Cristiano Ronaldo has added another record to his name away from football after a rare one-of-one Panini trading card featuring the Portuguese superstar sold privately for a staggering $1.35 million. The historic sale involved Ronaldo’s green 1-of-1 numbered 2018 Panini Kaboom card from his Juventus era and was completed on May 24 through a Fanatics Collect private sale, according to ESPN. The deal now stands as the most expensive Cristiano Ronaldo card ever sold and the second-highest football card sale in history, behind only Lionel Messi’s $1.5 million rookie card. It also moved ahead of Pele’s famous $1.33 million rookie card sale, which previously became football’s first million-dollar trading card.
Ronaldo’s latest sale shattered his previous memorabilia record within days
The scale of the sale becomes even more remarkable considering Ronaldo’s previous record had only been set days earlier. According to ESPN, Ronaldo’s 1-of-1 numbered 2015 Panini Flawless Finishes Black card sold for $420,000 during a Fanatics Premier auction on May 22. That card carried a PSA grade of seven alongside a perfect autograph grade of 10. The new $1.35 million Kaboom sale more than tripled that figure almost immediately, underlining the growing demand surrounding ultra-rare Ronaldo collectibles. The card comes from the multi-sport 2018 Panini Kaboom set, a 50-player release that was never publicly distributed through standard retail packs. Instead, the cards were issued through Panini’s rewards programme. Kaboom cards first appeared in 2013, but Panini introduced the now highly coveted green 1-of-1 parallel variation in 2018, turning it into one of the most sought-after modern football card designs in the memorabilia market.
Anonymous buyer purchased one of the rarest Ronaldo cards ever produced
While the identity of the buyer has not been publicly disclosed, a collector operating under the Instagram handle “cherubcards” later confirmed to The Athletic that they had originally acquired the card in March 2024 before eventually selling it through the Fanatics deal. A collector operating under the Instagram handle “cherubcards” revealed they had originally acquired the card in March 2024 before eventually selling it through the Fanatics deal. The collector described the purchase as one of the defining pieces in their collection and compared Ronaldo’s mentality to late Kobe Bryant. “Speechless that I was able to acquire this card to pair up with my Kobe Bryant Green Kaboom,” the seller wrote on social media. “They both absolutely achieved their dream careers through talent, but more importantly dedication and discipline.” The collector also praised fellow hobby figure “@pats_pulls” for helping improve the card’s grading from a BGS 9.5 to a Gem Mint PSA 10, calling the process “mission impossible.” The seller further reflected on Ronaldo’s time at Juventus, arguing that period of his career deserves greater appreciation alongside his achievements with Manchester United and Real Madrid. “Time will tell that his Juventus career should be held in the same esteem as his Manchester United and Real Madrid careers,” the seller wrote. “A man who was adventurous enough to try different challenges and conquer all challenges he set his heart to. A true champion and legend.”
Ronaldo’s memorabilia market continues accelerating alongside his playing career
The sale arrives during another active chapter in Ronaldo’s career despite the forward now being in his forties. Ronaldo recently helped Al Nassr secure the Saudi Pro League title following his move to Saudi Arabia in January 2023. He was also recently named in Portugal national football team’s FIFA World Cup squad, which is expected to become his sixth World Cup appearance. ESPN also noted the growing difference between the Ronaldo and Messi card markets in recent months. Since August, there have reportedly been at least seven separate Lionel Messi card sales exceeding $350,000. By comparison, only two Ronaldo cards in history have crossed the $350,000 mark, and both sales happened within the last week alone.