Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham will officially be the featured athlete on the cover of EA Sports FC 25’s Standard Edition, along with being one of the cover stars for the game’s Ultimate Edition. At 21 years of age, Bellingham is the youngest star to ever appear on the cover of an EA Sports soccer game. Additionally, he will serve as the cover athlete for EA Sports FC Mobile. This selection marks a significant milestone in Bellingham’s career and reflects his rising prominence in the world of football.

EA Sports FC Series: A New Era

First released in 2023, the EA Sports FC series succeeded the former FIFA series, which began in 1993. The FIFA series saw at least one annual release until its final installment in 2022. The EA Sports FC series continues the legacy of soccer simulation games under the EA brand, but without the connection to FIFA. EA and FIFA ended their partnership after being unable to agree on licensing fees. The rebranding to EA Sports FC represents a new chapter for the series, aiming to innovate and expand its reach within the sports gaming community.

Jude Bellingham: The Youngest Cover Star

Multiple sources had leaked Bellingham as the cover star of EA Sports FC 25 earlier this week. On July 17, EA made the news official, announcing the honor granted to the England national via a press release. The image on the cover of the Standard Edition, captured in April 2024, shows Bellingham celebrating a game-winning goal in front of his home crowd at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium in Madrid. He is performing his signature Belligol celebration. David Jackson, the franchise’s vice president of brand, praised Bellingham’s skills, stating that he “aligns strongly with our future; as we move from product to platform, transcending the sport at the intersection of football, culture, and entertainment, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as this year’s EA Sports FC cover star.”

Cover Star of Both Editions

In addition to being the sole cover star of the Standard Edition, Bellingham appears alongside other football legends on the cover of the game’s Ultimate Edition. Former professionals David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, and Gianluigi Buffon join Bellingham, along with Barcelona women’s midfielder Aitana Bonmatí. This cover, captured in Madrid, shows the athletes in an indoor setting surrounded by 17 of the most well-known trophies in the sport, symbolizing their combined achievements.

Bellingham expressed excitement over being named the cover star. He mentioned that he and his brother frequently played EA soccer games during their youth. He is proud to represent his home country of England on the cover, a feat not achieved in an EA soccer game since 2011.

Game Features and Release Information

A release date leak for EA Sports FC 25 suggests the game will launch on September 27, but this information has not been confirmed. Pre-orders are available, and those who pre-order before August 20 will receive several benefits. These include an untradeable player item for both FC 25 and FC 24, up to seven days of early access, double bonus points when playing with friends, an Icon in Player Career, and some FC Points.

EA Sports FC 25 introduces new features to enhance the gaming experience. One significant addition is the overhaul of positional tactics, known as FC IQ, which aims to provide more realistic and strategic gameplay. Another exciting feature is the new 5v5 Rush mode, offering a fast-paced, small-sided football experience.

Platforms and Development

EA Sports FC 25 will be available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game is developed by EA Canada and EA Romania and published by EA Sports. The genre remains firmly rooted in sports, offering both online and local multiplayer modes, including online co-op and local co-op options.

Final Thoughts

The announcement of Jude Bellingham as the cover star for EA Sports FC 25 marks a significant moment in the game’s history. His selection reflects the game’s focus on young talent and the future of football. As EA Sports FC continues to evolve, it promises to bring fresh and innovative features to the beloved soccer simulation series. With an extensive list of platforms and enhanced gameplay mechanics, EA Sports FC 25 is set to be a must-have for football gaming enthusiasts.

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