Collecting autographed football memorabilia has been a popular hobby for many years due to the global popularity of the sport. Memorabilia centers deal in rare collectibles that are authenticated by dealers, and sometimes organize signing sessions where players can autograph items like balls, shoes, and hats. Authenticating existing memorabilia can be difficult, requiring tests of the ink, object, and structure to verify authenticity, though uncertainties may still remain. Those starting a collection should determine their interests and seek advice from experienced collectors.