In the high-stakes world of the Premier League, where rivalries burn bright and every match is a battle, Chelsea defender Tosin Adarabioyo has revealed an unexpected connection to Manchester City’s prolific striker, Erling Haaland—one that doesn’t involve tackles or defensive duels. The 27-year-old centre-back, who joined the Blues on a free transfer from Fulham in the summer of 2024, disclosed that he once shelled out a staggering £5,000 for a rare Erling Haaland trading card. The revelation, made at the grand opening of Fanatics Collectibles’ flagship store on London’s Regent Street, underscores Adarabioyo’s deep-rooted passion for collecting, a hobby he shares with Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke.
Adarabioyo, speaking on the latest episode of Rio Ferdinand Presents, didn’t shy away from the hefty price tag. “It can get expensive,” he admitted with a grin. “Five grand [£5,000] up on one card. It was a [Topps] Erling Haaland gold card.” The card, a coveted item among collectors, reflects Haaland’s meteoric rise since joining Manchester City in 2022. With 84 Premier League goals, two league titles, a Champions League triumph, and back-to-back Golden Boots, Haaland’s marketability extends beyond the pitch, making his trading cards highly sought-after treasures. For Adarabioyo, the purchase was a nod to his childhood love of collecting, sparked by sticker albums for World Cups and Euros. “I used to collect back in the day when I was young,” he said, reminiscing about the thrill of chasing rare finds.
The event, attended by fellow collector Solanke, highlighted the growing craze for sports trading cards, a market that spans football, Formula One, and even pop culture icons like Star Wars. Adarabioyo and Solanke, both Premier League stars featured on collectible cards themselves, spoke passionately about the hobby. The Chelsea defender’s splurge on a Haaland card is particularly intriguing given their on-field rivalry. As a key part of Enzo Maresca’s squad, Adarabioyo has faced Haaland’s relentless scoring prowess in matches, yet off the pitch, he’s clearly a fan of the Norwegian’s collectible value. “Me and Dom collect cards, so that’s why we’re here,” he told Ferdinand, emphasizing the camaraderie among players who share this niche interest.
The £5,000 Haaland card, while a significant investment, pales in comparison to some of the market’s priciest items. Adarabioyo marveled at the value of a Lewis Hamilton card priced at £1.1 million, admitting, “Never dropping money like that on a card, but honestly the value of some of these cards is a madness.” He described the adrenaline of opening card packs, knowing a single pull could yield a million-pound treasure. “I love opening the boxes and knowing that there’s a chance I could open a box and get a card worth £1.1m,” he said, capturing the addictive thrill that drives collectors.
Adarabioyo’s collecting habit adds a relatable layer to his public persona. Since joining Chelsea, he’s made 11 appearances, primarily in the UEFA Conference League and cup competitions, including scoring his first goal in an 8-0 rout of FC Noah and a brace in an FA Cup tie against Morecambe. Despite limited Premier League minutes—only five starts under Maresca—he remains a fixture in the squad, dispelling rumors of a January move to West Ham or Tottenham. His £120,000-per-week contract, secured after rejecting a £100,000-per-week offer from Newcastle, reflects Chelsea’s belief in his potential, even as they eye Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as a long-term defensive target.
The trading card market, fueled by stars like Haaland, has exploded in recent years. A one-of-a-kind Haaland “superfractor” card from his Borussia Dortmund days fetched $442,800 at auction in 2024, while an NFT version sold for £511,000 in 2022, surpassing a Cristiano Ronaldo record. Adarabioyo’s £5,000 purchase, though modest by those standards, highlights the cultural phenomenon of collecting, where players like him invest in the legacy of their peers. “It’s a passion,” he said, underscoring the joy of chasing rare cards, even if it means spending a small fortune on a rival like Haaland.
As Chelsea navigate a challenging Premier League campaign, Adarabioyo’s off-field hobby offers a glimpse into the human side of professional footballers. Whether he’s thwarting Haaland’s runs at Stamford Bridge or hunting for the next big card, Adarabioyo is proving that even in the cutthroat world of elite sport, there’s room for a bit of nostalgic fun.
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