In EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team, the Shapeshifters promo continues to push boundaries by transforming legendary players into completely new roles. One of the most surprising and intriguing cards of the event is Shapeshifter Franco Baresi—a player historically celebrated for his defensive mastery at center back who now finds himself reborn as a box-to-box midfielderEA FC 25 Coins and CDM with elite-level offensive traits.
This 98-rated card turns heads not just because of the name, but because of the dramatic stat shift and versatility he brings to any FUT 25 squad. In this review, we’ll break down Shapeshifter Baresi’s key stats, in-game performance, chemistry links, best positions, and whether he’s worth the hefty coins or squad-building challenge grind.
A Defensive Legend Reimagined
Franco Baresi, the legendary Italian center back for AC Milan and the Azzurri, was never known for flair or offensive prowess. But EA’s Shapeshifter concept flips that narrative, giving players a chance to experience a completely different side of the iconic defender. His Shapeshifter card transforms him into a dominant CDM/CM, blending defensive acumen with surprising agility, creativity, and forward-driving play.
Stats Breakdown (98 OVR)
Let’s dive into the stats that define Shapeshifter Baresi:
Pace: 91 – Baresi finally gets a much-needed pace boost, and it’s noticeable. With 90 Acceleration and 92 Sprint Speed, he’s quick enough to recover on defense and drive forward through midfield.
Shooting: 86 – Surprising for a former center back, Baresi boasts solid shooting stats. His Long Shots (89), Shot Power (92), and Finishing (85) make him a threat when he arrives late in the box.
Passing: 95 – This is where Shapeshifter Baresi shines. With 97 Short Passing, 96 Long Passing, and 94 Vision, he acts like a midfield quarterback. He consistently hits accurate line-breaking passes and switches of play.
Dribbling: 93 – His 90 Agility and 92 Balance allow for smooth turns under pressure, and 95 Ball Control keeps possession tight. Combined with 91 Composure, he rarely misplaces a touch in high-pressure situations.
Defending: 97 – Thankfully, EA didn’t take away his defensive roots. His 98 Interceptions, 96 Standing Tackle, and 97 Defensive Awareness make him elite in his tracking and ball-winning.
Physicality: 94 – With 96 Stamina and 90 Strength, Baresi can run the full 90+ minutes without fading. His 95 Aggression helps him bully attackers and maintain midfield dominance.
Playstyles and Work Rates
PlayStyles+: Intercept+, Long Ball+, and Anticipate+ are game-changers. Intercept+ gives him more auto-interceptions in passing lanes. Long Ball+ makes him the perfect deep-lying playmaker. Anticipate+ increases his ability to dispossess players cleanly.
Work Rates: High/High – Ideal for a box-to-box midfielder. He tracks back aggressively but also makes dangerous forward runs.
In-Game Performance Review
Position Tested: CDM, CM (box-to-box), and even CAM in a pinch
Chem Style Used: Anchor (for stronger defensive presence) and Engine (for balance and mobility)
Defensive Presence: Unsurprisingly, Baresi’s defense is elite. Even when played in a more advanced role, he covers ground, makes top-tier interceptions, and recovers like a natural holding midfielder. His positioning EA FC 25 Coins for sale and ability to win 50/50 duels are second to none.
