Interivew : The Cromos Collections

1. INTRODUCE YOURSELF (NAME, SURNAME, LOCATION, SOCIAL MEDIA ALIAS / ALSO WORDS ABOUT YOUR PROJECT)

My name is Santiago Izaguirre. I'm from Rosario, Argentina just like Lionel Messi. Five years ago, I decided to create The Cromos Collections, an Instagram account where I could share my passion for collecting. The idea was to connect with fellow collectors from around the world, show them my collection, and learn more about this amazing hobby.

2. WHEN DID YOU START COLLECTING AND HOW/WHY?

It all started in 1997 when I got my first Argentine football sticker album. It was published by Upper Deck and featured legends like Enzo Francescoli and Juan Román Riquelme. My parents and grandparents would often buy me a pack of stickers after school or when I was well-behaved, so I had some solid motivation! Since then, I've never really stopped. It's been almost 30 years of collecting now.

3. WHAT ARE YOUR MOST VALUABLE ITEMS? NAME ONE WITH SENTIMENTAL VALUE AND ONE WITH MONEY VALUE.

The card I value most emotionally is one of Enzo Francescoli playing for River Plate. He's my idol. The card was actually kept by my grandfather for many years, and one day he gave it back to me. He reminded me that I had gifted it to him when I was a kid, since he's also a River Plate supporter. I didn't even remember doing that. That card now has a lot of sentimental value to me,it connects me to him in a special way.
As for monetary value, I'm not exactly an expert, but I'd say my Donruss Debuts Gold card of Christian Pulisic might be the one. I've seen it listed on some collector sites at a pretty good price?especially if it gets a high PSA grade.
Another potentially valuable card I own is the first Panini Instant ever released in Argentina. It features Julián Álvarez in his River Plate kit, from the day he scored twice and won the clásico. Since Julián is now an international star and there are only 449 of those cards, I think it could be quite valuable.



4. HOW MUCH DO YOU SPEND IN STICKERS/CARDS WEEKLY/MONTHLY/YEARLY?

It really depends on the time of year. When there's a new collection out, the excitement of grabbing a box usually messes up my budget, haha. During the off-season, though, I tend to be more conservative and only buy storage supplies or things to display and protect the collection.
If I had to estimate, I'd say I spend around $100 a month on average.

5. WHICH TEAM DO YOU SUPPORT?

I'm a die-hard River Plate fan/b>. Anyone following me on Instagram definitely knows that. I'll even share something I've never posted before: I have a tattoo of Marcelo Gallardo lifting the Copa Libertadores trophy in 2018, the one we won against Boca Juniors at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium.

6. NAME YOUR FAVOURITE INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND X (TWITTER) ACCOUNTS, BESIDES YOURS!

I've learned a lot from fellow content creators like Diego from @cromos_dg or David @Davileti9who I hope to see again at the Iberian Card Show.
I also want to shout out Joaquín Paz, a young Argentine who runs @coleccionesargentinas, and Rosegol from Uruguay, who does a great job combining football stories and collecting on @rosegol_colecciones.
And finally, Paulo Bianchetti from @lapillud is a big reference for me. he's someone I really trust when it comes to making decisions in the hobby.



7. HOW DO YOU SEE THE FUTURE OF THE "HOBBY"?

It's hard to make predictions, but if I could wish for something, it would be that the tradition of completing sticker albums doesn't disappear. I see a lot of collectors today focusing on very specific things?just one player, one club, or rookie cards. That's cool, but I miss the days when a new album came out and everyone rushed to collect and trade stickers to complete it.
Also, I hope trading never goes away. I'd love to see more swaps and fewer money-driven deals.

8. DID YOU EVER TAKE PART IN ANY FOOTBALL STICKERS/CARDS FAIR? IF YES, WHICH ONE? DO YOU HAVE A FAIR YOU REALLY WANT TO GO TO?

Yes! In 2024 I took part in the Iberian Card Show, and I'll be there again on June 7?8 in Barcelona. Last year's experience in Madrid was amazing, and I'm preparing everything to make this year just as special.
My booth is known as the "World Champions" booth?my specialty is Messi, Julián Álvarez, and other Argentine legends like Maradona and Batistuta, plus newer talents like Franco Mastantuono.
My dream is to one day be part of La Coleccionista, a fair organized in Buenos Aires. I'd love to take part in that event.

9. WHAT'S YOUR FAVOURITE BRAND (PANINI/TOPPS/UPPER DECK/ETC.)? AND COLLECTION?

I'm most familiar with Panini, since they have the rights to Argentina's national league, Copa América, and of course the World Cup. But I wish they took more creative risks, like adding more players from the past, as they did in Spain's Liga Este 50th anniversary edition.
From Panini, I really enjoy the FIFA 365 collections. it's great to see a global overview of the top clubs, and seeing River Plate featured every year as the only Argentine team fills me with pride.
From Topps, I really like Match Attax Champions League, even though those massive sets can be hard to keep up with!



10. WHAT DO YOU THINK OF STICKERSONE.COM?

It's a go-to site for me. It's a reliable tool that collectors can use whenever we have a question or need a little help making better decisions.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cromoscollections/