Twelve new ICONs join the game, including recently retired superstars and fan-requested legends across men’s and women’s football
Redwood City, California – Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA) has officially unveiled the highly anticipated class of EA SPORTS FC 26 ICONs, featuring the most fan-requested legendary players to date. The announcement showcases twelve iconic footballers spanning both men’s and women’s football, with seven having recently retired from professional play.
The Complete FC 26 ICON Class
The star-studded lineup represents a perfect blend of generational talent and fan favorites:
Men’s ICONs:
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – Swedish striker and Ultimate Edition cover athlete
- Andrés Iniesta – Spanish midfield maestro
- Toni Kroos – German midfield controller
- Giorgio Chiellini – Italian defensive stalwart
- Francesco Totti – AS Roma legend
- Marcelo – Brazilian attacking full-back
- Oliver Kahn – German goalkeeping icon
- Cha Bum-Kun – South Korean football pioneer
Women’s ICONs:
- Alex Morgan – USWNT striker and global superstar
- Caroline Seger – Swedish midfield legend
- Sissi – Brazilian attacking icon
- Steffi Jones – German defender and coach
Player Reactions and Legacy
The newly minted ICONs expressed their excitement about joining the prestigious group. USWNT legend Alex Morgan emphasized the honor of the recognition:
“I’m excited to be able to further my legacy in FC 26 as an ICON. To be recognized among the game’s ICONS is an honor, and I hope to continue inspiring the next generation of players who dream of leaving their mark on the field.”
Never one to lack confidence, Zlatan Ibrahimović delivered his trademark flair:
“No matter what they say, Zlatan is back. For the fans who always believed in me, you can now play as Zlatan, as an ICON, the way it was meant to be.”
Enhanced Gameplay Features
The new ICON class will be fully integrated into Football Ultimate Team™ with Competitive Gameplay enhancements, including:
- Smoother dribbling mechanics
- Faster passing execution
- Increased stamina capacity
- Unlimited control features
Clubs Mode Integration
Five of the new ICONs will inspire distinct Archetypes in FC 26’s Clubs mode, each offering unique characteristics and customization options:
- Zlatan Ibrahimović – Target Archetype
- Alex Morgan – Finisher Archetype
- Toni Kroos – Maestro Archetype
- Oliver Kahn – Shot Stopper Archetype
- Andrés Iniesta – Creator Archetype
FC Mobile Immediate Availability
Responding to community feedback, EA has made all new men’s ICONs immediately available in FC Mobile, featuring special content:
Chronicles Mode
Players can experience Zlatan Ibrahimović’s career highlights to unlock his ICON player item for Ultimate Team.
Challenge System
Complete August events and in-game challenges to earn specific ICON player items.
Live Events
New FC Mobile events featuring exclusive player items and star passes.
Pre-Order Incentives and Release Timeline
PRE-ORDER EA SPORTS FC 26 TODAY
Fans who pre-order the EA SPORTS FC 26 Ultimate Edition by August 26 will receive one untradeable Debut ICON from a roster of 15, including new class members plus fan favorites like R9, Thierry Henry, and Steven Gerrard.
ICON Evolution System:
- Debut ICONs (September 19): Recognize early career potential
- Champion ICONs (November): Commemorate major silverware moments
Platform Availability
EA SPORTS FC 26 launches globally on September 26, 2025, across multiple platforms:
- PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4
- Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One
- PC and Amazon Luna
- Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
Ultimate Edition early access begins September 19, 2025.
EA Play Benefits
EA Play members receive exclusive access, including:
- 10-hour early access trial starting September 19
- Seasonal Ultimate Team™ Draft Tokens
- Clubs rewards
- 10% discount on EA digital content
Community-Driven Development
This ICON class represents EA SPORTS FC’s commitment to incorporating community feedback, with the selection heavily influenced by fan requests and voting. The inclusion of recently retired players allows fans to celebrate legends who shaped modern football.
Looking Ahead
The FC 26 ICON class bridges generational gaps in football, offering players the opportunity to control legends from different eras and regions. With enhanced gameplay mechanics and expanded customization options, these ICONs promise to deliver authentic experiences that honor each player’s unique style and legacy.
The announcement continues EA SPORTS FC’s evolution as the premier football gaming experience, combining nostalgia with cutting-edge technology to create the most comprehensive football simulation available.
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