As we head into 2026, building the ultimate Premier League squad in EA Sports FC 25 remains the holy grail for many managers. The meta evolves, but the quest for the perfect eleven is a never-ending journey. Whether you're assembling a team of modern superstars or crafting a formidable past-and-present side with Heroes, knowing which cards pack a serious punch is key. This list cuts through the noise, factoring in the latest and greatest versions of each player—because let's be real, a Gold card and a Thunderstruck card can be a world apart. So, without further ado, let's dive into the cream of the Premier League crop you need to target for your Ultimate Team.
7. Erling Haaland – Manchester City
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Erling Haaland continues to be a physical specimen in the real world, but in the 2026 iteration of FC 25, his Ultimate Team card hasn't quite become the absolute meta-defining force some expected. His usual weaknesses—agility and dribbling in tight spaces—can hold him back from a higher ranking. However, he's still a force to be reckoned with in the right setup. The trick is to play to Haaland's strengths by targeting him with crosses and cut-backs into the box. Let him take one touch and unleash a shot; in those moments, he's absolutely clinical and can change a game in an instant. If you build your tactics around feeding the beast, he will deliver.
6. Kevin De Bruyne – Manchester City
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Kevin De Bruyne, the maestro, rightfully sits among the elite passers in FC 25. His all-around game is nothing short of sensational, placing him in the Premier League's upper echelon. His Thunderstruck card, boasting a jaw-dropping 96 Passing, is the stuff of dreams for creative managers. However, his prohibitively high price on the transfer market keeps him a rare sight, making him a true luxury item. The good news? His main weakness, Pace, is hardly a deal-breaker when you slot him into the CAM position. From there, his sky-high Passing, Shooting, and Dribbling stats allow him to orchestrate play and be the essential heartbeat of any top-tier team.
5. Yaya Touré – Hero
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Don't let the "Hero" tag fool you—Yaya Touré is an absolute unit in midfield. He might not have the flashy passing numbers of a De Bruyne, but his all-around game and defensive presence in midfield make him one of the most intimidating and complete players you can face. While others contribute more offensively, few cards in the entire game can match Touré's unique blend of intimidating physicality, raw strength, and ball-winning ability. He's the ultimate destroyer who can also drive forward. If you need a lynchpin to win back possession and control the center of the park, Yaya Touré is one of the best PL players you can get, full stop.
4. Eden Hazard – Hero
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The wizard is back! Eden Hazard makes a triumphant return to the virtual pitch in FC 25 with his first card since retirement, paying homage to his dazzling Premier League years. With an excellent quartet of high Pace, Shooting, Dribbling, and Passing, he's legitimately one of the best wingers you'll find in FC 25. Slot him on the left flank and watch the magic happen. His main drawback is a lack of strength, meaning he can be muscled off the ball. The key is to take advantage of his Technical PlayStyle Plus to dance around defenders with quick turns and agile movements. With a bit of finesse, Hazard becomes an absolute nightmare for any full-back.
3. Virgil van Dijk – Liverpool FC
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ |
It might raise some eyebrows to see Virgil van Dijk not at the very top, but in the 2026 FC 25 landscape filled with powerful Heroes, competition is fierce. However, if you manage to pack or buy his Road To The Knockouts (RTTK) version, there's zero debate—he's an automatic starter for the foreseeable future. Van Dijk's Aerial PlayStyle Plus makes him utterly dominant on set pieces, both when defending your own box and attacking the opponent's. His mere presence on the team sheet is enough to make opponents think twice about launching crosses or playing through the middle. He's the ultimate defensive rock.
2. Marcus Rashford – Manchester United
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Marcus Rashford's Thunderstruck card is a game-changer. It transforms him from a solid Gold card into one of the best English players in FC 25, thanks to a massive ten-point overall boost. This version of Rashford is an absolute demon with unprecedented attacking attributes, making him one of the most lethal forwards released so far. Beyond the stellar stats, he comes equipped with the Power Shot PlayStyle Plus, which many argue is the single best PlayStyle in the entire game. If you're lucky enough to pack this card, do whatever it takes to fit him into your starting XI. You'll then get to enjoy the incredible power and pinpoint accuracy of his shots from almost any angle.
1. Jaap Stam – Hero
| Weak Foot | Skill Moves |
|---|---|
| ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐⭐ |
And the winner is... 🏆 Jaap Stam claims the crown as the current best Premier League player in EA FC 25. The Dutch powerhouse debuts with a formidable Prime Hero card that not only tops the PL charts but is also in the conversation for the best defender in the game, period. Acquiring his Prime Hero card on the open market is a serious challenge and will cost a fortune, but those who have him swear by his effectiveness. He completely lives up to his sky-high defensive ratings and brings a truckload of defensive PlayStyles to the table, headlined by the brutal Bruiser PlayStyle Plus. Stam isn't just a defender; he's an impenetrable wall that bullies attackers off the ball with ease. Building your defense around him is a pro gamer move for 2026.
Final Thoughts 🔚
So there you have it—the elite Premier League players to chase in EA FC 25 as of 2026. From the raw power of Haaland to the technical brilliance of Hazard, and the defensive mastery of Stam, this list offers a blueprint for success. Remember, the best card isn't always the highest rated; it's the one that fits your playstyle like a glove. Now get out there, hit the transfer market, and start building your dream squad! 🎮⚽
Comments