The annual debate has officially ignited as EA Sports unveils the top-rated stars for the upcoming FC 27. In a move that reflects the shifting power dynamics of world football, two of the game’s most lethal marksmen are set to share the throne when the new title launches this September. While familiar faces remain at the summit, the latest data reveal has sent shockwaves through the community due to several high-profile upgrades and some surprisingly harsh downgrades for Premier League icons.
Real Madrid completed their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Schalke 04 at the Veltins-Arena. Kylian Mbappe scored early on his first pre-season appearance before manager Jose Mourinho handed debuts to new arrivals Marc Cucurella and Yan Diomande.
Real Madrid still love a ‘Galactico’, but ex-Blancos star Michael Owen has told GOAL that there is little chance of Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland forming part of a fearsome frontline at Santiago Bernabeu. Instead, it is likely to remain a case of “one or the other” when it comes to superstar forwards that now operate in the same central striking position.
Former Real Madrid defender Rafa Alkorta has opened up about the dynamic between Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior, claiming that "egos" have prevented the pair from clicking on the pitch. Alkorta expressed hope that new manager Jose Mourinho can finally get the attacking duo to co-exist.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has taken to social media to celebrate the historic achievements of Kylian Mbappe following the conclusion of the World Cup in North America. The head of world football's governing body also used his platform to issue a stern condemnation of racist abuse directed at the French captain.
Sidny Lopes Cabral has officially secured the 2026 World Cup Goal of the Tournament award following his spectacular effort against Argentina. The Cabo Verde star produced a moment of magic that saw off stiff competition from some of the biggest names in world football.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has reached out to the nation with a deeply personal open letter following the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid superstar expressed his gratitude to the supporters and his team-mates while reflecting on a tournament that ended in heartbreak for the Bleus in North America.
Emmanuel Petit believes the "anger and ambition" Jude Bellingham showed at the World Cup should carry directly into his role at Real Madrid, urging Jose Mourinho to lean on both the England midfielder and Kylian Mbappe as genuine leaders as the club looks to rebuild around a stronger collective identity.
A Premier League transfer for Kylian Mbappe in future windows cannot be ruled out, Mikael Silvestre has admitted to GOAL, with the France international being advised to find the “best platform” on which major silverware can be chased down. Mbappe thought he had found that when becoming a ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid, but the biggest of honours are proving difficult to secure.
Real Madrid icon Luis Figo believes Kylian Mbappe remains a primary contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or following a stellar World Cup campaign. The former Portugal international also addressed the persistent rumours linking Manchester City’s midfield anchor Rodri with a high-profile move to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe has officially been unveiled as the face of EA SPORTS FC 27, marking a triumphant return to the spotlight for the world’s premier football simulation. The French captain’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu has solidified his status as the game's ultimate commercial powerhouse, ending a four-year hiatus from the iconic cover.
Kylian Mbappe will have been left “devastated” and “fuming” at his trophy failings with Real Madrid and France, Jeremie Aliadiere has told GOAL, with the ‘Galactico’ forward desperate to emulate Cristiano Ronaldo in the Champions League-winning department. That prestigious European prize has remained elusive to a man who is now the all-time leading goalscorer in World Cup history.
After five weeks, a record 104 matches played and 308 goals scored, the 2026 World Cup is officially over. From a purely footballing perspective, FIFA's biggest tournament of all time did not disappoint, with 48 teams doing battle across three host countries and the vast expanse of North America. And when 46 of those nations had been whittled away, only the top two ranked teams on the planet remained: Spain and Argentina.
There's no sporting event bigger than the World Cup. It's the pinnacle of professional football, where global superstars are born, dreams die and legends live forever. Sometimes, with just one goal, one pass, one tackle, one block or one save, a previously little-known player can become a national hero, a name eternally etched in the memory of a country's collective consciousness.
The 2026 World Cup came to a close in New Jersey on Sunday as Spain were deservedly crowned champions after a dour 1-0 win over 10-man Argentina in one of the worst finals in the tournament history. La Roja substitute Ferran Torres scored the only goal of a game that was essentially attack versus defence even before Enzo Fernandez got himself stupidly sent off for a second yellow card in the final minute of normal time.
Spain’s dominance extended beyond the World Cup trophy, with Rodri headlining the tournament’s official award winners. France's Kylian Mbappe took home the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals, while Unai Simon and Pau Cubarsi earned individual honors as nearly 6.9 million fans attended the expanded 104-match competition across North America.
.jpg?auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=3840&quality=60)
