Hugo Ekitiké Autographs Just Got a BIG Upgrade

The Hugo Ekitiké autograph is pretty controversial and when Ekitiké completed his move to Liverpool, collectors were understandably excited about the prospect of seeing his first Liverpool autographs in Topps products. However, when the earliest cards began appearing in Topps Chrome UEFA Club Competitions (UCC), the reaction across the hobby wasn’t exactly positive.

Instead of a full, flowing signature, many of Hugo Ekitiké’s earliest Liverpool autographs consisted of a tiny “HE11” style scribble that barely filled the autograph sticker. For collectors spending serious money on low-numbered cards, it felt underwhelming.

Now, it looks like Topps collectors finally have something to celebrate.

The Original Hugo Ekitiké Autograph Left Collectors Disappointed

Many collectors voiced their frustration when the first Liverpool autographs surfaced. While autograph styles are personal and players can sign however they choose, Ekitiké’s original signature was noticeably small and minimal, especially compared to other players in the same product.

Even premium cards numbered to just five copies featured a signature that occupied only a small section of the sticker. The card below shows one of those earlier examples:

Old Autograph Style:

New Autograph Style:

A Much Better Signature in Newer Topps Chrome UCC Releases

Fast forward to the latest Topps Chrome UEFA Club Competitions releases and things have changed considerably.

Rather than the tiny “HE11” autograph collectors had become familiar with, Ekitiké is now signing with a much larger signature that stretches across the sticker. Better still, he’s added his Liverpool squad number, 22, creating a signature that looks far more complete and personal.

The difference is immediately obvious.

Not only does the autograph have much stronger eye appeal, but it also feels much more fitting for premium serial-numbered cards such as the Red Refractors numbered to just /5 shown in this post.

Will Earlier Autos Become More Collectible?

Whenever a player changes their autograph, it creates an interesting situation in the hobby. Some collectors may continue to avoid the earlier abbreviated signature, preferring the newer, more attractive version.

Others may see the original “HE11” style as a short-lived variation that documents the beginning of his Liverpool career. If Topps continue using the updated signature going forward, those early cards could become an interesting talking point for player collectors.

Only time will tell which version proves more desirable on the secondary market. You can also check the Cardzillo Autograph Database for more updates on player autos.

Overall, It’s A Win for Collectors

Autographs remain one of the biggest attractions in modern football card collecting, and presentation matters. While rarity will always drive value, a clean, full autograph generally has much stronger appeal than a rushed-looking signature.

Based on these latest examples, it appears Hugo Ekitiké has listened to the feedback, or perhaps simply decided to take a little more time with his stickers. Either way, collectors are the winners.

If future Topps releases continue featuring this larger “HE22” signature, Liverpool fans and Hugo Ekitiké collectors will likely be far happier adding his autographs to their collections than they were just a few months ago.