Argentina Football Association (AFA) Announces Five-Year Exclusive Licensing Partnership with PLAYFULLY
Buenos Aires, [month/date4], 2025 — The Argentina Football Association (AFA) is pleased to announce a landmark five-year Asia-exclusive licensing partnership with PLAYFULLY, a pioneering Chinese company specializing in IP merchandise and collectible products. The agreement encompasses two FIFA World Cups and one Copa América, with both parties reaffirming their strong commitment to long-term collaboration.
This strategic partnership will focus on developing a new generation of innovative, world-class trading card collections, bringing the reigning world champions closer than ever to fans across Asia as Argentina prepares to defend its title at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The collections will honor the full breadth of Argentine football excellence—spotlighting the current squad, including global icon Lionel Messi and emerging talents such as Frank Mastantuono (Real Madrid) and Nico Paz (Como 1907), while also paying tribute to legendary figures like Gabriel Batistuta, Fernando Redondo, and Javier Zanetti.
The collections will be released under PLAYFULLY’s HEROCK sports card brand, featuring a range of premium trading cards that combine Argentina’s football heritage with creative design and cultural artistry. From accessible collector editions to high-end autograph and memorabilia cards, each series celebrates the spirit of Argentina and its global connection with fans. Autographs will be a defining feature of the collection, available in both sticker and on-card formats, adding authenticity and exclusivity for collectors.
The collections will launch later this year and extend into the Chinese Spring Festival, setting the stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. During the tournament, PLAYFULLY will roll out additional products designed to deepen fan engagement and amplify Argentina’s presence across Asia.
Claudio Tapia, President of AFA:
“We are very excited to announce this exclusive partnership with PLAYFULLY, which will allow us to connect more deeply with millions of fans across Asia in a new and meaningful way. These products will not only celebrate Argentina’s footballing spirit and legacy but also serve as a cultural bridge between our countries. Argentina’s football legacy is built on passion, and this partnership ensures that passion reaches fans across Asia.”
David Cao, Founder & CEO, PLAYFULLY:
“It is a privilege to partner with AFA and bring Argentina’s story to collectors in Asia. By combining Argentine pride with thoughtful design and cultural resonance, we aim to create products that fans will truly value. China’s sports card market is booming, and this partnership marks a key milestone in delivering world-class football experiences.”
Adam Zhu, International Investor & Chairman, PLAYFULLY:
“I am thrilled about PLAYFULLY’s partnership with AFA. I strongly believe in the potential of China’s sports card market, which has long been dominated by international manufacturers. PLAYFULLY is committed to providing fans and collectors with products that can compete globally, delivering quality and value. This also proves that Chinese companies can work with top international IPs and create world-class products.”
About PLAYFULLY
PLAYFULLY is a pioneering company specializing in IP merchandise and collectible products in China. Leveraging an extensive global network in sports and entertainment, PLAYFULLY focuses on delivering products that combine cultural depth, design innovation, and emotional resonance. Sports trading cards are a central pillar of PLAYFULLY’s strategy, developed under its flagship brand HEROCK. The company’s past collaborations include the Argentina National Football Team, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Tencent’s KPL Dream Team, among other leading sports IPs.
