With the release of FC 25 just around the corner, excitement is building as EA has started unveiling the official player database, offering a glimpse into the ratings, roles, and playstyles of some of the game’s top stars. This early access to crucial information allows players to begin crafting their strategies for their Ultimate Team squads and gives an insight into how the game’s new mechanics—FC IQ and Roles—will impact gameplay and the in-game economy.
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the initial ratings release, key player upgrades, and the much-anticipated changes in the meta due to the introduction of FC IQ. We’ll also look at the Role Plus+ system, leaks around the game’s first promo, and the market impact of these changes.
Player Ratings and FC IQ Roles
EA officially kicked off the ratings reveal by releasing the top 25 players from both the men’s and women’s categories. Big names like Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are already confirmed, and fans are buzzing about the upgrades and new features.
For Mbappé, EA has not only maintained his 91 rating, but also given him an additional Finesse Shot Playstyle, which was previously exclusive to his higher-rated special cards in FC 24. This upgrade alone will make Mbappé even more desirable as a top-tier card and likely one of the most expensive players on the market. His Playstyle boosts his finishing, giving him superior finesse shots, and with his Real Madrid transfer, the French forward now has incredibly strong chemistry links, making him a must-have for many squads.
Meanwhile, Jude Bellingham, who also joined Real Madrid, has received a massive upgrade. With a 12-point boost to his positioning, 13-point improvement in finishing, and a whopping 19-point increase in free-kick accuracy, Bellingham is shaping up to be one of the most versatile and well-rounded midfielders in the game. The in-game visuals for these stat boosts showcase his transformation from a solid player in FC 24 to a complete powerhouse in FC 25.
However, it’s not just the overall stats that players should focus on—it’s the Roles. With FC IQ replacing traditional tactics and work rates, every player now has a unique role on the pitch. These roles are divided into base roles, Role Plus, and Role Plus Plus, each affecting how a player behaves when controlled by AI.
For example, Mbappé’s Inside Forward Role Plus+ allows him to make AI-controlled runs behind defenses with extreme accuracy, making him a constant threat even when you’re not manually controlling him. Role Plus+ designations will significantly influence how players perform in automated situations, altering the game’s meta and making specific cards more valuable.
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The Impact of Playstyles and Role Plus+
One of the most exciting aspects of FC 25 is the expanded role of Playstyles and how they integrate with the new Role Plus+ system. In FC 24, Playstyle Plus was already a game-changer, with cards like Graham Hansen and her Finesse Plus card becoming some of the most meta-defining items throughout the year.
In FC 25, this concept has been taken further with Role Plus+. Players with these designations are essentially elite versions of their base counterparts. For instance, Vinícius Júnior with an Inside Forward Plus+ will have advanced positioning and attacking runs that could make him one of the most dangerous cards in the game.
The role system now impacts players both when they are user-controlled and AI-controlled, giving these players an edge on both ends of the spectrum. Cards with Role Plus+ or Role Plus will likely be more expensive on the transfer market due to their high in-game performance, especially when coupled with desirable Playstyle Plus abilities like Finesse Shot or Technical Dribbling.
But it’s not just attackers that benefit from this system. Goalkeepers are also receiving their fair share of upgrades. For example, Gianluigi Donnarumma has been given Deflector Plus, which offers unique deflection animations and more powerful parries. Thibaut Courtois features 1v1 Close Down Plus, giving him better reflex saves in close-shot scenarios. These Playstyles can completely redefine how goalkeepers perform, and having the right one can make a significant difference in tight matches.
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Player Stat Changes and Market Impact
While overall player ratings are critical for squad building, looking deeper into individual stat changes provides further insight. One of the most significant upgrades belongs to Jude Bellingham, who saw dramatic improvements in his shooting and defensive attributes. These boosts are designed to make him a more dominant player, especially in competitive modes like Ultimate Team.
But not all stat upgrades are as balanced. For instance, Lautaro Martínez received a significant +20 standing tackle boost, a stat typically unimportant for forwards, which raised questions about how EA determines stat increases. This disproportionate improvement highlights the nuances of stat changes, encouraging players to dig deeper into specific upgrades to determine which cards are truly worth the investment.
Another interesting point in FC 25 is the removal of Center Forward from the list of positions. Instead, players like Mbappé are now classified as Strikers or Left Wingers, with roles overlapping to cover the tactical flexibility that a center forward might provide. This change, while initially confusing, plays into the more nuanced FC IQ system, where roles like striker and attacking midfielder can adapt to cover center forward-type movements.
Expect the market to respond swiftly to these changes, especially with top-tier cards like Mbappé and Bellingham. The addition of key Playstyles such as Finesse Shot for attackers will drive up prices. Cards with Role Plus+ designations will likely dominate the meta early on, becoming highly sought-after and potentially scarce in supply.
Leaks and Upcoming Promo
One of the most exciting aspects of this early release period is the potential for FC 25’s first promo event. Leaks suggest that the first promo could be called Total Rush, a theme that might tie into the season’s rush mode. This could either be a standalone promo or tied into a seasonal objective, similar to last year’s Nike Mad Ready promo that accompanied Early Access.
The promo cards for Total Rush are expected to feature enhanced playstyles and roles, making them essential items for players looking to gain an early advantage in Ultimate Team. EA has been silent about the exact details, but leaks from reliable sources suggest that we’ll see a range of high-powered cards during the Early Access period.
As more leaks emerge, we’re seeing that players like Andrick (77 rated) are already showcasing their new roles and playstyles on social media. Andrick, for instance, features Advanced Forward Plus and comes equipped with Rapid Quick Step and Power Shot, making him a valuable asset for any starter squad. Expect more players to follow suit with official leaks from clubs and players’ social media channels, as seen with teams like Chelsea teasing their players’ ratings online.
What to Expect Next
With the official FC 25 ratings database being updated daily, expect more high-profile players and meta-defining cards to be revealed throughout the week. EA will drip-feed the database up until September 13th, when the full list of players will be accessible.
For those eager to start building their squads, you can now start experimenting with potential team compositions as sites like Futbin begin integrating the new ratings. Players should focus on assembling balanced teams that take full advantage of the new FC IQ system, roles, and playstyles.
Be sure to keep an eye on EA Sports Pitch Notes for further insights into FC 25’s gameplay changes, player roles, and tactical adjustments. As the game’s full release draws nearer, more leaks and official announcements are expected, offering players the chance to stay ahead of the competition.
This early access to the database gives players a golden opportunity to prepare, strategize, and get ready for what promises to be one of the most exciting iterations of FIFA yet, under its new FC branding.
