UEFA will give Champions debutants a “Debut” sleeve patch

Players making their Champions League debut this season will wear a new patch reading “Debut” on the right sleeve of their shirts, according to Mundo Deportivo.

How the patch works

The UEFA unveiled the distinctive badge this Wednesday. It is designed to recognize debutants, and it will also be used by players who come on as substitutes in that first Champions appearance.

After the player’s first match in the competition, the bright blue patch identifying them as a debutant will be removed from the jersey used in that game. From there, the process moves into authentication and secure handling.

Certification and collectible cards

As explained by Mundo Deportivo, the initiative includes certification and secure packaging of the patch, along with a Certificate of Authenticity, before it is transferred to Topps. The company will then incorporate the patch into a collectible Champions League card, signed by the player, as part of the final product. The stated aim is to protect the origin and integrity of each patch from the moment it is removed from the shirt to its inclusion in the finished collectible item.