The history of football trading cards dates back to the late 1800s, with the pioneering Marcus & Company Tobacco Football Cards. These early cards, distributed as inserts in tobacco products, are among the most collectable artefacts of football’s history. Featuring rudimentary designs and black-and-white images of players, they are a window into the sport's early days.
By the 1990s, companies like Topps and Panini revolutionised the market with specialised sets including Match Attax and Adrenalyn XL, making football cards more accessible and collectable than ever. Today, football cards are highly coveted by collectors, as they represent the origins of football’s cultural legacy; it could be a cornerstone piece in any collection or auction if you’re lucky enough to own a Marcus & Co cigarette card!
