With Topps meet and greet with Javier Zanetti: here’s when and where
Collectibles in Italy are experiencing a real golden moment: according to data from the Circana research institute, in 2025 collectibles recorded +37% growth, coming to represent 13% of the entire toy market. This is an unstoppable trend, driven by properties and licensing, which are growing at seven times the rate of the rest of the industry, touching 30% of the overall turnover. It is in this extremely thriving context, strengthened by a vast and demanding community, that CardFest was born, a format that brings to Italy the energy and structure of the great American card shows.
An event entirely dedicated to the ‘hobby, where collectors can meet, exchange and celebrate their absolute passion for cards. The appointment is set for Saturday, April 11, at the Quark Hotel Milano starting at 10:30 a.m. An exhibition space of 1,500 square meters, more than 150 tables and more than 1,500 visitors expected. From sports cards to the most iconic TCGs such as Pokémon, Magic and Yu-Gi-Oh!, the show floor will welcome the rarest pieces and the latest market novelties. To fully breathe in the most authentic essence of this world, on Friday, April 10 – starting at 7 p.m. – the same location will host an exclusive Trade Night: an informal moment to sit together, complete their sets, exchange doubles and maybe even make new friends.
Guest of honor, Javier Zanetti. The historic Inter captain, an undisputed symbol of Milan and the embodiment of rare values such as loyalty and leadership, will meet fans and collectors in an exclusive, closed-numbered meet & greet. During this special session, Zanetti will sign his official limited edition card, created by Topps solely for the event. But that’s not all: the star’s presence is linked to a noble cause. In fact, CardFest is proud to support the P.U.P.I. Foundation, the nonprofit organization created in 2001 by Javier and Paula Zanetti that works tirelessly to protect the rights of children and adolescents in the most vulnerable areas of Buenos Aires, guaranteeing them education, health care and food support.
And so it is that CardFest is preparing to revolutionize the Italian scene, picking up the experience it has had between fairs in the United States and Asia. Conceived by Omar Aamoum-collector, entrepreneur and content creator, founder of Sportycards and face of DAZN’s CULT program-this first edition boasts exceptional partners, ready to interact directly with their communities. Die-hard fans will find plenty to enjoy: Topps, Fanatics Collectibles brand and a leader in the sports trading card segment, will be the event’s main partner and will welcome all fans to a maxi-exhibition area full of activities, culminating with the release of an exclusive limited edition card made especially to celebrate the occasion. While eBay Live, the main sponsor, will bring the typical adrenaline of the marketplace directly to the fair through unmissable real-time auctions.
The ingredients are all there: among exceptional guests, exclusives, events and an ever-expanding community, CardFest promises to be an unforgettable moment of encounter to celebrate this great passion. An opportunity not to be missed to experience firsthand the energy of collecting and unearth the rarest pieces on the market. The date to mark in your agenda is Saturday, April 11, 2026, appointment at the Quark Hotel in Milan!
