Few things spark debate in the gaming world quite like the annual reveal of EA Sports FC ratings. Every September, the community erupts, passionately arguing over which players deserve crucial upgrades, who should face a downgrade, and which stars will rightfully headline the coveted top 100. With FC 26 firmly on the horizon, these very same questions are already dominating conversations. This is also the perfect time for savvy players to start planning their Ultimate Team strategy and accumulate FC 26 Coins to be ready to acquire these newly rated stars on day one. And while nothing is officially confirmed yet, patterns from previous years and last season’s most standout performances give us a powerful lens to predict what we can expect from this year's ratings.
When will the EA FC 26 Official Ratings Be Revealed?
Based on EA's consistent release pattern, the official top player ratings for FC 26 are expected to be revealed in a dedicated showcase during the week of September 8-12, 2025, building hype ahead of the Ultimate Edition launch on September 19. Shortly after this initial reveal, the full database of all player ratings will be published on the official EA Sports FC Ratings Hub, allowing fans to explore every rating for all leagues and clubs just before early access begins.
How EA FC Player Ratings Are Really Made
Behind every player's rating is a global scoring system. EA Sports leverages its FC Data Collective—a worldwide team of scouts and analysts—to gather performance data on every attribute imaginable. This intel is then funneled to an in-house data team that has the final say, ensuring ratings are balanced across all leagues. Despite the passionate debates from fans, the final call always rests with EA's internal experts.
The New Rating Curve: A More Balanced Game
Before we dive into the names and numbers, it’s crucial to understand the context. EA Sports has confirmed a significant adjustment to the overall rating curve in FC 26. This means the pace of ratings is being modulated, intentionally resulting in overall scores that are slightly lower across the board compared to FC 25.
Don’t see a 93, 94, or 95-rated player? That’s by design. This approach aims to create a more balanced, competitive, and realistic gameplay experience from day one, making squad building and player choices more meaningful.
Who Tops the FC 26 Ratings?
According to our projections, the pinnacle of footballing excellence is a shared throne. Kylian Mbappé and Rodri are predicted to lead the pack with a 91 overall rating.
- Mbappé (91 OVR → -0): Now the main man at Real Madrid, his status as the game's premier forward remains unchallenged.
- Rodri (90 OVR → +1): The Ballon d'Or favorite and Manchester City's irreplaceable engine, this upgrade is a testament to his claim as the world's best defensive midfielder.
They are joined at the very top by Liverpool's iconic duo, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, who also hold firm with a projected 91 overall.
Just below them, the "90 Club" features a familiar cast of global superstars, including Erling Haaland (89 → 91), Harry Kane (90 → 90), and Vinícius Jr. (89 → 90).
The Biggest Stories: Surprises and Snubs
This is where the predictions get spicy. The new rating curve and real-world performances have created some fascinating narratives.
The Notable Drops
Some all-time greats are projected to see a significant decrease, reflecting both the new curve and the natural passing of the torch.
- Kevin De Bruyne: (90 OVR → 86) A drop reflective of an injury-disrupted season, though his in-game attributes will likely remain elite.
- Lionel Messi: (88 OVR → 86) The game's greatest ever finds himself outside the top 40, projected alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. A symbolic moment for the new era of FC.
- Robert Lewandowski: (88 OVR → 87) A slight dip for the prolific striker as he enters the latter stages of his career.
The Rising Meteors
While some fall, others rise. These players are predicted to make significant jumps into the upper echelon.
- Viktor Gyökeres: (84 OVR → 86) The Sporting CP striker was a revelation last season, and a +2 boost is well-deserved.
- Cole Palmer & Alexander Isak: (85 OVR → 86) Two Premier League standouts who exploded onto the scene, earning their place among the world's best.
- Nico Williams: (85 OVR → 85) The Athletic Club winger's stellar Euros performance cemented his status as a future star.
FAQ: Your FC 26 Ratings Questions Answered
Will FC 26 ratings be revealed all at once?
No. EA typically reveals the top players first in a slow rollout, followed by the full database release shortly after.
Can ratings change after the game launches?
Absolutely! Live content updates throughout the season adjust ratings up or down based on real-world form.
Who decides the final ratings?
The final decision rests with EA's internal data team, who review assessments from the FC Data Collective. While fan opinion is heard, it's not the deciding factor.
