EA Sports' FIFA series has been the go-to game for football fans worldwide for nearly three decades, offering virtual versions of the biggest names in football. But with FIFA 23 being the last entry under the iconic brand name, the transition to EA FC 24 marked a new era. While EA FC 24 set the stage for EA Sports' post-FIFA future, EA FC 26-which builds on that foundation-has brought excitement for the next generation of football games.
However, as much as FC 26 Coins has impressed with its gameplay, graphics, and new features, it also left a notable gap: some of the biggest names in the world of football are absent. While licenses, contracts, and player negotiations are always factors that influence the final roster, there are still some surprising omissions. Here, we take a closer look at the most significant footballers missing from EA FC 26, players whose absence has left fans scratching their heads.
- Lionel Messi
Arguably the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi's exclusion from EA FC 26 is one of the most significant talking points. Messi, who made a high-profile switch from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 before eventually moving to Inter Miami in 2023, is a player synonymous with the FIFA series. His iconic dribbles, free kicks, and record-breaking statistics have been a staple in FIFA games for over a decade.
However, Messi's absence in EA FC 26 comes as no surprise considering his recent move to MLS. While Inter Miami has become a global football sensation due to Messi's arrival, the absence of MLS teams and leagues from EA FC is a major factor. It seems that EA Sports did not manage to secure the necessary licensing agreements for Messi's likeness and inclusion, leaving fans who hoped to see the Argentine maestro in action sorely disappointed.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
Another legend missing from EA FC 26 is Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese forward, who has enjoyed a long and illustrious career across Europe, had already made his exit from mainstream European football when he joined Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr in December 2022. Despite his continued high profile, which includes making waves in the Saudi Pro League, his absence is noteworthy.
EA Sports may have found it difficult to negotiate licensing rights with Ronaldo's current club, or perhaps his limited visibility in Europe (at least in the top leagues) impacted his inclusion. Nevertheless, the omission of Ronaldo from EA FC 26 is another blow for fans of the series who were hoping to play as one of football's all-time greats in a video game setting. EA Sports' decision to leave him out raises questions about the future direction of player representation in EA's upcoming titles, especially with many players moving to leagues outside Europe.
- Kylian Mbappé (for PSG)
Though Kylian Mbappé is still featured in EA FC 26 in some capacity, his situation highlights the complexity of licensing and the dynamic nature of football contracts. EA Sports reportedly failed to secure a long-term deal with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) for the 2023-2024 season, resulting in the French star's virtual absence in the club's kit. Instead, Mbappé appears in EA FC 26 wearing the colors of the French national team, not PSG.
While the 24-year-old forward is widely considered one of the best in the world and one of the future faces of football, the contractual issues between EA Sports and PSG left a gaping hole for PSG fans who were hoping to have their star player included in the virtual version of the team. The absence is especially significant considering Mbappé's status as one of the top footballers in the world, and his electric performances in the last few seasons.
- Neymar Jr.
The Brazilian superstar Neymar, who joined Al Hilal in Saudi Arabia in 2023 after a glittering career with Barcelona and PSG, is another notable absence in EA FC 26. Neymar has been one of the most marketable and recognizable faces in football, both in real life and in video games. His dazzling dribbles, tricks, and flair have made him a fan favorite for years, but his recent move to FIFA 26 Coins for sale the Saudi Pro League appears to have complicated matters for EA Sports.
While Neymar's move to the Middle East is significant for his career, his absence from the game serves as a reminder of the ongoing changes within the footballing world. Saudi Arabia's increasing dominance in global football transfers, combined with EA's difficulty in securing licensing deals, has left several players like Neymar unrepresented in the game.
