The wait is almost over. Tomorrow marks the start of the Pre-Season promotion in FC 25, and it promises to be one of the most exciting periods for Ultimate Team players still grinding the game deep into the summer months. EA Sports is set to reintroduce around 300 special cards back into packs, giving players one final massive opportunity to chase the best items in the game before the transition to FC 26 in late September.
While the FUTTIES promotion has been delivering plenty of high-rated cards and fan-favorite upgrades, the return of the game’s top-tier performers including a huge selection of 99-rated cards is what will really get the community buzzing. With this drop, all the top cards from the year, from Icons to FUTTIES heroes, will be back in packs, making it arguably the best time all year to open saved packs, grind upgrade SBCs, and push club building to the limit.
99-Rated cards headline the return
There are currently 38 different 99-rated cards in FC 25, and many of them will be part of the returning pool. Among these are several of the most dominant players the game has ever seen, including:
Ronaldo Nazário – The ultimate endgame striker with blistering pace and lethal finishing
Pelé – Creativity and scoring ability rolled into one, an icon in every sense
Kylian Mbappé – The modern-day superstar with 99 pace and incredible dribbling
Lamine Yamal – One of the breakout stars of world football, with elite stats across the board
Caroline Graham Hansen – A winger with both top-tier speed and elite playmaking
Lionel Messi – Precision, flair, and playmaking mastery at its peak
Georgia Stanway Williams – A dominant midfielder and one of the leaders of England’s European Championship-winning squad
A large portion of these 99-rated cards come from the England Women’s Euro squad, who received special FUTTIES upgrades earlier this summer after their memorable triumph at the European Championships. These cards are not only some of the strongest in the game but also carry significant sentimental value for fans of the squad.
Why Pre-Season is perfect for grinding
For players who have been stacking packs or saving fodder, this is the moment to unleash it all. With the entire upper echelon of cards returning to packs, your chances of pulling truly elite items are better than at any other point in the cycle. The pool is loaded with 95+ rated players, and for those chasing perfection, the chance to hit a 99-rated Icon or FUTTIES superstar has never been higher.
The grind will be real. Expect to see a surge in:
Upgrade SBC completions – Gold, Premium, and Player Pick upgrades will become a staple again
Objective and milestone completions – Many will grind these for extra packs during the promo
Fodder recycling – Completing SBCs for new special cards while getting back into upgrades
For hardcore grinders, the sheer size and quality of the returning pool means there’s almost no bad pull at the top end. Every pack could deliver something game-changing.
New Cards Incoming
While the nostalgia of seeing the year’s best cards back in packs will drive much of the hype, EA is also adding fresh content. The Pre-Season promotion will include new special cards for players who have moved clubs over the summer. Early leaks suggest Florian Wirtz, Olivier Giroud, and João Félix will arrive as SBCs during the event, with more names expected to follow. These cards will likely feature updated club badges and fresh designs, making them a fun addition alongside the returning heavy-hitters.
The Final Push Before FC 26
With FC 26 launching in late September, this Pre-Season promo acts as the ultimate send-off for FC 25 Ultimate Team. It is a last chance to stack your dream squad, test out the best players in the game, and go into the new year having experienced the full power of FUT’s elite tier.
For many players, this is the time to burn through saved packs, finish incomplete objectives, and complete high-value SBCs before the clock resets. Whether you are chasing your first 99-rated player or aiming to collect as many as possible, tomorrow’s Pre-Season drop is the best possible time to make it happen.
FAQ – Pre-Season promo cards
How many special cards will be back in packs?
Around 300 special cards will return, including the year’s top performers and most desirable items.
Are 99-rated cards included?
Yes, and there are currently 38 different 99-rated cards in the game, many of which will be in packs during the Pre-Season promotion.
Will there be new players during Pre-Season?
Yes, EA is expected to add new cards for players who have transferred clubs this summer, with early leaks showing Florian Wirtz, Olivier Giroud, and João Félix as SBCs.
Is this the best time to open saved packs?
Absolutely. With so many top-rated players in packs, your chances of pulling something special are at their highest.
When does FC 26 launch?
FC 26 is set to release in late September, making this the last major event of the FC 25 cycle.
