The wait is finally over. The most anticipated event in the Ultimate Team calendar has arrived as Team of the Year (TOTY) voting kicks off today in FC 26. The hype is reaching a fever pitch with the introduction of Team of the Year nominee loan cards and a fundamental change to how we build our ballot.
However, the excitement is paired with significant market anxiety and a slate of leaks suggesting legendary names are joining the roster soon. Here is everything you need to know about the start of TOTY, the controversial nominee positions, and the state of the market.
The voting twist: Captains and position changes
Voting opens today at 6 PM UK time, but this year EA Sports has introduced a new dynamic. For the first time, voters will select a Captain for both the men’s and the women’s Team of the Year. The community is currently speculating on what this distinction means. Theories range from a higher rating for the elected captain to an additional PlayStyle+ to make the card truly unique.
Beyond the captains, the leaked nominee lists have revealed a major shakeup in positioning that will make the voting process incredibly difficult, particularly in the midfield.
The midfield bloodbath
EA has reclassified several players who traditionally operate as attackers into the midfield category for this vote. This includes:
- Mohamed Salah
- Lamine Yamal
- Raphinha
- Michael Olise
By moving these high-profile wingers to the midfield, they are competing against traditional central players like Jude Bellingham, Vitinha, and Rodri. This categorization could result in legitimate central midfielders being snubbed in favor of attacking firepower.
Notable omissions and inclusions
The defender nominees list features heavy hitters like Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba, and Gabriel, alongside unexpected inclusions like Micky van de Ven. However, the glaring omission is Achraf Hakimi. Despite a strong year with PSG, he is absent from the vote, leaving the right-back spot wide open for competition.
Leaked Icons and Heroes: Legends return
Reliable sources have indicated that new Icons and Heroes may be introduced during the Team of the Year promotional period. The leaks point toward a mix of fan favorites and footballing royalty.
Gabriel Batistuta (Icon) “Batigol” has been a requested addition for years. Leaks suggest a base version with solid shooting but lower physicals, likely followed by a promo version (similar to the treatment of Quaresma’s Hero card) that will be highly meta.
Micah Richards (Hero) In a move that has sparked debate regarding the definition of a “Hero” in FC, Micah Richards is leaked to be joining the roster. Known recently for his punditry, his card is expected to possess the 
Bruiser+ PlayStyle, making him a physical force at the back.
Other Potential Additions:
- Gilberto Silva (Hero): A defensive anchor likely to offer premium physicality.
- Juninho (Hero): The free-kick specialist may finally grace the pitch.
Market watch: Prices Pplummet and Icons spike
The market is currently in a fragile state. Prices for high-end cards are dropping as players liquidate clubs to prepare for TOTY packs. However, a strange phenomenon occurred yesterday involving Icons.
Cards like Frank Rijkaard, Emmanuel Petit, and others saw their prices nearly double in a matter of hours before retracing. While no official confirmation exists, this typically suggests two possibilities:
- Insider Trading: A leak regarding an upcoming Icon Evolution may have triggered investors.
- Coin Transfers: Large-scale illicit coin movements often utilize low-supply cards to transfer value.
Investment Advice: With upgrade SBCs draining clubs of fodder, 83 and 84-rated gold cards are currently trading at near-minimum prices. These represent a low-risk investment for players looking to flip cards when the next set of upgrade SBCs requires these specific ratings.
What to watch today
As we head into content time today, expect the following:
- The Vote: The TOTY website will go live.
- TOTW Release: A new Team of the Week featuring a usable Declan Rice and a finesse-shot-focused Desiré Doué.
- Loan Player Picks: Log in to claim your TOTY nominee loan cards to test the contenders before you cast your vote.
The road to the blue cards begins now. Choose wisely.
