A recent article about Panini football stickers brought back fond memories for one reader, who was surprised to see a familiar item from his childhood featured prominently.
A trip down memory lane
Denis Hodžić wrote to express his appreciation for the piece titled 'Writers on their World Cup Panini collecting days: ‘We all remember the playground twerp’' published on 9 May. He recalled his own sticker albums from the 1970s and 1980s, with his favorite being the one for the 1982 World Cup in Spain.
Growing up in Yugoslavia
Hodžić watched the tournament in Yugoslavia, where he grew up. He and his friends eagerly followed their national team, which unfortunately did not live up to its nickname 'European Brazilians'. Meanwhile, the actual Brazilian team dazzled with charismatic superstars whose stickers became the most sought-after currency in the playground.
An uncanny coincidence
What prompted Hodžić to write was the photograph accompanying the article. The most noticeable Panini album in the image was the Yugoslav edition from the 1982 World Cup, identical to the one he owned as a child. Seeing it felt almost uncanny, as if his favorite newspaper had published a personal message about his childhood hobby and favorite sporting event.
Hodžić concluded by thanking the publication for the nostalgic experience. The article stirred memories of a time when sticker albums were a central part of football fandom, especially for those who grew up following the beautiful game in Yugoslavia.
