Hot on the heels of the start of the 2024/25 Premier League season comes one of the biggest releases of the gaming year, with FC25 sprinting onto a screen near you on 27th September 2024. August/September is a good time of year for football punters taking advantage of the best betting sites UK offers and fans of playing the beautiful game in cyberspace.
Legends Arrive in Digital Form
EA FC 25 is set to bring an exciting array of Icons and Heroes to the Ultimate Team mode, continuing the tradition of offering some of the most revered football players in digital form. EA Sports has already begun to reveal some of the new additions to the roster. Here, we look at who has been confirmed so far.
New Icons and Heroes in EA FC 25
EA Sports has gradually unveiled some of the icons and heroes that will be featured in EA FC 25. Among the most significant reveals is Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper, who will be part of the Icon lineup. Buffon, whose illustrious career spanned decades, is a fitting addition to the game, offering fans the chance to relive his prime years in the virtual arena.
Maicon, the Brazilian right-back known for his time at Inter Milan and his contributions to Brazil’s national team, is an exciting inclusion.
Maicon’s Hero card will be a valuable asset in any squad, offering defensive solidity and attacking prowess. Jaap Stam, the Dutch defensive powerhouse, is another confirmed Hero.
Icon and Hero Ratings
These cards are not just nostalgic nods to past greats but possess powerful stats that can significantly influence gameplay. For instance, Ze Roberto, a versatile midfielder known for his time with Bayern Munich and the Brazilian national team, will have an 86 OVR (Origin) and an 89 OVR (Prime) Hero card. This makes him a formidable presence in the midfield, capable of attacking and defending with equal proficiency.
Blaise Matuidi, another midfield dynamo, is set to have an 85 OVR (Origin) and 88 OVR (Prime) card. His reputation for tireless work in midfield and ability to break up opposition play will make his Hero card a highly sought-after item.
Fans of defensive football will be pleased to see Jamie Carragher, the Liverpool legend, featured with an 86 OVR (Origin) and 88 OVR (Prime) rating. Carragher’s Hero card is expected to be a rock at the back, providing leadership and defensive stability.
Similarly, Jaap Stam’s Hero card rated 85 OVR (Origin) and 89 OVR (Prime), is another excellent defensive option. Stam was known for his physicality and aerial prowess, making his card a great choice for those looking to dominate in defense.
Fan Reactions and Expectations
The unveiling of these Heroes has elicited mixed reactions from the community. While some are excited to see players like Ze Roberto and Jaap Stam included, there has been some disappointment regarding the ratings, particularly Stam’s.
Many fans had hoped Stam would be given an Icon status with higher overall ratings, reflecting his impact during his career. However, his Hero card still represents a valuable addition, especially with his Prime version offering a significant boost.
As the release date for EA FC 25 approaches, more Icons and Heroes are expected to be revealed. The Ultimate Team mode, with its blend of past and present stars, continues to be a major draw for players, and these new additions will only heighten the excitement.
Pre-Order Bonuses
For those eager to get their hands on these players, pre-ordering the Ultimate Edition of EA FC 25 before August 20, 2024, will grant early access to select Hero items. This includes the Origin Hero cards from September 20 and Prime Hero cards from November 28, 2024. These bonuses offer a head start in assembling a formidable Ultimate Team.
