Ricardo Carvalho
Center Back (Defender) · Portugal National Team
Topps UEFA EURO 2024 Match Attax #LSS 14
Year & Era
2024 — Modern Era
Card Type
Legend Signature Style (Insert)
Grade
Estimated 7.0 (Near Mint) - Note: Condition is significantly hindered by being stored in a binder without an individual sleeve.
Rarity
Uncommon Insert. While not as common as base cards, these are widely distributed in retail booster packs and Mega Boxes.
Overall Assessment
A visually striking insert for a legendary defender. Its value lies in its nostalgia for fans of Portuguese football rather than financial investment.
Condition Grade
Estimated 7.0 (Near Mint) - Note: Condition is significantly hindered by being stored in a binder without an individual sleeve.
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-Bottom and 55/45 Left-Right. Slightly heavy toward the top and right margins.
Surface Condition
Fair/Good. The foil surface appears to have micro-scratching typical of binder storage without penny sleeves. The "signature" is a printed facsimile, not authentic ink.
Corner Condition
The bottom left corner shows visible white chipping/wear. The top right corner shows minor softening.
Edge Condition
Visible silvering and minor chipping along the bottom edge. Side edges appear relatively clean but are obscured by the binder pocket.
Print Quality
High-quality foil production typical of Topps Match Attax. The color saturation is vibrant with a rainbow refractor-like finish.
Estimated Value
$2.00 - $5.00 USD (Raw). Facsimile signature cards in gaming sets have limited resale value compared to true hand-signed cards.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy shows slightly more edge wear than 'pack fresh' copies due to unprotected binder storage.
Authentication Tips
This is a printed facsimile signature. Note that it is 'flat' and lacks the ink-run or variation of a hand-signed pen mark. Genuine Topps autographs usually feature a Certificate of Authenticity (COA) on the back.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. The cost of grading ($15-$25) significantly exceeds the market value of the card.
Red Flags
Commonly mistaken by new collectors as a hand-signed autograph; however, it is a standard part of the 'Signature Style' insert design.
Provenance Notes
Distributed in Topps Match Attax EURO 2024 packs, primarily in European and UK markets.
Historical Context
Ricardo Carvalho is a Portuguese legend, a key part of the Euro 2016 winning squad and a Chelsea FC icon. This card honors his 'Class of' legacy across multiple EURO tournaments.
Market Trends
Match Attax prices generally peak during the tournament (EURO 2024) and decline shortly after as the next season's gaming cards are released.
Investment Potential
Low. Match Attax is a Trading Card Game (TCG) meant for play; these rarely appreciate in value unlike 'Hobby' brands like Topps Chrome or Panini Prizm.
Similar Cards
Pepe Legend Signature Style, Cristiano Ronaldo Legend inserts, or Ricardo Carvalho authentic autographs from Panini Prizm or Topps Chrome.
Display & Preservation
It is highly recommended to move this card into a 'Penny Sleeve' before putting it back in the binder to prevent surface scratches on the foil.
Interesting Facts
Carvalho was the oldest outfield player at EURO 2016 (38 years old), where Portugal eventually took the trophy.