UEFA introduces special badge for players making Champions League debut

UEFA has announced a special badge for players making their debut in the UEFA Champions League, starting from the 2026/2027 season, to celebrate this important milestone in their careers.

UEFA has clarified via its official website that the armband will be dedicated to players who are participating in the competition for the first time, and it will come into effect when they take to the pitch, including when they enter as substitutes, and it will be integrated into the UEFA Champions League armband on the sleeve of the shirt.

The badge will be launched during the first round of the new season. After the player's debut, the distinctive blue part will be removed from the shirt worn during the match, then documented and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity before being transferred to the company responsible for that development.

The company will integrate the badge into a unique trading card as part of a UEFA Champions League product, signed by the player, turning his first appearance in the tournament into a special collectible.

UEFA has confirmed that the player will not wear the armband again after making his debut in the UEFA Champions League, even if he later moves to another club participating in UEFA club competitions.