MLS has introduced a cool 'debut patch' for new players, and recently, Matty Longstaff flaunted it during his first game with Toronto FC.
This patch, rocked by stars like Luis Suarez and Hugo Lloris, became a hit in the 2024 season.
It all started on February 21 in a clash between Lionel Messi's Inter Miami and Matt Crooks' Real Salt Lake. The former Middlesbrough midfielder wore the debut patch.
So, why the patch? Well, before the 2024 season, MLS announced that the patch would be placed on the upper-right chest by each team’s equipment manager. After the game, it's taken off and placed on a 1/1 collectible Topps trading card—a cool move inspired by baseball.
"Newcomers who debut by April 1 will have their patch card in a 2024 Topps MLS product," the official MLS website confirmed. "If a player debuts after that cutoff date, their patch will go in the following year’s product."
They added: "Fans can collect and be part of a special milestone in a player’s career. "This unique program underscores the League’s commitment to partnering on the creation of innovative products that strengthen the connection between players and fans."
