John Stones
Defender (Center Back) · Manchester City
Topps Match Attax UEFA Champions League #LE 4
Year & Era
2021-22 Modern Era
Card Type
Limited Edition Gold Parallel
Grade
Raw - appears Excellent to Near Mint (EX-NM)
Rarity
Common for a 'Limited Edition'. These were widely distributed via starter packs, multi-packs, or soccer magazines.
Overall Assessment
A nice mid-tier collectible for a Manchester City fan. While not a high-value 'hit,' the Gold Limited Edition design provides great shelf appeal for a defensive pillar of the Premier League.
Condition Grade
Raw - appears Excellent to Near Mint (EX-NM)
Centering Assessment
Front: Approximately 60/40 Top-Bottom, 50/50 Left-Right. Back: Not visible but common for Match Attax to have slight shifts.
Surface Condition
Surface shows visible light scratching on the foil, which is very common for 'Limited Edition' Match Attax stock. Minor fingerprint smudging visible.
Corner Condition
Top right and bottom left corners show minor softening. Corners are not 'gem mint' sharp, consistent with pack-to-binder handling.
Edge Condition
Minor chipping visible on the bottom edge near the 'Limited Edition' text. Typical for foil-stamped gaming cards.
Print Quality
High-quality prismatic foil effect with vibrant colors. Topps Match Attax production is generally consistent but prone to surface scratches.
Estimated Value
$3.00 - $8.00 USD. Value is driven by player fans rather than high-end investors.
Comparison to Known Examples
Standard copy. Most LE 4 John Stones cards in circulation show similar edge wear due to the metallic foil borders.
Authentication Tips
Look for the authentic UEFA Champions League hologram on the card or packaging. Genuine cards have a specific cardstock thickness and a clean 'rainbow' foil sheen.
Grading Recommendation
Not recommended for grading. Match Attax is a Trading Card Game (TCG); the cost of grading usually exceeds the market value of the card unless it is a rare autograph or 1/1.
Red Flags
No significant red flags. Match Attax cards of this level are rarely counterfeited as they are widely available and affordable.
Provenance Notes
Likely sourced from a 2021-22 Topps Match Attax starter kit or a 'Mega Tin' where Limited Edition cards were guaranteed inserts.
Historical Context
This card dates from Manchester City's dominant era under Pep Guardiola, reflecting Stones' evolution into a world-class ball-playing defender.
Market Trends
Stable. John Stones is a highly respected defender, but defensive players in TCG sets generally have lower price ceilings than strikers or young 'wonderkids'.
Investment Potential
Low. Primarily a collectible for Manchester City fans or Match Attax completionists rather than a financial investment piece.
Similar Cards
2021-22 Match Attax Limited Editions of Ruben Dias or Kevin De Bruyne; Topps Chrome Soccer refractors of John Stones.
Display & Preservation
The card is currently in a multi-pocket binder page. For better preservation, move to a penny sleeve and a top loader to prevent surface scratches.
Interesting Facts
The 'LE 4' designation indicates its place in the Limited Edition subset, which often featured gold, silver, and bronze variants across different retail products.