Soccer Autographs

As soccer has become an increasingly international sport, autographs of the sport's stars have also grown in popularity. Avid soccer fans seek out the signatures of soccer's greatest players both past and present, resulting in a bustling auction market for soccer autographs and signed memorabilia.

One of the world's oldest sports, soccer, also known as football, dates back to the ancient empires of China. Its development into a sport of organized clubs and teams occurred in the mid-19th century in England. The creation of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) in the early 20th century resulted in further growth of the sport and the development of increasing numbers of professional leagues. Fandom soon followed, and with it, the pursuit of soccer star autographs.

Soccer player caliber often dictates how difficult it is to find their signature. Autographs by game changers in the sport, such as Brazilian icon Pelé, can go for very high prices, while lesser-known players can be found at more reasonable rates. Regardless of rank, soccer player autographs are sure to be cherished by any fan of the sport.

Quick Facts

• England's King Edward III outlawed the game of soccer in 1365 due to its increasing violence
• One of Pelé's number 10 jerseys sold in a London auction in 2002 for $224,600
• FIFA's first World Cup was held in 1930. 1991 marked the first Women's World Cup