Topps has officially announced the return of its Merlin brand to the Premier League with the launch of the 2026 Topps Merlin Premier League Soccer set. This product marks the first collaboration since sticker sets were released nearly ten years ago, specifically during the 2018-19 season.
Details of the 2026 Topps Merlin Premier League Soccer Set
Thanks to a new licensing agreement that began last summer, Topps is expanding its offerings with multiple trading card sets. Collectors can anticipate the inclusion of one autograph per hobby box, with pre-orders set to begin on April 28, 2026, via Topps.com.
Checklist Overview
- Base Set Size: Not yet announced
- Card Mix: A combination of veteran players and rookie talents
- Parallels: Will feature various Refractors, including VHS and Battle Of Britpop Refractors (limited to 95 copies)
- Design: Base cards will include a 1996 Throwback style inspired by the 1995-96 Merlin Premier League stickers
The original Merlin brand was acquired by Topps in July 1995 for over $46 million, paving the way for this exciting return.
Autographs
Base Autographs will be central to the product, including special parallels like Gold (limited to 50 copies) and Superfractors (1 of 1). The set will also introduce Merlin’s Magical Ink, featuring hard-signed versions in gold ink.
Inserts Featuring Unique Themes
- Mystic Afternoons: A fresh concept that builds on existing designs
- Merlin Speaks: Cards illustrating predictions with a crystal ball design
- Fantasy Football: Thematic additional inserts
- Merlin’s Young Magicians: Another common theme in the set
- Short-Printed Concepts: Renaissance and The Shiny debut in the Premier League
- New SP Inserts: Magic In His Boots and Merlin’s Magnum Opus
Additionally, a unique Mask Off insert will pay homage to Arsenal’s Viktor Gyökeres. This card highlights his iconic celebration gesture. The set will also feature Merlin’s Mythical Art, a special case hit presenting original art cards.
2026 Topps Merlin Premier League Soccer At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Cards per Pack (Hobby) | 4 |
| Packs per Box (Hobby) | 18 |
| Boxes per Case (Hobby) | TBA |
| Set Size | TBA |
| Pre-Order Date | April 28, 2026 |
Collectors eagerly awaiting the 2026 Topps Merlin Premier League Soccer checklist will need to stay tuned. The information is expected to be released well ahead of the product launch, which could further enrich the collector’s experience.
