The Rising Popularity of Désiré Doué Rookie Cards

In the ever-evolving world of sports card collecting, few names have captured the attention of collectors as swiftly as Désiré Doué. The 20-year-old French football prodigy, currently shining for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), has become a focal point for soccer card enthusiasts. His rookie cards (RCs), particularly from sets like the 2022-23 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA Club Competitions, have seen a surge in popularity, driven by his meteoric rise in the football world and the growing interest in young talents in the collectibles market. This article explores why Désiré Doué’s rookie cards have become so sought-after in recent times, delving into his on-field achievements, market trends, and the broader dynamics of soccer card collecting.

A Star on the Rise

Désiré Doué, born on June 3, 2005, in Angers, France, is a versatile attacking midfielder and winger who has quickly established himself as one of football’s brightest young stars. His journey began at the youth academy of Stade Rennais FC, where he made his professional debut in August 2022 at just 17 years old. His early performances, including a historic goal against Dynamo Kyiv in the UEFA Europa League—making him the youngest French scorer in European club competitions—marked him as a player to watch.

In August 2024, Doué’s transfer to PSG for €50 million (excluding bonuses) sent shockwaves through the football world. Rejecting offers from top clubs like Bayern Munich, he debuted for PSG wearing the number 14 shirt and quickly made an impact, recording his first assist in a 3-1 win over Lille and scoring his first UEFA Champions League goal against Red Bull Salzburg in December 2024. His standout performances culminated in PSG’s 2025 Champions League victory against Inter Milan, where Doué scored twice and provided an assist, earning a rare 10/10 rating from L’Équipe.

Doué’s accolades, including the Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year and the Champions League Young Player of the Season awards, have solidified his status as a generational talent. His international career is equally promising, with a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics and a debut for the France senior national team in March 2025. These achievements have not only elevated his profile but also fueled demand for his rookie cards among collectors seeking to invest in the next big star.

The Soccer Card Market and Rookie Card Appeal

The sports card market has experienced a renaissance in recent years, with soccer cards gaining significant traction alongside traditional American sports like basketball and baseball. Rookie cards, in particular, are highly prized because they represent a player’s first appearance in a major trading card set, often seen as a predictor of future value. Désiré Doué’s rookie cards, especially those from the 2022-23 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA set, have become hot commodities due to his rapid ascent and the limited print runs of certain parallels.

According to Sports Card Investor, Doué’s cards, such as the 2022 Topps Merlin Chrome UEFA Club Competitions #133 Neon Green Shimmer Refractor (/350), Blue Refractor (/75), and Gold Refractor (/50), have seen significant price movements in the last 7 and 30 days, reflecting growing collector interest. The scarcity of these numbered parallels, combined with Doué’s on-field success, has driven up their value. For instance, eBay listings show a range of Doué trading cards, from base cards to rare autographed versions, with some fetching prices upwards of $74.99.

The appeal of Doué’s cards is further amplified by the “Youthquake” phenomenon, a term used by collectors to describe the excitement around young talents who are poised to dominate the sport. ByCollectors.com markets Doué’s Youthquake RC card as a premium collectible, targeting both fans and investors. This trend mirrors the hype surrounding players like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham, whose rookie cards have also skyrocketed in value. Doué’s comparisons to Neymar and his potential to rival established stars like Kylian Mbappé only add to the frenzy.

Factors Driving Popularity

Several factors contribute to the recent surge in demand for Désiré Doué’s rookie cards:

1. On-Field Performance: Doué’s immediate impact at PSG, including his role in their 2025 Champions League triumph, has made him a household name. His 22 goal involvements (11 goals, 11 assists) in the 2024-25 season, with a goal or assist every 105.8 minutes, highlight his elite production. Collectors are drawn to players who deliver in high-stakes competitions, and Doué’s Champions League heroics have cemented his cards as must-haves.
2. Market Value and Investment Potential: With a transfer market value of €90-106.4 million, Doué is seen as a long-term investment. His cards are viewed as a way to capitalize on his rising stock, especially as he continues to develop at PSG alongside talents like Ousmane Dembélé and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The limited supply of numbered parallels, such as the Topps NOW® UCL Card 137 (print run: 321) and Card 162 (print run: 5843), adds scarcity-driven value.
3. Cultural and Media Hype: Doué’s story—born to an Ivorian father and French mother, trained alongside his brother Guéla at Rennes, and now a star at PSG—resonates with fans. Media outlets like ESPN and Opta Analyst have dubbed him the “next Neymar,” fueling collector interest. His EA FC 25 Player of the Month card, rated at 90, further boosts his visibility among younger fans who engage with digital collectibles.
4. Collector Community Dynamics: The soccer card community thrives on “breaks,” where collectors buy into group openings of card packs to secure hits like Doué’s autographed or low-numbered cards. Platforms like ByCollectors.com emphasize the excitement of chasing such cards, with livestreamed breaks fostering a sense of community. The availability of Doué’s cards on major marketplaces like eBay, COMC, and Amazon also makes them accessible to a global audience.

Challenges and Considerations

Despite the hype, collectors should approach Doué’s cards with caution. The sports card market can be volatile, with prices fluctuating based on a player’s form, injuries, or off-field developments. While Doué’s early career trajectory is promising, his relatively limited starts at PSG earlier in the 2024-25 season raised concerns about his adaptation to a star-studded squad. However, his subsequent breakout performances have alleviated these worries, suggesting that his cards may continue to appreciate.

Additionally, the high cost of premium parallels and autographed cards may deter casual collectors. For those looking to enter the market, base cards or lower-tier parallels, like the 2022-23 Topps Merlin Chrome #133, offer a more affordable entry point. Collectors should also be wary of counterfeit cards and ensure purchases are made through reputable platforms with clear return policies.

The Future of Doué’s Cards

As Désiré Doué continues to shine at PSG and with the French national team, his rookie cards are likely to remain in high demand. The soccer card market shows no signs of slowing, with young stars driving much of the growth. Doué’s combination of skill, youth, and marketability positions him as a cornerstone of this trend. For collectors, securing his cards now—whether for passion or profit—offers a chance to own a piece of his journey.

In conclusion, the popularity of Désiré Doué’s rookie cards reflects his emergence as a football superstar and the broader excitement around young talents in the sport. With his performances rewriting records and his cards climbing in value, Doué is a name to watch in both football and the collectibles market. As PSG aims for more silverware and Doué eyes a starting role for France, his rookie cards are poised to become cherished assets for collectors worldwide.