EA has officially confirmed one of the most anticipated returns in FIFA history. After leaks and speculation, the legendary Diego Armando Maradona is coming back to FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) with a brand-new card for EA Sports FC 25. Fans of the Argentine icon are buzzing about the prospect of using his legendary skills on the virtual pitch again, but with so many questions surrounding his card and the upcoming promo, there’s a lot to unpack. Here’s everything we know about the Maradona return and what you can expect from the upcoming promo and market fluctuations.

The Return of Maradona: What Does This Mean for FUT 25?

Diego Maradona’s absence from FIFA titles since FIFA 22 has been sorely felt by many players. His iconic card was retired following the tragic passing of the football legend, but EA has now resolved whatever rights issues had kept him out of the game. FIFA players have been eagerly awaiting this moment, and the announcement has sent waves of excitement across the community.

According to EA’s official tweet, Maradona will be featured in the upcoming Grassroots Greats promo starting this Friday, February 14. This promo will not only celebrate the return of the legend himself but also feature other high-profile cards. Fans are hoping that this could mark the beginning of a broader series that introduces more historic footballing figures.

You can learn more about the new Maradona card in this video from TheFutAccountant.

Will Maradona Be Playable or Locked Behind Packs?

While many fans are eager to add Maradona to their teams, a significant question remains: will the card be available to everyone, or will it be locked behind an exclusive set of requirements? Given the way EA has hyped up Maradona’s return, it’s likely that his card will be available in packs as part of the Grassroots Greats promo. However, whether the card will be available for all players or just those with deep pockets remains unclear.

The big question on everyone’s mind is whether Maradona will be freely accessible, like the Jude Bellingham and Zinedine Zidane cards from previous promos. Some players are hoping EA will surprise them with a free version of the Maradona card, but this seems unlikely given the current trend of making icons like this available through packs or loan versions only.

If you’re hoping for a way to use Maradona without breaking the bank, it’s likely that the best chance would be through a loan version, similar to the ones we’ve seen with recent promos such as Future Stars. A loan card could be a way for players to experience the magic of Maradona without forking out millions of coins on the transfer market.

Maradona’s Card Design and Expected Stats

With Maradona’s return, players are eager to know what his card will look like in FC 25. EA has already teased his new dynamic image, and the hype surrounding his card is palpable. While the exact stats are yet to be revealed, we can expect a card that closely mirrors the skill and flair that defined Maradona’s legendary career.

Typically, icons like Maradona boast elite dribbling stats, exceptional ball control, and a killer instinct in front of goal. Players are also speculating that his card could feature high ratings in areas like vision, passing, and agility. Whether EA opts for a base version, a baby version, or something in-between remains a mystery, but one thing is for sure: the community is ready to see what this iconic legend can do in FC 25.

Given Maradona’s skillset in real life, expect his FUT card to reflect the magic and unpredictability that made him a household name. He may even feature some new play styles or playstyle plus attributes to add even more flavor to his return.

https://twitter.com/FutPoliceLeaks/status/1889030050319589555

Impact on the FUT Market and SBCs

Maradona’s return will undoubtedly have a ripple effect on the FC market. In anticipation of the promo, many players have already begun making moves on the transfer market, and prices have been fluctuating accordingly. Some FUT traders are seeing a rise in prices for popular players like Allan Shearer and Garnacho, while others, such as Rudiger, have seen their values dip slightly.

As always with big promos, market fluctuations are expected. If you’re planning on flipping cards this week, now might be a good time to jump in before the promo officially drops. Expect to see prices of in-form and special cards skyrocket as the hype surrounding Maradona and the rest of the Grassroots Greats promo builds.

Additionally, EA may introduce new SBCs and player pick packs in line with this promo. For example, an 80+ Player Pick is currently available, allowing players to get higher-rated cards in exchange for rare and non-rare cards. It’s worth keeping an eye on these SBCs in case they offer further opportunities for market movement or improve your squad.

What’s Next for FUT?

The announcement of Maradona’s return has certainly raised expectations for the upcoming Grassroots Greats promo, but there are still many questions to be answered. Will there be more iconic legends making a comeback? Will there be new features introduced with this promo, or will it be similar to past releases? Whatever the case, the excitement surrounding Maradona’s return is palpable, and the community is ready to dive back into FUT to experience his magic once more.

For all the latest updates on FC 25 and the Grassroots Greats promo, be sure to stay tuned to EA’s official announcements. You can follow EA Sports on Twitter for real-time updates, or visit their website for further details.