MLS introduced ‘debut’ patches for kits; worn by Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris

Major League Soccer (MLS) has introduced a new patch for every team in the league. Any player making their debut in the tournament will have to wear the patch on their kit. It is attached to the chest and also has the MLS logo on it.

Just like the MLB, these patches will then come off the kit and will be placed on the MLS Topp’s trading cards. MLS explained this rule as well, writing in a statement:

“The MLS Debut Patches will be worn by any player making their debut, whether that be a newcomer or homegrown player on the rise – starting when the 2024 campaign begins on Feb. 21 between Inter Miami CF and Real Salt Lake (8 pm ET | MLS Season Pass).

“The patches will be placed on each newcomer’s jersey on the upper-right chest. Following the match, the patch will be removed and placed on a collectible trading card.

Further explaining how the patch will be attached and the about the Topps cards, the statement read:

“Patches will be sent to each team’s equipment manager, who will use adhesive on the back to apply them to the kit. After the match, they will send the patch to Topps for insertion into a 1/1 Topps trading card.

“The Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph cards will be included in Topps products by the end of the year. Additional details will be announced at a later date.”

The statement further explained that only the players who make their debut before April 1, 2024 will have their patches in the upcoming cards. The patches of the debutants after that date will come next year:

“Newcomers who debut by April 1 will have their patch card in a 2024 Topps MLS product. If a player debuts after that cutoff date, their patch will go in the following year’s product.

“With the Topps MLS Debut Patch Autograph trading cards, fans can collect and be part of a special milestone in a player’s career. This unique program underscores the League’s commitment to partnering on the creation of innovative products that strengthen the connection between players and fans.”

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Stars wear the ‘debut’ patch in MLS

With the introduction of the new rule this season, several big stars in the footballing world were seen wearing the ‘debut’ patch.

Hugo Lloris wore the patch on his debut for LAFC in their 2-1 win over Seattle Sounders. The Frenchman joined the club from Tottenham Hotspur in the winter transfer window.

Luis Suarez, who joined Inter Miami recently, also wore the patch on his debut in the 2-0 win over Real Salt Lake. These patches will now be put on the Topps’ trading cards.