Match Attax

Topps Match Attax is a collectible card game published by Topps, based on the English Premier League.

Launched in 2007, it has been the biggest selling collectible card game in the UK for the previous two years^[1] and has estimated sales totalling £32.2 million in the UK and Ireland. The £750,000 launch of the third year in 2009 had retail chains reporting increased sales of up to 71 percent^[2] following advertising campaigns in The Sun and the News of the World.

The final of the 2008 season game was held at Fulham F.C.'s ground Craven Cottage in June 2009^[3] and the game is now frequently referenced in news articles. In 2008, Hull City's Dean Windass noted that "being in the latest kids' Match Attax collection" was one of the notable differences now that his club was in the Premier League,^[4] whilst a Daily Telegraph article on "unsung heroes in the Premier League" made the point that such a player "isn't everyone's "must-have" Match Attax Footy Card". Just prior to the 2010 FIFA World Cup, former Arsenal and England defender Martin Keown stated that Match Attax is "a good family game" that he plays with his younger son often.^[5] Shay Given, Theo Walcott, Kolo Touré, Cesc Fabregas and Rio Ferdinand have signed their "Man of the Match" or "Hundred Club" cards.^[6]

A pack of six cards (7 cards in the Tesco packs of Match Attax England) retails typically for 50 pence in the UK although in 07/08, they sold for 35p before a 5p increase in 08/09 then they settled on 50p. There is also a tin, a binder and a collector binder on sale that contain limited edition cards. Cards include Manager (Introduced 2009/ 10), i-card (Only in 2009/ 10), "Star Player" (Replaced by "I-Cards" for one season in 09/10), "Star Signing" (Introduced 10/11), "Showboat" (Introduced 10/11), "Offside Trap and Counter Attack" (Introduced 11/12). Man of the Match and the rarer Hundred Club (Officially introduced 2008/ 9). Harder to find Limited Editions are found in various merchandise, certain shops and even magazines.

Exclusively for the 11/12 season "Golden Moment Cards" were introduced to celebrate 20 years official years of the English Premier League.

Usually during March a new collection comes out called Match Attax Extra. This collection includes: "Squad Updates", "New Signings", "Club Captain", "Fans Favourite" (Stopped for the 09/10 season), "Player Of The Month" (Only in 07/08 season), "Hat-Trick Hero". There is usually a Starter Pack (containing a Collector Binder and Collector Guide) and a Tin (although there was no tin for 09/10) released.

The 101 101 card has been passed on for past seasons:

• Steven Gerrard, Liverpool 07/08 (Unofficial)
• Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United 08/09
• Fernando Torres, Liverpool 09/10
• Lionel Messi, Argentina England/World Stars
• Pelé, Brazil International Legends
• Wayne Rooney, Manchester United 10/11
• Gareth Bale, Tottenham Hotspur 11/12

References

1. ^ Impressive sales figures show Topps Match Attax to be an immediate hit Talking Retail, 22 October 2009
2. ^ Topps launches new Match Attax Toy News Magazine, 15 October 2009
3. ^ I'm a champion! BBC Children's News, 9 June 2009
4. ^ Everyone is taking notice of Hull City now Daily Mail, 25 October 2008
5. ^ Dad's the Word as Former England Footballer Martin Keown Tips Brazil to Lift Trophy PRNewswire, 10 June 2010
6. ^ The Premier League's unsung heroes Daily Telegraph, 22 April 2009

External links

• Topps Match Attax homepage