At the launch of Fanatics’ flagship store on Regent Street, football met the hobby in a way we’ve never quite seen before.

On stage with Rio Ferdinand, Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo and Tottenham striker Dominic Solanke sat down to talk about their shared love of collecting — from childhood sticker albums to five-figure cards.

For Tosin, this wasn’t a new discovery. He’s been the face of football card collecting within the Premier League, a genuine collector.

“I used to collect back in the day — the World Cup and Euros sticker albums, like everyone. That nostalgic feeling never left".

"After Covid, some friends told me to look into it again… and I just got that bug.”

It’s a familiar story for anyone in the hobby. The nostalgia hits first — the chase, the completion, the ritual of opening a pack.

Then comes the realization that cards are now serious business. Tosin’s “bug” has since evolved into a full-on passion (and investment).

“My most expensive one was around five grand — a Haaland gold card,” he admitted.

 “The value in some of these cards is insane. Knowing you could pull something worth life-changing money — that’s what makes the hobby so special.”

From Match Attax to Million-Dollar Pulls

Solanke’s story wasn’t far off. Like most kids of his generation, his journey started with Match Attax, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh! cards spread across school desks and bedroom floors.

“I tried to find my old ones recently, but most of them were gone. So I had to start again,” he laughed.

“Now I collect anime cards and football cards. I’m more into ripping boxes — I love the chase — but I might have to start buying singles before I go broke!”

That’s the tension every collector knows: the thrill of the rip versus the logic of the single. Both players joked about it, but they understood the real pull, that moment when cardboard meets possibility.

“Opening a box and knowing there could be a million-pound card inside… it’s insane,” Tosin said.

The Collector’s Mindset

Beyond the money and hype, there’s something deeper for both players — connection. Tosin has gone as far as collecting his own cards, from one-of-ones to /5s and /10s.

“It’s sentimental for me. It’s me on the card — that holds real value. But who knows… maybe one day a fan will make me an offer I can’t refuse.”

Solanke agreed.

“When you’re younger, you collect your favourite players. To see yourself on a card now, it’s a proper full-circle moment.”

The Hobby Finds Its Home

The conversation wrapped with admiration for what Fanatics has built — a dedicated home for collectors in London.

“It’s amazing,” Tosin said. “Fanatics opening their first store here — it’s going to be the base for collectors across the UK and Europe.”

For a long time, the football hobby has lived online — in Discord servers, live breaks, and eBay bids.

But seeing two Premier League players talk about collecting on Rio Ferdinand’s stage, surrounded by fans, cards, and energy — it felt like a turning point.

The hobby isn’t niche anymore. It’s culture.

The Huddle Takeaway

Moments like this — Premier League players sharing their love for collecting on one of football’s biggest platforms — show just how far the hobby has come.

Tosin’s passion has made him the sport’s unofficial ambassador for football cards. And if Dominic’s confession about chasing boxes is anything to go by, it’s spreading fast.

From sticker albums to £1M pulls, the hobby’s future looks bright, and it’s only just getting started.