Impact Analysis

The EA Sports FC 26 ratings reveal has multi-faceted implications across various stakeholders. For Players, the high ratings of Salah, Mbappé, Putellas, and Bonmatí will undoubtedly increase their desirability and market value within Ultimate Team, influencing squad building strategies. Rising stars like Lamine Yamal will gain significant recognition and become highly sought-after assets. For Electronic Arts (EA), these strong ratings and anticipated features are expected to drive robust sales and sustained player engagement, reinforcing the franchise's market leadership. Football Clubs with multiple high-rated players, such as Liverpool, Real Madrid, and FC Barcelona, will likely see increased interest from players opting to represent them in-game. Furthermore, the competitive gameplay modes and the introduction of FC Pro 26 events are poised to further invigorate the Esports Ecosystem, creating new opportunities for professional players and content creators.

Timeline

What happened: September 8, 2025 - EA Sports officially unveiled the highest-rated players for EA Sports FC 26, including Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, Alexia Putellas, and Aitana Bonmatí, all with 91 OVR. This marked the start of "Ratings Week."
What's happening now: EA Sports is actively soliciting community feedback on these initial ratings, indicating a commitment to player-driven adjustments. The game features two distinct gameplay presets, "Competitive" and "Authentic," catering to diverse player preferences.
What's next: September 12, 2025 - The complete player ratings database is scheduled to go live. September 19, 2025 - Early access for Ultimate Edition buyers begins. September 26, 2025 - Worldwide release of EA Sports FC 26. The Web App and Companion App will also launch, offering early access to Ultimate Team features.

Different Perspectives

Various Viewpoints: The ratings reveal signifies a deliberate strategic shift by EA Sports to emphasize current on-pitch performance and emerging talent over legacy players. This move, while potentially disappointing long-time fans of legends, aims to keep the game fresh and relevant to contemporary football.
Expert Opinions: Industry analysts view the substantial upgrade for young talents like Lamine Yamal (+9 to 89 OVR) as a smart long-term investment, acknowledging the "next generation" of football superstars. This also suggests EA is responsive to real-world football trends.
Public Reactions: The gaming community is abuzz with discussions, dissecting each rating and speculating on Ultimate Team meta-game strategies. The anticipation for the full player database and early access is high, with players eager to begin their virtual football journeys.