2021-22 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Joao Felix Soccer Trading Card

This is a modern sports trading card featuring Portuguese professional footballer Joao Felix. The card is part of the Upper Deck Skybox Metal Universe Champions series, specifically card number 090 as indicated on the front left panel. The physical design utilizes the iconic 'Metal Universe' aesthetic, characterized by a highly reflective, etched foil surface with a distinctive purplish-pink and bronze iridescent finish. This etched background creates a multi-dimensional look typical of the Skybox brand from the late 1990s, revived for this modern set. Felix is depicted in a dynamic action pose, wearing a patterned red and white jersey with blue shorts bearing the number 7. The card logo 'Skybox Metal Universe Champions' is situated in the top-left corner, embossed against a metallic plate-style graphic. The name 'FELIX' is printed vertically along the left side in a bold, sans-serif black font. Regarding condition, the card appears to be in raw, un-graded state, displayed on a black plastic stand atop a green artificial turf surface. While the centering seems adequate from this perspective, the high-gloss foil surface is prone to surface scratches and edge chipping. The corners appear relatively sharp, though microscopic white-pointing may be present upon closer physical inspection. This card represents a high-end modern 'insert-style' base card, appealing to collectors of both soccer memorabilia and nostalgia-driven hobbyists who value the classic Metal Universe design elements applied to contemporary international stars.

I have conducted a visual examination of the 2021-22 Skybox Metal Universe Champions Joao Felix (Card #90). Based on the provided imagery, the card displays the characteristic etched-foil 'PMG-style' background and vibrant iconography consistent with authentic Upper Deck Skybox production. The centering appears visually balanced, and the corners show no obvious rounding or whitening at this resolution. However, the high-gloss metallic finish is notorious for hairline surface scratches and edge chipping, which can only be definitively ruled out under 10x magnification. This specific card is a base-tier 'Metal' card rather than a numbered Precious Metal Gem (PMG) parallel, which significantly limits its scarcity. In the current market, Joao Felix cards remain liquid due to his status as a top-tier international talent, but values for non-serial numbered modern base cards have stabilized at a lower entry point. Comparable sales for raw base copies of this set typically range from $5 to $15 depending on the platform. The primary value drivers are the 'Metal Universe' brand nostalgia and the player's performance. Final authentication and a 'Gem Mint' valuation are impossible from images alone; a physical inspection is required to verify surface integrity and prevent the misidentification of high-quality counterfeits or reprints. For a conclusive appraisal, the card should be submitted to a third-party grading service (PSA, BGS, or SGC) to verify its physical dimensions, stock thickness, and microscopic surface details.