Women’s Super League (WSL) players have got their own Panini sticker book for the first time after a collaboration with the English Football Association (FA).
Chloe Kelly and Nikita Parris, stars of Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, were at a launch on Thursday for the book which is in newsagents now.
“Growing up, I have always loved Panini sticker collections, and to feature in the first-ever women’s domestic football album is amazing,” Kelly said.
“It’s a huge moment for us as players to have this kind of recognition and hopefully it can have a positive impact on the future of women’s football and further inspire the next generation of girls to become football players.”
Kelly last month got one over Parris when City beat United 3-1 in the Manchester derby.
Panini, the Italian company known for its collectible sticker albums and trading cards, released its first football sticker book for men's players in 1970. Many children and adults love collecting Panini stickers, with interest peaking around World Cup time.
The iconic brand has recently been replaced by Topps as the sticker manufacturer for the men’s Euro 2024 tournament.
Katie Gritt, head of marketing of sport at Panini, said: “The response to the collection has been incredible and it’s a real privilege for us to play our part in bringing the women’s game even closer to the fans.”
The WSL launch party was held at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
Collectors will be given a starter pack when they purchase their sticker book. There will be 350 stickers to collect from the 12 WSL teams, as well as trophies and stadiums.
Nikki Doucet, chief executive of the WSL, said: “Having our Barclays Women’s Super League players in sticker form with the new Panini collection is another landmark moment for the professional game here in England.
“The collection is amazing and is very much one of those moments in history that we will look back on with pride in the years to come.
“Panini sticker books are such an iconic part of British culture and the fact that our players from across the league will now be a part of that and able to inspire fans around the country is absolutely fantastic.”
