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Rare Ronaldo card fetches $1.35M at private sale

ESPN · May 24, 2026, 8:58 PM · Also reported by 2 other sources

Key takeaways

  • View this post on Instagram A post shared by @cherubcards
  • The multisport 50-player 2018 Panini Kaboom set weren't publicly released cards, but instead a multisport pack Panini Rewards program release.
  • While the identity of the buyer remains anonymous, a high-end collector -- whose Instagram handle is "cherubcards" -- acquired the Ronaldo card in March 2024 and confirmed to The Athletic they were the deal's seller.

Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.

It's the most ever paid for a Ronaldo card and the second-most ever spent on a soccer card behind the $1.5 million Lionel Messi rookie card and just ahead of the $1.33 million Pele rookie card - soccer's first $1 million card.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by @cherubcards

The previous high spent on a Ronaldo card was $420,000 in a Fanatics Premier auction on May 22 for Ronaldo's 1-of-1 numbered 2015 Panini Flawless Finishes Black card, graded a 7 from card grader Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) with a 10 autograph grade.

Article preview — originally published by ESPN. Full story at the source.
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