EA FC 26: Cornestones Promo Prediction
EA Sports FC 26 kicks off its first Ultimate Team promo with a mix of world-class names and rising talents — the players chosen are those making the biggest impact at their clubs right now. From defensive leaders to creative playmakers and clinical finishers, these are the footballers in the spotlight for 2025.
Overall, it’s very hard to predict promo that isn’t based on performances. So I’ve tried to go with a flow and pick whoever fits the criteria of Pitch Notes article. Included players from rising stars to established leaders and some of the best signings for few clubs.
Cristian Romero (Tottenham Hotspur)
The new Spurs captain has embraced responsibility, leading Thomas Frank’s defence with authority and aggression. His duels, aerial strength and commanding presence have turned him into the face of Tottenham’s back line.
Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Bruno orchestrates Newcastle’s midfield with vision and intensity. His mix of creativity and bite makes him central to Howe’s revival of the club. He was the first big signing new owners made and one of the best ones at the club so far.
Rodri (Manchester City)
Ballon D’or winner, probably most influential signing by Pep. He’s not part of the project, at one point he was THE Project himself. Returning from a major knee injury, Rodri is being carefully managed back into action by Guardiola. Even with limited minutes, his calm control and passing rhythm make him the heartbeat of City’s midfield.
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s golden boy continues to deliver goals, assists and energy from the right wing. His consistency and ability to produce in big games make him the symbol of Arteta’s project.
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
One of the big 3 at Liverpool. He is absolutely sensational this season and he defines Liverpool’s success. Liverpool’s captain remains a defensive colossus, marshalling the back line with experience and strength. His leadership is crucial as the team navigates a new era. Also, probably the most expensive card in this promo.
Dani Carvajal (Real Madrid)
One of those legends, who risen up from youngster to club legend. I remember him being at loan at Leverkusen, but since he returned to Madrid – he became one the best ones in the world. Until now he performs at highest level and even replaced TAA in starting 11. Carvajal has found a second wind, offering both defensive stability and overlapping runs for Madrid.
Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)
The best signing of the past decade for United. Signed in Winter 2020 and now he’s a captain of a club. United’s creative spark, Bruno drives attacks with vision and energy. His work rate and leadership keep him central to Amorim’s plans.
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Best signing of new project by far (Caicedo is the next one, probably). Cole carried Chelsea numerous times. Palmer has quickly become Chelsea’s attacking star, showing calmness and flair beyond his years. Despite recent injury management, he remains the player Maresca builds around.
Pedri (Barcelona)
Pedri is Barca’s midfield genius, dictating tempo and unlocking defences with intelligence. His presence transforms Hansi Flick’s possession play.
Manuel Neuer (Bayern Munich)
Signed from Schalke way back in 2011 – he still plays every season and still makes saves that me go “Wow”. Even at 39, Neuer continues to redefine goalkeeping with sharp saves and sweeper instincts.
Serhou Guirassy (Borussia Dortmund)
Guirassy’s explosive goalscoring has made him Dortmund’s main striker. His power and finishing keep BVB dangerous in both Bundesliga and Europe.
Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
Bastoni is Inter’s elegant ball-playing defender, equally strong in duels and in progressing play. His balance between defence and build-up makes him irreplaceable.
Matías Soulé (AS Roma)
Soulé’s flair and dribbling light up Roma’s attack. After a breakthrough loan, he now looks like a future star under Gasperini and overall he looks like a next big star in Serie A.
Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
Kinda similar story to Carvajal. Boyhood fan became a captain of a club and became a champion several times. Napoli’s captain brings consistency on the right flank, combining stamina with smart positioning. His leadership keeps the champions steady in big matches.
Francisco Conceição (Juventus)
The young winger’s fearless dribbles and directness give Juve unpredictability. His confidence has made him a fan favourite. And he should be one of the stars in the coming years (unless Juve will sell him).
Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)
Atletico Legend. Man who carried Atletico multiple times, but missed out on a titles with them. Sadly, he didn’t win a UCL or La Liga with them, but still – pivotal signing and at certain times one of the best players in the world. Griezmann has reinvented himself as the complete forward: part creator, part finisher, always tireless.
Willi Orbán (RB Leipzig)
Orban anchors Leipzig’s defence with strength and experience. His leadership balances a squad full of youthful talent.
Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
One of the first signings by Qatar project. Came as a boy from Roma, now captain of UCL winners. Achieved everything with PSG and became most decorated captain of a club. PSG’s captain remains a model of consistency and calm. His reading of the game and loyalty keep him the heartbeat of the team.
Nico Paz (Como)
The young playmaker has impressed at Como with vision and maturity. His rise has made him one of the most talked-about talents in Europe. Real Madrid will probably take him back next year.
Charles De Ketelaere (Atalanta)
Atalanta has unlocked De Ketelaere’s potential, giving him freedom to create and score. His revival in Bergamo makes him one of Serie A’s stories of the season.
Isco (Real Betis)
Isco has rediscovered joy at Betis, dazzling with creativity and ball control. His experience has made him Pellegrini’s midfield leader. I think he is the reason why Betis were competing for titles for the past few years. Fantastic player and glad he found his club after leaving Real Madrid.
José Gayà (Valencia)
Valencia’s loyal captain continues to provide stability at left-back. His consistency and leadership shine in a turbulent period for the club. Another player who started out as a youngster and now he’s legend of a club. Great career, despite Valencia being worse than few decades ago.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)
Back to his best, Oyarzabal combines sharp finishing with creative movement. As captain, he embodies Sociedad’s identity and ambition. Another player who became club captain, while started out as a young player.
António Silva (Benfica)
The young centre-back is one of Europe’s brightest defensive prospects. With Mourinho now at the helm, his composure and timing make him the cornerstone of Benfica’s future.
Pedro Gonçalves (Sporting CP)
“Pote” remains Sporting’s creative spark, equally capable of scoring and assisting. His versatility keeps him among Portugal’s most dangerous attackers.
Diogo Costa (Porto)
Costa is Porto’s reliable last line, combining shot-stopping with calm distribution. His maturity at a young age has made him a leader between the posts.
Kenneth Taylor (Ajax)
Taylor’s tactical intelligence and composure on the ball make him one of Ajax’s brightest midfielders. His adaptability fits perfectly with Ajax’s philosophy. Probably, next big sale by Ajax.
Ismael Saibari (PSV Eindhoven)
Saibari’s strength and technique make him a midfield engine for PSV. His ability to carry the ball through lines adds dynamism to their play.
Inaki Williams (Athletic club de Bilbao)
Man, who Bilbao associated with for a lot of people. Legend of a club, always played for them, broke records and became truly a legend of a club.
That should be it. I hope to get few players right. Some players picked themselves, if I read description of a promo correctly, but we’ll see how it goes, it should be very unpredictable with EA.
