

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Use the code when purchasing tickets at https://intercitysports.co.uk/

Hit subscribe to join the community.

PSA's mis-labelling of this set means that we are 'missing' a key set from World Cup histroy. In this episode of Searching For Soccer, we go deep into the mystery of the 1963 (1962) San Giorgio set and in particular the top 2 cards from the set of Pelé and Bobby Moore. This is an example of World Cup collectables years before Panini dominated the globe.

We sit down with collector Kev, a.k.a. Fora @forasportscards to discuss why these stickers are notoriously difficult to find in good condition, the grading confusion between 1962 and 1963, and the "so bad they’re good" aesthetic of 1960s Italian media.

This episode is sponsored by the Intercity Sports Paradiso. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Events at The Amex Stadium, Brighton on Saturday 30th May 2026.

Searching For Soccer subscribers get a 25% on tickets with the code UNCCOMPS25

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Use the code when purchasing tickets at https://intercitysports.co.uk/

Hit subscribe to join the community.

In 2017, Topps Chrome Champions League was the first-ever Chrome release for the competition, and for many of us, it remains one of the best-looking set ever made.

I this episode I’m joined by James (Mad City Collector) to look at his Lionel Messi Red Refractor, serial numbered 10 out of 10.

We’re breaking down why this specific 'Jersey Number' copy is so special to a serious collector. Even as a PSA 7, this card represents the perfect storm. The greatest player, the iconic Barcelona kit, and a red-on-red colour match.

🎟️ SEE IT IN BRIGHTON (25% OFF TICKETS)

This episode is sponsored by The Intercity Sports Card Expo at the Amex Stadium on May 30th. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Event. If you’re hunting for gems like this, come say hello.

Get 25% OFF your ticket with code: UNCCOMPS25

Link: https://intercitysports.co.uk/

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Subscribe to Searching for Soccer for more deep dives into the greatest cards in the game.

Follow James and check out his podcast The Soccer Card Collective: @MadCityCollector

In 1984, Diego Maradona arrived in Naples and is still considered a god there. For me, this 1984 Panini Calciatori is the piece that captures his soul. It’s his first appearance in that classic blue Napoli kit, and today we’re breaking down why it belongs in every serious collection.

Napoli was a struggling club facing relegation before Diego arrived; two years later, he’d won the World Cup and delivered their first Scudetto. This sticker is a piece of that history.

There are currently zero PSA 10s and only one single PSA 9 in existence.

With a total PSA pop of just 62, this is incredibly hard to find in high grade compared to rookies of Maldini or Baggio the following year.

🎟️ SEE IT IN BRIGHTON (25% OFF TICKETS)

This episode is sponsored by The Intercity Sports Card Expo at the Amex Stadium on May 30th. The UK’s Premier Sports Card and Memorabilia Event. If you’re hunting for gems like this, come say hello.

Get 25% OFF your ticket with code: UNCCOMPS25

Link: https://intercitysports.co.uk/

*Limited to 1 per customer and for adult tickets to the Brighton show only

Subscribe to Searching for Soccer for more deep dives into the greatest cards in the game.

Come and revel in the glory of the best football (soccer) cards and sets throughout history. From Pele & Puskas in vintage, Zidane & Ronaldo in pre-modern and Messi & Mbappe in modern. 

Each episode we'll look at a certain card or set and reveal why we collect them and what makes them special.

Regular host Dan Smith will be joined by special guests with passion and knowledge of the very best football cards and stickers you can find.