Why players who make their debut in the Champions League this season will be singled out

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FT Desk

The Champions League league phase draw has been made and the dates have been set.

Matchday One will commence on Tuesday, September 8, with the round continuing on Wednesday. Thirty-six teams have been drawn into the league phase with each club facing eight matches to try and qualify for the knockout phase or, in some cases, the playoff phase.

As always, there will be plenty of players making their debut in the competition in 2026/26. However, unlike in previous campaigns, players making their debut are set to be singled out.

How?

Well, every player who makes their debut in the Champions League this season will be made to wear a special patch on their kit, signifying that debut. The patch will feature the UCL starball logo with the word 'DEBUT' sewn underneath.

It's all part of UEFA's partnership with Fanatics.

When the player finishes his debut, the patch will be sent to Topps - the trading card company owned by Fanatics - where it will then become part of a special trading card signed by the player themselves.

Fanatics is continuing to deepen its presence in football, with its 'Debut' patch campaign set to featuring at this summer’s 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada and Mexico. Lamine Yamal, for example, was one of the players who had the patch on their kit in the tournament.

Originally launched in Major League Baseball, the initiative has since broadened into a wide range of major sports properties, including the NFL, NBA, Germany’s Bundesliga, Formula 1, MLS, UFC and WWE.

“Renewing our partnership with Fanatics for UEFA club competitions reflects the strength of our collaboration and our shared commitment to delivering best-in-class products for fans and collectors globally,” said UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin.

“Fanatics know how to make big moments feel special. We are excited for what’s next.”

UEFA and Fanatics are also set to announce a six-year extension to their current partnership until 2033