FC 26 Real Madrid's Now & Then
Every Ultimate Team icon has an origin story. Long before they were 90+ rated walkouts with dynamic images, they were often non-rare silvers or bronzes, taking their first steps in the world of professional football. In our “Now & Then” series, we explore these incredible glow-ups.
This week, we’ve built a projected Real Madrid XI for FC 26, featuring the galácticos of today and tomorrow. Below, we break down each player’s Ultimate Team evolution, comparing their projected FC 26 card to their very first card in the game’s history. This is a unique look at a Real Madrid Past & Present Squad!
The Attack:
- Then (FIFA 17): 71 LW
- Now (FC 26): 91 ST
The journey from a teenage prodigy at AS Monaco to the best player in the world is perfectly captured here. Mbappé’s first card was a 71-rated silver, already hinting at the blistering pace that would terrify defences for years to come. Now, as Real Madrid’s new leading man, he is a 91-rated striker, a complete attacker with near-perfect stats. The staggering +20 overall increase tells the story of a generational talent fulfilling his destiny.
Vini Jr.:
- Then (FIFA 19): 77 LW
- Now (FC 26): 89 LW
When Vinícius Jr. first arrived in Ultimate Team, he was a 77-rated gold card—a raw talent from Flamengo with immense pace and dribbling but an unrefined end product. After years of development at the Bernabéu, he has transformed into one of the most decisive and feared wingers in world football. His +12 rating jump reflects his evolution into a clinical and confident superstar.
- Then (FIFA 19): 76 LW
- Now (FC 26): 85 RW
Like his compatriot Vinícius, Rodrygo entered FUT as a highly-touted Brazilian youngster. His 76-rated card was full of potential, and he has delivered on it time and time again on the biggest stages. Now a versatile 85-rated right winger, his card reflects a mature, intelligent, and incredibly clutch forward who has become indispensable for Los Blancos.
The Midfield:
- Then (FIFA 21): 69 CM
- Now (FC 26): 90 CAM
One of the most meteoric rises in modern football. Jude Bellingham debuted in FIFA 21 as a 69-rated silver for Borussia Dortmund, a teenager with well-rounded but unremarkable stats. Just a few seasons later, he is a 90-rated CAM and a global icon at Real Madrid. His +21 overall rating increase is a testament to his rapid development into the complete midfielder.
- Then (FIFA 19): 70 CDM
- Now (FC 26): 84 CDM
Tchouaméni’s first card was a solid 70-rated silver from his time at Bordeaux, already showcasing the defensive and physical foundations of a future star. After a commanding spell at Monaco and his move to Madrid, he has established himself as an elite defensive midfielder. His 84-rated card is a formidable presence, reflecting a +14 overall improvement.
- Then (FIFA 18): 70 CM
- Now (FC 26): 89 CM
Fede Valverde’s evolution is remarkable. He started as a 70-rated silver, a promising but relatively unknown midfielder in FIFA 18. Today, he is the tireless engine of Real Madrid’s midfield, a world-class 89-rated player whose card is a member of the illustrious “all-80+” club. His +19 overall leap perfectly represents his journey from prospect to a truly complete, do-it-all midfielder.
The Defense & Goalkeeper
- Then (FIFA 23): 62 LB
- Now (FC 26): 80 LB
A potential future star for Madrid, Álvaro Carreras’ rise has been swift. His first card was a 62-rated bronze in FIFA 23. After a stellar breakout season on loan at Benfica, he has proven he belongs at the top level. His 80-rated gold card represents a massive +18 overall jump, marking him as one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs.
- Then (FIFA 13): 61 CB
- Now (FC 26): 86 CB
Rüdiger began his FUT journey over a decade ago as a 61-rated bronze for VfB Stuttgart. Through spells at Roma and Chelsea, where he became a Champions League winner, he forged himself into one of the most physically dominant and aggressive defenders in the game. His incredible +25 overall rating increase is a story of pure determination.
- Then (FIFA 19): 75 RB
- Now (FC 26): 84 CB
Militão’s first card was a strong 75-rated non-rare gold right-back for FC Porto, already blessed with fantastic pace. Since joining Real Madrid, he has transitioned into a world-class centre-back, using that speed to become an elite recovery defender. His +9 rating boost also reflects his vast improvement in defensive and physical attributes.
- Then (FIFA 13): 70 RB
- Now (FC 26): 85 RB
A story of longevity and excellence. Dani Carvajal’s first card was a 70-rated silver during his breakout season at Bayer Leverkusen. After returning to Madrid, he became a cornerstone of a dynasty, winning countless titles. A decade later, he is an 85-rated elite right-back, showing a +15 rating improvement and incredible consistency at the highest level.
- Then (FIFA 11): 58 GK
- Now (FC 26): 89 GK
This is perhaps the most astonishing transformation in the squad. Thibaut Courtois began his Ultimate Team career as a 58-rated bronze goalkeeper for Genk. From a Belgian prospect to a Premier League winner with Chelsea and arguably the best goalkeeper in the world at Real Madrid, his journey is legendary. A mind-blowing +31 overall increase makes his the definitive FUT glow-up story.
The Final Verdict
- Then Squad Rating: 70
- Now Squad Rating: 87
The squad’s transformation is absolutely phenomenal, boasting a +17 average rating increase per player. It is a powerful illustration of Real Madrid’s strategy: identifying world-class potential and nurturing it into world-beating talent.
