Jude Bellingham Will Be Cover Star for EA Sports FC 25

England superstar Jude Bellingham has been officially unveiled as the cover star for EA Sports FC 25, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career. This announcement comes hot on the heels of England’s recent campaign at the Euros, where Bellingham played a pivotal role. The young midfielder’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of meteoric, and his selection as the cover athlete for one of the world’s most popular sports video games is a testament to his growing influence in the sport.

Jude Bellingham on a Trajectory

Jude Bellingham’s journey from a promising youngster to a global football sensation has been remarkable. At just 20 years old, Bellingham has already established himself as a key player for both his club and country. His dynamic performances on the pitch, characterized by his vision, technical skill, and relentless work ethic, have earned him widespread acclaim. Being featured on the cover of EA Sports FC 25 is a fitting recognition of his contributions to the game.

Reflecting on his achievement, Bellingham shared, “I played this game with my brother all the time growing up. I’ve always thought about how incredible it would be to one day be featured on the cover. There have been so many iconic players on the cover over the years, and I am delighted to be the most recent English player to be bestowed with this honour since 2011.” The last English player to grace the cover was Wayne Rooney, a testament to the significance of this milestone.

The Ultimate Edition Cover

In addition to the standard edition, Jude Bellingham also features on the Ultimate Edition cover of EA Sports FC 25, accompanied by football legends David Beckham, Zinedine Zidane, Gianluigi Buffon, and Spanish star Aitana Bonmatí. This diverse lineup underscores EA Sports’ commitment to celebrating football’s rich history and its global appeal. The presence of these legends alongside Bellingham highlights the game’s blend of iconic past and promising future.

David Beckham’s inclusion on the cover adds a nostalgic element for long-time fans, while Zidane and Buffon bring their legendary status to the forefront. Aitana Bonmatí’s appearance represents the growing influence of women’s football, reflecting the sport’s increasing inclusivity and recognition of female athletes’ achievements.

Moreover this year, EA Sports has opted for a simpler approach to its Ultimate Edition cover art, featuring regular photos of the athletes. This decision comes after a mixed response to the in-game artwork used for EA Sports FC 24. The new cover design aims to provide a more authentic and relatable image, resonating with fans who appreciate the straightforward representation of their favourite players.

Release Date and Early Access

According to an earlier leak, EA Sports FC 25 is set to release in September 2024, with a seven-day early-access period beginning on 20th September. This early-access period allows fans to dive into the game ahead of its official release, offering an exclusive preview of the new features and updates. The anticipation for this release is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the chance to experience the latest instalment in the franchise​.

EA Sports FC 25: What to Expect

EA Sports FC 25 promises to deliver an array of exciting new features and improvements. Building on the success of previous instalments, the game will offer enhanced gameplay mechanics, improved graphics, and more realistic player animations. The introduction of the FC IQ system, a Football Manager-style tactics system, is expected to bring a new level of strategic depth to the game, allowing players to manage their teams with unprecedented precision.

The career mode has also received a significant update, addressing long-standing community requests for a more immersive and realistic experience. This mode now includes live start points, allowing players to begin their careers at various points during the season, reflecting real-world football events. This feature aims to provide a dynamic and engaging experience that mirrors the unpredictability of the actual football season.

Ultimate Team (FUT) mode continues to be a focal point, with various tweaks designed to enhance the gameplay experience. These include increased storage for duplicate untradeable player cards, streamlined menu navigation, and a new points-based system for weekly rewards. Additionally, the decoupling of Friendlies and Rivals aims to create more varied matchmaking, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience for all players.

For more in-depth coverage, read Eurogamer’s big EA Sports FC 25 preview, which details the game’s updates and new features.