Christopher Nkunku
Midfielder / Forward. Nkunku is a versatile attacking player (Attacking Midfielder/CF). In the hobby, attacking players are significantly more collectible than defensive ones. · RB Leipzig (shown), currently Chelsea FC. He is also a French International. The RB Leipzig logo and the French flag are clearly visible on the card.
Topps Match Attax UEFA Club Competitions 2022/23 #PE 3 (Pro Elite subset)
Year & Era
2022-23 — Modern Era. This was a peak year for Topps UEFA licensed products during the post-pandemic hobby boom.
Card Type
Pro Elite Shield Insert / Trading Card Game (TCG) card. While not a 'hobby' chrome card, this is a premium high-stat insert for the Match Attax game.
Grade
Raw — Estimated 6 to 7 (Good to Near Mint). The card has significant visible surface wear and whitening along the bottom die-cut edges.
Rarity
Common Insert. These were found at a regular frequency in retail booster packs and 'Mega Tins.' Large quantities of this card exist in the market.
Overall Assessment
A nice-looking insert card for a fan of Nkunku or RB Leipzig. While it has great visual appeal due to the die-cut 'shield' shape, its condition and card-game nature limit its value to collectors looking for financial returns.
Condition Grade
Raw — Estimated 6 to 7 (Good to Near Mint). The card has significant visible surface wear and whitening along the bottom die-cut edges.
Centering Assessment
Front: Looks generally well-aligned for a die-cut card. The die-cut shape seems symmetrical relative to the interior design borders.
Surface Condition
Poor to Fair. There are numerous white spots across the dark border and heavy scratching/scuffing visible on the plastic sleeve and likely transferred to the card surface.
Corner Condition
Moderate wear. Die-cut cards are prone to fraying at the points; the bottom point shows notable shelf wear and loss of color (whitening).
Edge Condition
Fair. The bottom die-cut edge shows chipping and white specks, which is common for this specific foil-on-cardboard stock and die-cut shape.
Print Quality
Average. The 'Pro Elite' shield and red background utilize standard lithographic printing with a foil-stamped effect. The registration (ink alignment) appears correct.
Estimated Value
$1.00 - $3.00 USD. Match Attax cards are mass-produced 'game' cards and generally do not hold high monetary value unless they are the ultra-rare '100 Club' or limited numbered editions.
Comparison to Known Examples
This copy is in 'played' or 'handled' condition. Mint copies of these cards are easily found on secondary markets like eBay or Cardmarket.
Authentication Tips
Check for the foil Topps logo at the bottom and the specific texture of the card stock. These cards are rarely counterfeited due to their low market value, making the risk of a fake very low.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended. The cost of grading ($15-$25+) significantly exceeds the market value of the card ($2). It is best kept in a protective sleeve for personal collection.
Red Flags
No significant red flags regarding authenticity. However, the heavy edge whitening and surface dust indicate it has been handled without optimal protection.
Provenance Notes
Likely pulled from a retail booster pack or a Match Attax starter pack. Found worldwide in grocery stores and toy shops during the 2022/23 season.
Historical Context
This card was released during Nkunku's breakout years at RB Leipzig where he won Bundesliga Player of the Season, leading to his high-profile transfer to the Premier League.
Market Trends
Directly tied to Nkunku's performance at Chelsea. Currently, TCG cards like Match Attax are seeing a slight decline in value as collectors pivot toward 'Chrome' and numbered hobby products.
Investment Potential
Low. Match Attax generally serves as an entry point for younger collectors rather than a long-term financial asset.
Similar Cards
2022-23 Match Attax 100 Club cards, or Nkunku's 2019-20 Topps Chrome Rookie Card (his most desirable card).
Display & Preservation
Current storage in a binder page is acceptable, but a penny sleeve and top-loader would provide better protection for the sensitive die-cut edges.
Interesting Facts
The 'stats' at the bottom (Impact 96, Finesse 90, Power 86) are used for the actual Match Attax gameplay, making this a 'high-tier' card within the rules of the game.