José Mourinho, also known as “The Special One,” is one of the most decorated and respected football managers of the modern era. With managerial stints at top clubs like Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Roma, Mourinho’s career is studded with memorable moments. 

Here’s what you need to know about the best José Mourinho cards on the market.

The Best Jose Mourinho Cards

This is the criteria we used to come up with this list of the best Mourinho cards:

• Values: We’ve factored in for some of the most valuable José Mourinho 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 the manager
• Potential ROI: Arguably most important, can you expect a decent potential ROI if it’s a long-term hold? 

For fans of The Special One, or those who appreciate soccer history, here are some of the best José Mourinho cards to consider for your collection:

1. 1996 Panini Football – José Mourinho (eBay)

This Spanish Panini card commemorates Mourinho’s time at Barcelona, before he famously declared himself “The Special One.” His time at Barca marked the start of his global success, making this card a significant part of soccer history and a must-have for collectors. It’s also seen as his RC, even if his playing career never really took off. 

Check prices of 1996 Panini Football José Mourinho RC on eBay

2. Topps José Mourinho Platinum Set Autos (eBay)

The 2022 José Mourinho Curated Set captures the manager at the helm of various clubs such as Inter Milan, where he won a historic treble (Serie A, Coppa Italia, and the UEFA Champions League) in the 2009-10 season. There are various numbered parallels to chase, it’s visually appealing, and it reminds collectors of Mourinho’s managerial prowess. It’s the place to look for autographs featuring the famous manager. Prices have started to rise rapidly over the past few months. 

Check prices of Topps José Mourinho Platinum Set Autos on eBay

What to look for:

When collecting Mourinho’s cards, or any soccer cards in general, here are some factors to keep in mind:

Condition: The condition of the card is critical. Cards in near-mint or mint condition will be more valuable than cards showing noticeable wear.

Rarity: Limited edition cards and cards from important milestones in Mourinho’s career will typically hold more value due to their scarcity.

Historical Significance: Cards marking significant moments in Mourinho’s career, such as championship wins or club moves, are likely to be more coveted by collectors.

Authentication: Make sure any card you purchase, especially high-value ones, is authentic. Reputable sellers should provide a certificate of authenticity.

Summary

Collecting football cards is more than just a hobby or investment; it’s a way to connect with the sport, the personalities, and the moments that have defined its history. As you build your collection, keep in mind that the best cards to collect are often the ones that mean the most to you personally.