The latest FC 26 ratings leak is not just another list of numbers. It looks like EA is reshaping how starter golds feel on the pitch by handing out more base PlayStyles and more Role pluses than we saw in FC 25. If that holds when the official database lands, early meta might lean more on strong base cards which could stretch the power curve and make the opening weeks fairer for more squads.
The leak shows sweeping consistency across cards. Many returning stars gain extra base PlayStyles, several attackers get the new Low Driven Shot and split Trivela logic, and quite a few elites carry two Role++ slots out of the gate. Stats still matter and should matter even more this year, but the early read is that golds will simply be more usable for longer.
Standout upgrades: from Lamine Yamal to Mbappé
Lamine Yamal jumps from an 81 to an 89 and expands from four to six base PlayStyles. Along with 
Technical+ and 5★ skills, he picks up Finesse, Incisive Pass, First Touch, Quick Step, plus the new split Trivela family: Game Changer for shooting and Inventive for passing. He also appears to carry two Role++ designations, unusual for a day-one gold last year and a signal that Roles matter more across the board.
Icons reflect the same philosophy. Gareth Bale retains 
Rapid+ and keeps Finesse, Power Shot, Acrobatic and Quick Step, then adds Low Driven Shot and the hyped Enforcer base PlayStyle. That combo allows nasty low driven power or finesse finishes that were already lethal in FC 25.
Kylian Mbappé remains a 91 but gains more PlayStyles including the new Trivela-style shooting, Low Driven, and First Touch. Crucially, he looks set with two Role++ tags: Advanced Forward++ at ST and Inside Forward++ at LW. Two Role++ on a base gold is a big meta flag.
Hidden gems that could anchor starter squads
Starter budgets will chase cards that blend speed, Role utility, and the right style mix. A few jump out:
• Éderson (Atalanta) gets a tidy all-round CM kit. He moves from three to seven base PlayStyles including Anticipate, Intercept, Precision Header, Incisive Pass, Long Ball, Aerial Fortress and Relentless. That reads like a two-way early bulldog who wins second balls and sparks counters.
• Anthony Elanga gains Low Driven Shot, Rapid, Quick Step, and Enforcer, plus a 5★ weak foot. Even with pace slightly nerfed across the pool, his straight-line burst will still pop. Expect Evolutions to supercharge him early if requirements fit.
• Nico Williams looks wild again. Five-star weak foot, Rapid+, Inside Forward++, Game Changer, Inventive, Quick Step, Finesse, and Relentless. Left or right side, he will roast fullbacks on day one.
• A budget Women’s CAM-to-ST option appears very undervalued in the leak set. With Low Driven, Finesse, Game Changer, First Touch, Relentless and 
Chip Shot+, it reads like a flexible finisher who can be shifted up top if you do not need passing styles at CAM.
Defense and Fullbacks: more aerial tools and smarter Roles
Center backs and fullbacks show meaningful upgrades that answer last year’s balance complaints. Multiple CBs pick up Intercept, Block, Jockey, Aerial Fortress and Slide Tackle together, sometimes with Long Ball and Precision Header for set-piece threat. That is huge on corners where a CB with Precision Header plus Aerial Fortress can be decisive at both ends.
Jules Koundé still features 
Jockey+ and adds Long Ball, Slide Tackle, Aerial Fortress and Quick Step, with Ball Playing Defender++ and Wing Back++ Roles. The positional flexibility on elites is wider too, which lets you solve chemistry and custom tactics without buying a second expensive card.
On the flanks, Achraf Hakimi adds Anticipate and Low Driven Shot with Attacking Wing Back++. You would love a defensive Role on top, but his real-world profile suits the attacking tag. Nuno Mendes lands Anticipate as well with Attacking Wing Back++ which means Paris still has jet engines on both sides.
Midfield brains: De Jong and Valverde look like week-one anchors
Frenkie De Jong shows Incisive, Inventive, 
Tiki Taka+, and Press Proven DLP+ at CM, plus Half Winger utility. That screams control, tempo and carry. Federico Valverde is again a menace with Rapid, Intercept, Long Ball, Power Shot, Slide Tackle, Aerial Fortress and 
Relentless+, and he can cover RB on the base card. Clubs that love early 4-4-2 or 4-3-2-1 presses will eye him as the glue.
Forwards that will terrorize weekend FUT Champs
Karim Benzema picks up Low Driven+, First Touch, Relentless, Incisive, Game Changer and Finesse. Even with lower pace, he will punish poor blocks inside the box.
Ademola Lookman carries Advanced Forward and Half Winger with Low Driven, Game Changer, First Touch, Dead Ball and Quick Step. That profile fits 4-3-3 false nine looks or a direct 4-4-2 partner.
Rafael Leão remains a five-star skill monster with Rapid, Quick Step, Incisive, Game Changer and Trickster. If Evolutions bump his shooting early, expect terror on the left channel.
Xavi Simons has the perfect CAM style cocktail: Tiki Taka, Finesse, Incisive, Inventive, Technical and First Touch. If base stats receive modest boosts via informs or an early Evo, this card will cook.
Viktor Gyökeres is the one to watch. Enforcer+, Quick Step, Finesse, Power Shot, Low Driven, Advanced Forward++ and Press Proven. Strong pace and big-body finishing with the current Enforcer chatter makes him a defintely scary early buy.
Roles matter more, but stats should matter again
All signs point to EA smoothing the giant gap between Role, Role+ and Role++ that existed in FC 25. More base Roles on golds and more cards with two Role++ should make players feel viable for longer without needing instant promos. At the same time, the leak and EA’s messaging suggest a smaller overall power curve which brings raw stats back into focus. Pace appears toned down across many cards, which raises the value of true burners and increases the premium on Quick Step and Rapid, yet ball control perks like Technical+, First Touch and Tiki Taka+ look set to decide tight games.
Official FC info hub for features and pitch notes: https://www.ea.com/games/ea-sports-fc
FAQ: FC 26 ratings leak, PlayStyles and Roles
Are these FC 26 ratings confirmed?
No, they are leaked and not officially confirmed by EA.
Do gold cards now start with more PlayStyles?
Yes, most leaked cards show extra base PlayStyles compared to FC 25.
Will pace still dominate early meta?
Pace is nerfed overall, but true burners will be more valuable.
What is the new Enforcer PlayStyle?
It boosts physical duels and is rumored to be very strong.
How will Evolutions interact with these new cards?
Extra PlayStyles may block some early Evos but improve long-term upgrades.
