The Top 5 Most Expensive Sports Cards Sold on eBay Last Week (August 24–30, 2025)
Every week, collectors chase grails, chase nostalgia, and chase history on eBay — and last week delivered another set of jaw-dropping sales. From a rare Ronaldo rookie to a one-of-one NFL stunner, here are the five most expensive cards sold on eBay from Aug. 24–30.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo 2003 Panini Mega Craques Rookie RC PSA 10 — $175,000
Sold on Wednesday, Aug. 27
Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2003 Panini Mega Craques rookie is arguably the most iconic soccer card of the modern era. Printed in Portugal and notoriously difficult to grade due to its fragile cardstock and full-bleed edges, this PSA 10 GEM MINT copy is a true unicorn in the hobby. The $175,000 sale places it among the most valuable soccer cards ever sold publicly on eBay.
As Ronaldo approaches the twilight of his career, demand for this card continues to grow. It’s a cultural artifact representing the rise of soccer in the hobby and the global crossover appeal of its biggest stars. For international collectors and investors, the Mega Craques rookie is the soccer equivalent of a 1986 Fleer Jordan — a cornerstone card that will only become more revered with time.
2. Connor McDavid 2015–16 Upper Deck Series 1 High Gloss Young Guns Rookie #10/10 BGS 9 — $77,877
Sold on Sunday, Aug. 24
Connor McDavid’s Young Guns rookie is already a modern classic, but the High Gloss parallel — limited to just 10 serial-numbered copies — elevates this card to another tier. This particular example, numbered 10/10 and graded BGS 9, represents the upper echelon of McDavid’s rookie market. At nearly $78,000, it’s one of the most expensive hockey cards sold this year.
McDavid’s speed, vision, and dominance on the ice have already drawn comparisons to legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. As captain of the Edmonton Oilers, he’s the face of a new generation of NHL greatness. For collectors who value low population, high condition, and long-term relevance, this sale checks every box. Expect this card to set the benchmark for future McDavid grails.
3. Michael Penix Jr. 2024 National Treasures Gold Vinyl Shield Auto 1/1 RPA — $52,100
Sold on Sunday, Aug. 24
This one-of-one rookie patch autograph of Michael Penix Jr. is the definition of a modern grail card. Pulled from 2024 National Treasures, the Gold Vinyl parallel features an oversized NFL shield patch, an on-card auto, and the coveted “1/1” designation. Selling for $52,100, this card made headlines as Penix prepares to take over under center for the Atlanta Falcons.
National Treasures has become the standard for high-end football rookie cards, and collectors know that shield autos are the crown jewels. Penix was one of the most dynamic QBs in college football and now enters the NFL with high expectations. If he lives up to the hype, this card could become one of the defining modern football investments — the type of piece you stash away for a decade and forget about … until it’s a six-figure monster.
4. Michael Jordan 1984–85 Star #101 Rookie Card PSA 6 — $36,150
Sold on Monday, Aug. 25
While debates rage on about Jordan’s “true rookie,” educated collectors know the answer: it’s the 1984–85 Star #101. Released by Star Company two years before Fleer’s iconic Jordan, this card predates the boom of modern basketball collecting and carries massive historical weight. This PSA 6 copy brought in $36,150 — proof that the market is beginning to correct the long-overlooked importance of this early issue.
The Star #101 was distributed in team sets, not packs, and faced decades of confusion over authenticity and grading standards. But in recent years, PSA’s decision to resume grading Star cards has reignited demand. Condition issues are common, making mid-grades like this a solid blend of accessibility and prestige. If you’re building a GOAT-focused collection, the Star #101 is simply non-negotiable.
5. Kobe Bryant 2017–18 Panini Flawless VPA Jersey Patch Auto Gold /10 PSA 9 — $32,091
Sold on Thursday, Aug. 28
Kobe Bryant Flawless cards have taken on mythic status since his tragic passing in 2020, and this Gold /10 parallel from 2017–18 Panini Flawless is one of the cleanest examples available. Featuring a crisp on-card signature, a multi-color jersey patch, and graded PSA 9 with a POP 1 (none higher), this card brought in just over $32,000.
Flawless represents the pinnacle of Panini’s premium basketball line — only hard-signed autos, game-used patches, and ultra-low print runs. Combine that pedigree with Kobe’s unshakable legacy, and you get a card that feels like both a tribute and an heirloom. Whether you’re collecting for the Mamba mentality or banking on long-term value, this is a card with both emotion and investment appeal baked in.
Key Takeaways From Last Week’s Sales
This week’s top eBay sales featured global icons, ultra-modern prospects, and multi-generational legends. Whether it’s Ronaldo’s global pull, McDavid’s generational skill, Penix’s 1/1 future, Jordan’s foundational rookie, or Kobe’s flawless legacy — one thing is clear: scarcity, story, and star power still drive the market.