What is the MLS Debut Patch on players’ jerseys?

Every season is different in MLS, with new star players and title contenders emerging every single year. This season has another new introduction, MLS Debut Patches.

Eagle-eyed viewers will see them make their first appearance in the 2024 season opener on Wednesday evening. Any Inter Miami or Real Salt Lake players making their MLS debut - their first appearance in the competition - will be wearing the Debut Patch on their jersey.

They could be new signings to the league or homegrown players who have risen through the ranks; either way, their first MLS appearance will be marked with this new addition.

How to collect MLS Debut Patch Autograph cards

The new initiative by the league is a collaboration with iconic trading card manufacturers Topps. The patches will be sent to each MLS team and applied before the start of each game.

The match-worn patches will be removed after the Game and added to a ‘one-of-on’ Topps trading card. The new range is entitled Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph cards and the products will go live before the end of the season.

Players who make their debuts before April 1, 2024 will be involved in the first batch of products. Debutants after that point will feature in the following year’s offering.

A press release from the league states: “With the Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph trading cards, fans can collect and be part of a special milestone in a player’s career.”

Luis Suarez and Matt Crooks are among the players who could make their first MLS appearances in the season opener. They could be the first players to sport the new accessory in a competitive fixture and have their debut captured for posterity in the Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph trading cards.