Figurinhas

Figurinhas are small illustrated stickers or trading cards collected to complete an album. They are usually printed on paper with a glossy image and an adhesive back for sticking into a dedicated book. The themes vary, but football-related figurines are the best known, along with other sports, characters, animals, and cultural icons. The central activity is trading duplicates to finish the set.

Historically, sticker albums gained popularity in the mid-20th century and spread globally. Panini, an Italian publisher, became a leading producer, especially for World Cup collections released for fans in many countries, including Portuguese-speaking markets. Sealed packets create random assortments that encourage exchanging duplicates.

Figurinhas come in several formats: standard non-digital stickers, holographic or foil editions, and special inserts that are rarer or limited. Some albums are tied to specific events or teams, while others are general-topic collections. The printing quality and back designs help identify editions and aid organization.

Collecting is a social activity; fans compare lists, trade with friends and classmates, and organize to complete the album before a tournament or season ends. The market includes licensed official releases and secondary markets for rare or misprinted stickers, sometimes commanding higher prices.

In recent years, digital sticker albums and apps have emerged, replicating the collection and trade dynamics without physical stickers. Digital formats can include interactive features and cross-promotion with games, broadening access and reducing material waste.