FC 26 hidden gems that could define starter squads ⇒ FUTFC

Every new FC cycle begins with managers searching for affordable players who punch above their weight. These are the hidden gems – cards that combine key PlayStyles, useful Roles, and solid stats at a price most players can actually afford.

The leaked FC 26 database suggests that EA has given more base PlayStyles and Role++ tags to gold cards than ever before. This makes the hunt for bargains even more exciting because some 80 to 83 rated cards now carry toolkits that rival last year’s promos. Here are the best hidden gems that could shape starter squads in Ultimate Team this year.

Anthony Elanga: Newcastle’s budget weapon

Anthony Elanga recently joined Newcastle United, and his leaked FC 26 card looks like one of the most attractive starter options. Rated just 81, Elanga has:

Low Driven Shot PlayStyle
Rapid and Quick Step for raw pace
Enforcer PlayStyle, rumored to be overpowered
Five-star weak foot

With pace toned down across much of the player pool, Elanga’s speed is priceless. The Enforcer trait makes him unusually strong in duels for a winger, while his weak foot means he can finish on either side. Expect him to be in demand from day one.

FC 26 UEFA Primetime Upgrades: Live Tracker and Guide (2025‑26)

Éderson: Atalanta’s all-action midfielder

Éderson, who plays in Serie A for Atalanta, might be the pick of the midfield bargains. The Brazilian CM received a +2 overall boost and now carries a massive seven base PlayStyles, up from just three in FC 25. These include:

Anticipate and Intercept for defensive recovery
Precision Header and Aerial Fortress for set pieces
Incisive Long Ball to spark counters
Relentless for stamina

That package makes Éderson one of the most balanced box-to-box midfielders in his rating range. With Brazilian chemistry links and Serie A popularity, he could be a cornerstone of early hybrids.

Nico Williams: Athletic Club’s rising star

Athletic Club winger Nico Williams is set to dominate early matches. His leaked card features:

Five-star weak foot, four-star skills
Rapid+ for acceleration
Inside Forward++ Role
Game Changer and Inventive for Trivela magic
Finesse, Quick Step, and Relentless

Nico can play both wings, meaning you can slot him anywhere in a starter XI. With pace and dribbling already nerfed across other cards, his combination of Rapid+ and elite shooting PlayStyles makes him a nightmare in FUT Champs.

See more hidden gems in this video from TheFutAccountant

Antonee Robinson: Fulham’s budget fullback

Fulham and USMNT left back Antonee Robinson received a solid upgrade that makes him a strong starter option. He remains lightning fast but now has a better mix of PlayStyles:

Rapid and Relentless for pace and stamina
Intercept and Jockey for defensive reliability
Whipped Pass and Long Ball for progression

Robinson is also likely to be Evolution-friendly thanks to his lower rating. That makes him a card that can stay relevant for months if boosted with the right Evo upgrades.

Lorient’s Lorian: the underrated speedster

One of the lesser-known names in the leaks is a Lorient attacker, Lorian, who comes with 91 base pace. His card includes:

Rapid and Quick Step for burst
Trickster for skill animations
Game Changer, Finesse, and Incisive PlayStyles

This mix makes him an excellent budget alternative to the pricier Premier League wingers. If his shooting holds up, he could be one of the sneakiest starter picks in FC 26.

Xavi Simons: undervalued CAM option

While Xavi Simons is known in real life, his FC 26 rating suggests he could still be underpriced compared to his PlayStyle mix. His leaked card has:

Tiki Taka, Finesse, Incisive, Inventive, Technical and First Touch
Solid dribbling base stats for control
Evo potential to patch pace and shooting

If stats matter more this year, Simons might start slow. But if PlayStyles remain decisive, he could easily run early weekend FUT Champs.

Women’s cards: overlooked but powerful

Women’s cards often end up undervalued in Ultimate Team despite strong stats and versatile PlayStyles. FC 26 leaks suggest several could become true hidden gems:

Matteo (CAM/ST): Equipped with Low Driven, Finesse, Game Changer, First Touch, Relentless, and Chip Shot+, this card has the traits to be an early starter striker despite a modest rating. Four-star skills and three-star weak foot make her usable from the jump.
Catarina Macario (OL Lyon): With technical ability and strong PlayStyles like Inventive and Quick Step, she could be a cheap option for building hybrid squads that link Ligue 1 and NWSL players.
Lauren Hemp (Manchester City): Known for pace and crossing in real life, her FC 26 card is likely to be ignored compared to Premier League men’s wingers. Yet her Whipped Pass and Rapid PlayStyles could make her an efficient wide option early.

These cards may not headline promos, but their stats-to-price ratio will appeal to managers looking for affordable upgrades.

Why hidden gems will matter more in FC 26

With EA flattening the power curve and reducing extreme stat boosts, gold cards will stay competitive longer than in previous years. Hidden gems like Elanga, Éderson, Robinson, and Matteo will not just be stopgaps but potential cornerstones for starter squads through multiple promos. Evolutions will only enhance their value as they can patch weaknesses while retaining elite PlayStyles.