Raúl VallecilloGeneral Manager and CEO

Every World Cup creates a unique level of excitement. Fans look forward to collecting, trading, and completing albums while following the tournament. Over time, people have turned collecting into a social experience, organizing large exchange events and connecting with others who share the same passion.

Collecting is no longer just about filling an album. People gather in large groups to exchange stickers, meet fellow fans, and share memories. The hobby combines football, nostalgia, and social interaction, creating a much stronger community experience than in previous decades.

Panini closely monitors national teams and player selections. The company studies call-up history, recent appearances, and information from football federations. Since albums must be produced months before tournaments begin, player selections are based on the best available information at the time.

Neymar had not been consistently called up to Brazil's national team before the album went into production. Since player selections are finalized well before tournament rosters are announced, he was left out of the initial release. Panini plans to address these situations through official update sets.

Once final national team rosters are confirmed, Panini creates update sets that allow collectors to replace players who were not selected and add players who joined squads later. This helps keep the album accurate and aligned with official tournament rosters.

It depends on the market, but globally, players such as Lionel Messi are always highly sought after. Cristiano Ronaldo and other star players are also very popular. Their stickers often become harder to find because collectors usually keep them rather than trading them.

Panini prints stickers in equal proportions. However, popular players often disappear from circulation because collectors keep them. As a result, certain stickers feel rarer even though production quantities are the same. Collector behavior influences availability more than manufacturing.

Demand has exceeded expectations. Sales have significantly outperformed previous World Cup cycles in several markets. This increased demand has occasionally created supply challenges, but Panini continues to replenish inventory and strengthen distribution channels.

Distribution is one of the biggest challenges. Demand varies by location, and some regions sell through inventory faster than others. Panini continuously monitors stock levels and adjusts replenishment plans to ensure products reach collectors as efficiently as possible.

Absolutely. The hobby has become much more diverse. While children remain important collectors, adults represent a large part of the audience. We've also seen strong growth among women collectors, particularly over the last two World Cup cycles.

Whenever a product becomes successful, counterfeit versions appear. Panini actively monitors unauthorized reproductions, digital copies, and counterfeit products. The company works through legal channels to protect intellectual property and ensure collectors receive authentic products.

Nostalgia plays a major role. Many collectors grew up completing World Cup albums and continue the tradition today. Others enjoy the challenge, the social interaction, and the connection to football culture. For many people, it becomes a family activity that spans generations.

Football collectibles remain incredibly strong because they combine passion, community, and nostalgia. While technologies evolve, the desire to collect, trade, and celebrate football continues to grow. The format may evolve, but the underlying passion remains unchanged.

Licensing is fundamental. Relationships with organizations like FIFA allow Panini to create official products that fans trust. These agreements require significant investment, but they also help deliver authenticity and quality that collectors expect.