The new trading card range blends collecting and interactive gameplay, with an exciting new art treatment for fans of all ages
Panini is bringing a fresh twist to football collectibles with the launch of Panini Ballers, an innovative new trading card collection that blends collecting with interactive gameplay.
Designed to appeal to young football fans and collectors alike, the range features England Men’s and Women’s football stars reimagined in vibrant, super cool art styles. Each trading card features two pop out Ballers, allowing fans to not only collect their favourite players but also to use them in a variety of tabletop games.
The full collection includes 158 cards featuring 316 Ballers, each illustrated in a distinctive art style and featuring a play rating, encouraging fans to collect and compete with friends.
Katie Gritt, Head of Marketing for Sport at Panini, said: “Panini has always been about bringing the excitement of football culture closer to young fans, and the launch of Panini Ballers England Edition brings England players together in a new and innovative way.
“With different ways to collect, pop and play, we’ve created a new way for collectors and football lovers to engage with the game through their favourite England players, completely reimagined in exciting new art styles,” she added. “With Golden Ballers and limited editions to chase, featuring players from both the England men’s and women’s senior teams, we can’t wait to see fans enjoying Panini Ballers England Edition and hunting down their favourite players in every art style!”
Eight Golden Ballers represent top England players alongside a special England Crest Baller, offering the highest ratings in the set with scores of 15. Collectors can also hunt down 15 Limited Edition cards, each featuring stunning rainbow effects and includes one player Baller and one special England Ball for added gameplay value.
Ballers base cards, with play scores up to 10, appear across six visual styles: Pop, Toy, Hero, Glitch, Comic Book, and Energy. Special cards include enhanced finishes and boosted scores across Photo, Pixel, Baller and Fire or Crystal effects.
Gameplay is a key element of the collection. Larger packs include a Slammer, available in five colours, which can be used alongside the Ballers to play a variety of games included in the game guide. Fans can also scan the QR code within the guide to discover additional ways to play.
The Starter Pack includes everything needed to begin collecting and playing, featuring a binder, three packets, a game guide and gameboard, a Slammer with sticker sheet, and one Limited Edition. Further formats include multipacks, multi-sets, and mega packs allowing fans to expand their collection, with the Mega Pack also including an exclusive wearable Clip Tag.
