The moment the Thunderstruck promo dropped in EA Sports FC 25, I knew it was time to get to work. These aren't just flashy cards with cool designs; they're live items with the potential to grow, tied to the real-world performances of their clubs. I've spent weeks testing, trading, and battling online to separate the truly meta-defining stars from the simply good. While their future upgrades are a fun bonus, I'm here to tell you about the raw, undeniable power these players possess right now. This is my story of chasing the ultimate Thunderstruck squad.
Let's start at the top, with the cheat code himself. Kylian Mbappe's Thunderstruck card feels like playing on easy mode. His pace is maxed out, and his combination of shooting, dribbling, and passing is simply unfair. But it's more than the stats. He has that infamous 'jam' factor—loose balls, rebounds, they all seem to magnetize to his feet as he glides past defenders. Trying to stop him is an exercise in frustration. He's not just the best Thunderstruck card; he's arguably the best card in the game, period.
Coming in a close second for sheer attacking terror is Marcus Rashford. This card has everything you could want in a forward: blistering pace, lethal shooting, and silky dribbling, all rated 91 or higher. His Power Shot Plus PlayStyle is a game-changer, letting you unleash rockets from distance. While his four-star weak foot isn't perfect, it's a minor flaw in an otherwise flawless weapon. Building a team around him is a joy because his Premier League and English links are incredibly versatile.
Now, for the rock at the back. If you're going to spend big coins on one position, make it William Saliba. His base gold card was already a monster, but this Thunderstruck version is on another level. The Anticipate PlayStyle Plus is arguably the most important defensive trait in FC 25, and Saliba has it. He reads the game like a book, snuffing out attacks before they even develop. He's so good that I can't see myself replacing him for months, even as new promos with dual PlayStyles emerge. He's that much of a game-changer for your defense.
Sometimes, the best players aren't the flashiest names. Nicolo Barella is proof of that. ✨ What he lacks in superstar aura, he more than makes up for in accessibility, value, and relentless quality. His stats look good, not great, but in-game, he's everywhere. His movement, his dribbling in tight spaces, his ability to win the ball back—he consistently plays above his numbers. For a fraction of the cost of the top-tier cards, Barella delivers a top-tier midfield performance.
Speaking of value in defense, Jules Kounde is back to being a meta king. His gold card was an early-game staple at right-back, and this Thunderstruck version brings him right back to the forefront. The Jockey PlayStyle Plus is a perfect fit for the position, allowing you to shadow wingers perfectly and change direction on a dime. Plus, his French links open up a world of possibilities for hybrid squads, making him infinitely easier to fit into a team than some other options on this list.
Let's talk about a pure striker's dream. Viktor Gyokeres is an absolute bulldozer. His combination of pace and physicality is almost cartoonish. Once he gets a head of steam, good luck stopping him. He'll bully defenders off the ball and finish with ruthless efficiency. The only catch? His links are a nightmare. Swedish players are rare, and Liga Portugal isn't the easiest league to hybrid with. But if you can build around him, you're getting a top-five striker for a very reasonable price.
The maestro himself, Kevin De Bruyne, commands the midfield with a wand of a right foot. His Incisive Pass Plus is, in my opinion, the single best PlayStyle in the game for a playmaker. Those threaded through balls are a thing of beauty. Yes, he's not the quickest, and his price is astronomical, but in the right hands, he is a surgical instrument that can dissect any defense. He makes everyone around him play better.
Finally, we have the complete modern midfielder. Federico Valverde has been one of the best midfielder cards for years, and this Thunderstruck version is a pre- Team of the Year masterpiece. With PowerShot PlayStyle Plus, he's a threat from anywhere on the pitch. His versatility is his superpower—you can play him at CM, CDM, or even RM, and he'll excel. Like KDB, he's incredibly expensive, but if you're competing in the highest divisions and can afford him, he's a non-negotiable piece of the puzzle.
| Player | Key Strength | Biggest Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Kylian Mbappe | Everything. Pure 'Jam'. | Prohibitively Expensive |
| Marcus Rashford | Complete Attacking Stats, Power Shot+ | 4★ Weak Foot |
| William Saliba | Defensive AI with Anticipate+ | Very High Cost |
| Nicolo Barella | Incredible Value & In-Game Presence | Not a 'Flashy' Name |
| Jules Kounde | Meta RB with Jockey+, Great Links | - |
| Viktor Gyokeres | Pace & Physical Beast, Affordable | Very Difficult to Link |
| Kevin De Bruyne | Best Playmaker Passes (Incisive Pass+) | Low Pace, High Price |
| Federico Valverde | Versatile Box-to-Box with PowerShot+ | Extremely High Price Tag |
In the end, building my Ultimate Team around these Thunderstruck cards has been an electrifying experience (pun intended). Whether you're splashing millions on Mbappe or finding a hidden gem like Barella, this promo has something for every kind of manager. Just remember, the real thunder starts when you find the players that fit your playstyle. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a Division Rivals match to win with my new, shiny squad. ⚡
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