$1.35 Million! Ronaldo's Rare Trading Card Sets New Private Sale Record, Shaking Football Collectibles World

According to overseas media verification from relevant platforms, yesterday (local time), a 2018 Panini Kaboom series green parallel numbered card — the only one in the world, featuring Cristiano Ronaldo in his Juventus era — was sold through a private trading platform for $1.35 million. This transaction set a new record for Ronaldo's individual trading card highest price and ranks second in football trading card history, trailing only Lionel Messi's rookie card at $1.5 million, and slightly edging out Pele's rookie card at $1.33 million, which previously became the first football trading card to break the million-dollar mark.

Previously, Ronaldo's trading card auction record stood at $420,000, achieved on May 22 in an auction involving a 2015 Panini Flawless Finishes Black Diamond limited numbered card (only one in the world), graded by a professional agency as card condition 7 with a perfect 10 for the signature. The 2018 Panini Kaboom series features 50 different athletes across sports, was not sold to the public, but distributed through a points redemption program in mixed card packs. The series debuted in 2013, and the 2018 edition introduced the now highly sought-after green 1-of-1 parallel.

The buyer's identity remains undisclosed, but sources revealed that a high-end collector purchased the card in March 2024 and has confirmed to relevant media that he is the seller in this transaction. Recently, Ronaldo won his first Saudi Pro League title since joining Al-Nassr in January 2023. Last week, he was named to Portugal's World Cup squad, set to participate in his sixth World Cup. Throughout his illustrious career, Ronaldo has played for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Juventus.

Since last August, at least seven Messi trading cards have sold for over $350,000. Including this transaction, only two Ronaldo trading cards have ever exceeded the $350,000 threshold, both occurring within the past week.