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Cristiano Ronaldo has built his career on breaking records on the football field, and now the Portuguese legend has achieved an extraordinary milestone off it. A one-of-a-kind collectible card featuring the Al-Nassr star has been sold for an astonishing sum, reaffirming his global stature beyond the game itself.

A groundbreaking seven-figure deal

The green, 1-of-1 numbered 2018 Panini Kaboom card of Ronaldo — depicting him from his days at Juventus — was sold privately on May 24 for a remarkable $1.35 million through a Fanatics Collect private transaction, as confirmed by Fanatics to ESPN. This landmark sale underscores the immense value of premium football memorabilia and reflects the fierce competition within the collectibles market.

This is the highest price ever paid for a Ronaldo card and the second most expensive football card ever sold, trailing only the $1.5 million Lionel Messi rookie card and just surpassing the $1.33 million rookie card of Pele — the first football card to cross the $1 million mark. The deal signals a huge leap in value for Ronaldo-related collectibles, which have seen significant demand growth in recent months.

Setting a new benchmark for Ronaldo cards

The previous record for a Ronaldo card was $420,000, achieved on May 22 in a Fanatics Premier auction for his 1-of-1 numbered 2015 Panini Flawless Finishes Black card. That card was graded a 7 by Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and received a 10 autograph grade. The new $1.35 million sale more than triples that figure, highlighting the exceptional rarity and desirability of the Green Kaboom edition.

The 50-player multisport 2018 Panini Kaboom set was not released publicly but was distributed through Panini’s multisport Rewards programme. Kaboom cards were first introduced in 2013, but the 2018 edition added the green 1-of-1 parallel — now one of the most coveted designs in the hobby.

The story behind the rare collectible

Although the buyer has remained anonymous, a prominent collector known by the handle 'cherubcards' acquired the Ronaldo card in March 2024 and confirmed to The Athletic that they were the seller in this record-breaking deal. Sharing their excitement, the seller posted: “Speechless that I was able to acquire this card to pair with my Kobe Bryant Green Kaboom — two incredible athletes with unmatched dedication and discipline. Both achieved greatness through talent combined with relentless hard work.”

The seller elaborated further on the card’s journey, expressing gratitude for the meticulous restoration process. “Also beyond grateful that my friend @pats_pulls managed to pull off the impossible — converting this from a BGS9.5 to a gem mint PSA10. It’s a full-circle moment for me since my first big pull was a 2017 Select CR7 Kaboom that Pat helped me perfect. My first-ever CR7 1/1 and among the finest pieces in my collection. Time will prove that his Juventus tenure deserves to be remembered alongside his Manchester United and Real Madrid eras. He’s a true champion who embraced every challenge and conquered them all,” the collector added.

Triumphs both on and off the field

Ronaldo recently captured his first Saudi Pro League title with Al-Nassr since joining the club in January 2023. The 39-year-old forward was also named in Portugal’s squad for the upcoming World Cup, marking his sixth appearance at the tournament — a testament to his longevity and continued excellence. His enduring success at the top level continues to elevate his brand value and appeal across industries.

While Lionel Messi has seen at least seven of his cards sell for more than $350,000 since August, Ronaldo is rapidly gaining ground in the high-end collectibles market. With this record-breaking deal, only two Ronaldo cards have ever surpassed the $350,000 mark — both within the past week — signaling a new era for collectors of the CR7 legacy worldwide.