A breathtaking ice sculpture of Cole Palmer, inspired by his coveted 'Ice Cold' trading card, became the talk of Stamford Bridge just hours before Chelsea delivered a stunning 3-0 victory against European giants Barcelona.
The Pre-Match Spectacle
Unveiled by the trading card brand Topps, a subsidiary of Fanatics Collectibles, the two-metre tall frozen installation captured Palmer's iconic celebration. Positioned at the Britannia Gate fan entrance, the structure became an instant magnet for the large crowds gathering for the Champions League blockbuster.
Throughout the evening, supporters flocked to the display, many stopping for photographs and receiving complementary Match Attax packs. The event was designed to bring the thrill of card collecting to life for fans at one of the season's most anticipated fixtures.
Driving the Collecting Hobby Forward
Ben Placito, a prominent collector known as 'Plute' who attended the launch, highlighted the significance of featuring a player of Palmer's calibre. "Cole Palmer came top 10 in the Ballon d'Or this year, so that's the sort of level of player Topps want to be working with," said the 31-year-old. "I’ve noticed the big-name players are so much more popular and the ice sculpture is a real statement."
Placito went on to describe the rapid growth of the collecting scene, noting that events like this are crucial for attracting new enthusiasts and educating them about the hobby.
A Complementary Display in the Capital
Earlier on the same day, Topps created a complementary experience in central London. A "Red Hot" holobox display dedicated to Barcelona's young star Lamine Yamal debuted at the Fanatics Collectibles store on Regent Street.
This fiery-themed installation, inspired by Yamal's chase card, also drew eager collectors. Fans had the opportunity to explore an expanded range of products, including ultra-rare chase inserts, retail exclusives, and the first-ever fan-designed card.
Joe Heatley-Baillie, Marketing Director for UK & ROI at Topps, explained the company's vision: "Events like these are our way of bringing the world of Match Attax to life for fans. We want supporters to feel the same thrill in person that they get when they open a pack and uncover a chase card."
The Match Attax UCC Collection 25/26, which features Palmer's 'Ice Cold' card as a highlight of the Red Hot & Cold chase series, is now available at Topps.com and select retailers nationwide.
