On second thought, I probably shouldn’t be too surprised. Panini stickers were never universally popular, and it makes sense: Panini is an Italian company that began producing collectible, self-adhesive trading cards in the 1960s, most famously featuring soccer players.
In 1970, Panini partnered with FIFA and released its first World Cup sticker album. Boys (and men) have gone crazy ever since — buying, collecting, and trading stickers. Regular players are usually easy to find; the real challenge lies in tracking down the superstars. Think Ronaldo, Messi, and the like.
I even have photographic evidence that this world still exists. In 2018, Colin attended a Panini soccer sticker swap meet at a shopping mall. Armed with his album and a stack of duplicates, he negotiated trades with kids he had never met before, and within minutes was fully integrated into this tiny sticker economy. No introductions needed. Stickers were the common language.
Over time, Panini expanded beyond football. Panini America now produces albums for other sports as well, including ice hockey, American football, and basketball.
And for those who aren’t interested in sports at all? That’s where the Panini Entertainment branch comes in. Stickers for Disney and other movies exist, too. My friends and I had Flashdance stickers.
Good times.
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