The WD & HO Wills Association Footballers Cigarette Cards have a rich history intertwined with the rise of both football (soccer) as a popular sport and the culture of cigarette card collecting in the early 20th century.

The collection was part of a marketing strategy employed by W.D. & H.O. Wills, a prominent British tobacco company, to increase sales of their cigarette products. Released during the early to mid-20th century, these cards featured portraits of notable football players from various clubs and national teams. Each card typically included the player's name, position, and team affiliation, sometimes accompanied by additional information or statistics.

The popularity of football was skyrocketing during this time, with the sport becoming a significant cultural phenomenon in Britain and beyond. As interest in football grew, so did the demand for memorabilia and collectibles associated with the sport. W.D. & H.O. Wills recognized this opportunity and began including football-themed cigarette cards in their products.

These cards served multiple purposes. Firstly, they incentivized consumers to purchase more cigarettes in order to collect the entire set, thus boosting sales for the company. Secondly, they capitalized on the public's fascination with football and its star players, providing fans with a tangible way to connect with their favorite athletes.

The WD & HO Wills Association Footballers Cigarette Cards became highly sought after by collectors, enthusiasts, and football fans alike. They not only provided valuable information about players of the era but also served as historical artifacts, reflecting the evolving landscape of football during a pivotal period in its history.