Germany/DFL: an activation with Topps to mark the professional debuts of home-grown players

The Deutsche Fußball Liga and its official partner Topps (trading cards) have deployed an initiative to honour home-grown players who made their professional debuts (in Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga) during the first half of the 2025-26 season, announced the German league on 16/01/2026.

"In recognition of this milestone in their career, all debutants received bespoke Topps trading cards from their debut games," said the body. The German company, which was acquired by the American licensed sports products manufacturer Fanatics in 2022 (for $500m/€441.3m), has been a partner of the DFL since the 2008-09 season.

A total of 16 players have benefited from this initiative. The DFL requires all Bundesliga and 2.Bundesliga clubs to include at least eight home-grown players in their squad "in order to encourage long-term investment in youth development across German professional football," added the DFL. A home-grown player is one who has spent at least three years registered with the club between his 15^th and 21^st year and was eligible to play for them.

"Guaranteeing the long-term quality and…