Pikachu on the Ball – The Soccer Promo with a Global Following
Sometimes the most unassuming promos become collector powerhouses — and that’s exactly what happened with Pikachu on the Ball, a UK-exclusive soccer-themed Pokémon card.
Initially handed out as part of a youth football initiative in the UK, it has since become one of the most desirable Pikachu promos of the modern era.
⚽ What Is “Pikachu on the Ball”?
- Released in 2020 as part of the FA Youth Football partnership in the UK
- Card features Pikachu in a soccer jersey, dribbling a Poké Ball-themed soccer ball
- Distributed in limited quantities through select soccer clubs
- Part of a small “On the Ball” series, but Pikachu’s was the hardest to obtain
🔥 Market Snapshot (2025)
| Grade | Value |
|---|---|
| PSA 10 | ~$2,000–2,500 |
| PSA 9 | ~$800–1,000 |
| Raw NM | ~$400–600 |
Prices surged in 2024 when influencers and soccer-themed collectors discovered the card, leading to a wave of grading submissions.
🧠 Why It’s a Collector Favorite
- Pikachu + soccer = perfect international crossover appeal
- Only available in the UK, with limited print and awkward distribution
- Unique artwork — unlike any other Pikachu promo in tone or style
- Appeals to both Pokémon collectors and sports fans
🔎 Tips for Collectors
- Be cautious of fakes and reproductions — especially on eBay
- Raw cards may have surface scratches due to how they were handed out
- Look for sealed sets if you can find them (often include other “On the Ball” Pokémon)
