Collecting My Thoughts

Welcome back to opening weekend for many soccer leagues around the world, and I wanted to give a quick rundown of teams in action this weekend, some of their new players, and top collectible players.

In Spain, Saturday’s action is highlighted by Real Madrid. One of the most collectible rosters in the world. You don’t need me to tell you about Kylian Mbappe, Vini Jr., Rodrygo, Endrick, Jude Bellingham, or Arda Guler. Yan Diomande, the former RB Leipzig man, makes the switch to Madrid and should eventually carve out a sizable role.

Elsewhere in Spain, two players who don’t have any cards yet, but have been extremely hot before the season starts, are Robbie Ure of Sevilla (10 goals in last 5 games) and Hugo Gonzalez of Celta Vigo (10 goals in 6 games). Will they keep this up? Almost certainly not, but two names to watch.

In England, Hull City open up against Manchester United. Hull don’t have any names to watch (yet). United have hobby mainstays and has-beens across their roster, highlighted by Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko, and more. They also have youngsters Shea Lacey, J.J. Gabriel (the chase of 2026-27), and more.

Elsewhere, Everton take on Crystal Palace. Everton are chock full of one-time hot prospects that haven’t panned out. I don’t think we'll see Zavier Gozo for Crystal Palace yet, but he’ll be one to watch. Brentford have a bunch of talented players, but none are really hobby relevant. They take on Spurs, who could trot out recent chase rookies Mathys Tel, Mikey Moore, Matheus Fernandes, and Archie Gray. They also have Luca Williams-Barnett as one of the big chase rookies in 2026-27.

In Italy, a new-look Inter takes the field against Monza. Pio Esposito, one of the chase rookies in 2025-26, looks like he may finally be a permanent fixture in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, one of the under-the-radar teams to watch in the world, Como, is in action on Saturday. Nico Paz is the main chase, but don’t sleep on Assane Diao, Martin Baturina, Jesus Rodriguez, and they added Swedish youngster Adrian Lahdo, who will be a rookie to watch in 2026-27 products.

I’ll dive in more as we get the Bundesliga back and get closer to the Champions League. For now, enjoy the opening weekend!