The 2018 FIFA World Cup was a momentous event that captivated soccer fans around the globe. As the world’s most prestigious soccer tournament, it showcased the skills and talents of top players from various nations. For collectors, the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup trading card set offers a treasure trove of highly sought-after cards featuring these iconic athletes.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup cards to collect, highlighting the standout players, and captivating designs that make this set a must-have for soccer enthusiasts and card collectors alike. From the thrilling rookie cards of emerging stars to the dazzling parallel variants, we’ll uncover the gems that deserve a special place in your collection.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of a particular team or simply appreciate the artistry of these stunning cards, join us as we navigate the world of the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup collection.
The Best 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Cards
For the purposes of this list, we’re sticking with the base set found in the 2018 Panini Prizm collection. The base collection contains all 32 teams in World Cup 2018, so there are 300 base cards in total. Here is the criteria we used to come up with our list with the top five cards overall:
- Values: We’ve factored in for some of the most valuable 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup cards on the market
- Rarity: Rarity will always have a role to play in terms of interest and pricing
- Popularity and branding: How popular is the brand, or the set itself?
- Rookie cards: RCs are always going to sell for a premium, as the first ever cards to feature a player
- Potential ROI: Arguably most important, can you expect a decent potential ROI if it’s a long-term hold?
Base set parallels:
- Prizm Parallels: Silver, Hyper, Lazer, Mojo, Red Mosaic, Black/Gold Wave, Green/Orange Wave, Red/Blue Wave, Blue #/199, Red #/149, Light Blue Lazer #/125, Purple #/99, Orange #/65, Pink Lazer #/40, Green Crystals #/25, Camo #/20, Gold Lazer #/15, Gold #/10, Pink #/8 (NSCC), Gold Power #/5, Blue Shimmer #/5 (FOTL), Black 1/1
- Variations: Cyrillic Text
5. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Neymar #25 (eBay)
Neymar heads up the list. The PSG forward might not have lived up to the insane early hype, but he’s had a respectable career in Europe playing for the likes of Barcelona.
With his lightning-fast speed, dazzling footwork, and remarkable goal-scoring ability, Neymar has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. The 2018 Prizm Neymar card is a true collector’s gem, featuring a stunning design, vibrant colors, and alluring Prizm parallels that make it a standout piece in any soccer card collection.
Check prices of 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Neymar card on eBay
4. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Heung-Min Son #187 (eBay)
South Korea earned their only points of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in injury time against Germany, sending both teams home. Heung-Min Son notched two in the group stages, and was easily SK’s standout player throughout the tournament. Once again, Prizm parallels are the most valuable options, especially if they’re one of the rarer numbered versions. (they correspond with the border color.) The player is shown in his South Korea kit, with a grimace of determination on his face.
Check prices of 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Heung Min Son card on eBay
3. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Soccer Cristiano Ronaldo #154 (eBay)
The 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Soccer set includes a highly sought-after card featuring one of the most accomplished and influential footballers of all time, Cristiano Ronaldo. This card encapsulates Ronaldo’s remarkable athleticism, precision, and goal-scoring prowess on the global stage. With its captivating design, vibrant colors, and captivating Prizm parallels, the Cristiano Ronaldo card from the 2018 Prizm set is a prized possession for soccer card enthusiasts. Whether you admire Ronaldo’s exceptional talent, appreciate his numerous accolades, or simply appreciate the beauty of the game, owning the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo card adds a touch of greatness to any collection.
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2. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Soccer Lionel Messi #1 (eBay)
The 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Soccer set features a highly coveted card of one of the greatest footballers of all time, Lionel Messi. This card captures the essence of Messi’s unparalleled skill, agility, and finesse on the field. As a cornerstone of any soccer card collection, the Lionel Messi card from the 2018 Prizm set holds immense value and prestige. With its vibrant design, crisp imagery, and shimmering Prizm parallels, this card showcases Messi’s iconic presence in the World Cup.
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1. 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Soccer Kylian Mbappe RC #80 (eBay)
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the most potent striker in world football today, with lightning pace that strikes fear into the hearts of any defender tasked with dealing with his presence. The 2018 World Cup RC has to be seen as Kylian Mbappe’s best collectible card overall.
He became the second teenager, after Pelé, to score in a World Cup Final, and with four goals in the tournament he received the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award.
As with every card from the base set, Prizm parallels are numerous, while there are also Cyrillic versions highlighting hosts Russia to keep an eye out for.
Check prices of 2018 Prizm World Cup Kylian Mbappe RC on eBay
Rising Prices: The Value Surge of 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Cards
Since their initial release in 2018, the prices of Panini Prizm World Cup cards have experienced a significant surge. The growing demand for these cards, coupled with the scarcity of certain editions and the rising popularity of soccer collecting, has resulted in notable price appreciation.
One of the key factors driving the increase in prices is the enduring appeal of the World Cup. The tournament’s global significance, coupled with the exceptional performances of players during the 2018 event, has elevated the desirability of these cards. As iconic moments and outstanding plays become etched in soccer history, collectors seek to acquire cards that commemorate these unforgettable achievements.
Additionally, the limited supply of certain cards has contributed to their escalating value. Short-printed variations, autographed editions, and rare inserts have become highly sought after, with collectors eagerly vying to add them to their collections. The scarcity factor, combined with the inherent prestige associated with limited editions, has propelled their prices to new heights.
Another contributing factor is the growing popularity of sports card collecting as a whole. In recent years, the hobby has witnessed a resurgence, with a surge in new collectors and investors entering the market. As more enthusiasts flock to soccer cards, the demand for iconic sets like the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup collection has soared, resulting in increased competition and higher prices.
It’s important to note that the value of these cards can fluctuate based on market trends. This includes player performance, and collector preferences. However, it’s undeniable that the prices of 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup cards have risen significantly since their release, making them not only cherished collectibles but also potential investment opportunities.
The Best 2018 WC Cards: Final Thoughts
The 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup collection is a treasure trove for soccer enthusiasts and card collectors alike. With its dazzling designs, captivating visuals, and a lineup of top players, these cards offer an incredible opportunity to celebrate the magic of the World Cup. Whether you’re chasing rookie cards of emerging talents, or hunting for rare parallels, the 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup set has it all.