With the launch of EA Sports FC 26 approaching, speculation around player ratings is reaching its peak. As always, EA evaluates each player’s performance over the past season to determine their in-game attributes. While Ultimate Team and Career Mode both revolve heavily around player stats, fans also see the ratings as a reflection of real-world football hierarchies.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the predicted top 100 player ratings in EA FC 26, factoring in club transfers, international tournaments, and individual performances during the 2024/25 season.
How EA Determines Player Ratings
EA Sports uses multiple performance indicators to determine ratings:
- Season stats (goals, assists, clean sheets, etc.)
- Club and international success
- Individual awards and accolades
- Age, injuries, and consistency
- Overall contribution to team performance
With Euro 2024, Copa América, and club seasons now concluded, most rating projections are based on recent form and key player transfers.
Predicted Top 10 Players in EA FC 26
| Rank | Player | Club | Nationality | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | France | 92 |
| 2 | Erling Haaland | Manchester City | Norway | 91 |
| 3 | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | England | 91 |
| 4 | Kevin De Bruyne | Napoli | Belgium | 90 |
| 5 | Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | Egypt | 89 |
| 6 | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | England | 89 |
| 7 | Vinícius Jr | Real Madrid | Brazil | 89 |
| 8 | Rodri | Manchester City | Spain | 89 |
| 9 | Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | Spain | 88 |
| 10 | Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | Argentina | 88 |
Kylian Mbappé continues to dominate as the top-rated player, especially after his long-anticipated move to Real Madrid. Jude Bellingham, who plays in midfield—not as a forward—is expected to maintain or slightly improve upon his impressive 91 rating, given his performances in La Liga and Europe.
Lamine Yamal, one of the breakout stars of Euro 2024, is projected to leap from his 81 rating in FC 24 to 88–89 in FC 26, making him one of the youngest players ever to appear in the top 10.
Top Goalkeepers
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Thibaut Courtois | Real Madrid | 89 |
| Alisson Becker | Liverpool | 88 |
| Ederson | Manchester City | 88 |
| Mike Maignan | AC Milan | 87 |
| Marc-André ter Stegen | Barcelona | 87 |
Courtois returns from injury and is still considered EA’s top goalkeeper based on reputation and quality. Alisson and Ederson remain consistent performers for their clubs.
Top Defenders
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rúben Dias | Manchester City | 88 |
| Virgil van Dijk | Liverpool | 88 |
| Éder Militão | Real Madrid | 87 |
| William Saliba | Arsenal | 87 |
| Achraf Hakimi | PSG | 86 |
| Alphonso Davies | Bayern Munich | 86 |
| João Cancelo | Manchester City | 85 |
| Marquinhos | PSG | 85 |
Note: João Cancelo is no longer at Barcelona and is now back with Manchester City, pending transfer updates. Rising stars like Saliba are climbing quickly after another strong season with Arsenal.
Top Midfielders
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin De Bruyne | Napoli | 90 |
| Rodri | Manchester City | 89 |
| Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid | 91 |
| Federico Valverde | Real Madrid | 88 |
| Martin Ødegaard | Arsenal | 87 |
| Declan Rice | Arsenal | 87 |
| Bruno Fernandes | Manchester United | 86 |
| Joshua Kimmich | Bayern Munich | 86 |
| Jamal Musiala | Bayern Munich | 87 |
| Pedri | Barcelona | 85 |
| Gavi | Barcelona | 85 |
Kevin De Bruyne’s move to Napoli was one of the biggest surprises this summer and should not affect his elite rating—his technical ability and vision remain unmatched. Bellingham remains one of the few midfielders rated above 90.
Top Forwards
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappé | Real Madrid | 92 |
| Erling Haaland | Manchester City | 91 |
| Vinícius Jr | Real Madrid | 89 |
| Harry Kane | Bayern Munich | 89 |
| Mohamed Salah | Liverpool | 89 |
| Lionel Messi | Inter Miami | 88 |
| Neymar Jr | Al-Hilal | 87 |
| Lautaro Martínez | Inter Milan | 87 |
| Bukayo Saka | Arsenal | 87 |
| Rafael Leão | AC Milan | 86 |
| Khvicha Kvaratskhelia | PSG | 86 |
| Victor Osimhen | Galatasaray | 87 |
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, now with PSG, and Victor Osimhen, who has transferred to Galatasaray, are expected to hold strong ratings after solid seasons in Serie A and strong international appearances. Messi is likely to see a slight downgrade to 88, reflecting his transition into MLS and reduced pace.
Rising Stars to Watch in FC 26
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Lamine Yamal | Barcelona | 88–89 |
| Alejandro Garnacho | Manchester United | 84 |
| Kobbie Mainoo | Manchester United | 82 |
| Xavi Simons | PSG / RB Leipzig (Loan Return) | 84 |
| Rasmus Højlund | Manchester United | 84 |
| Florian Wirtz | Bayer Leverkusen | 86 |
Lamine Yamal’s explosive Euro 2024 has made him the youngest player projected to enter the top-tier ratings bracket. Others like Garnacho and Mainoo have become key players for their clubs and are expected to see major boosts.
Expected Downgrades in EA FC 26
| Player | Club | Predicted Rating | Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Al-Nassr | 85 | 86 |
| Paul Pogba | Juventus | 81 | 83 |
| Eden Hazard | Retired | Not Included | 83 |
| Romelu Lukaku | Chelsea | 82 | 84 |
| Sergio Ramos | Sevilla | 80 | 83 |
Aging players or those with limited playing time are likely to experience rating drops or even be excluded from the base game entirely.
Final Thoughts
EA Sports FC 26 is poised to reflect the current shift in global football—younger stars dominating, veterans declining, and a new generation stepping into the spotlight. With dramatic club transfers and breakout international tournaments, these predicted ratings showcase the evolution of the sport.
From Mbappé and Bellingham to Lamine Yamal and Musiala, the top 100 players in EA FC 26 promise a balanced mix of technical excellence, raw talent, and strategic gameplay potential across Ultimate Team, Career Mode, and Pro Clubs.
Stay tuned for EA’s official ratings reveal, expected weeks before launch.