We have our very first piece of official FC 26 Ultimate Team content, as the La Liga Player of the Month (POTM) vote is now open. Fans can cast their votes on the EA Sports POTM page, and this will be the very first award of the new cycle.
The nominees include Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, Nico Williams, Nicolás Pépé, and Pereia. Already, attention has shifted toward two clear frontrunners: Lamine Yamal and Mbappé. Both players stand out due to their high number of goal contributions in August, which historically plays a decisive role in determining who wins POTM awards.
Mbappé scored three goals, while Lamine Yamal has four total contributions, making this an early clash of superstars for the very first spotlight in FC 26.
Why this POTM may not get an SBC
While excitement is high, there’s a key detail hidden in the fine print. The official page clearly states that the August La Liga POTM will not receive a special SBC card in FC 26 Ultimate Team.
This might seem disappointing, especially with names like Mbappé and Lamine Yamal in the mix, but it is not the first time EA has done this. Last year in FC 25, Raphinha won the August award but never received an SBC. Instead, his upgrade arrived weeks later as part of the Trailblazers promo.
Still, EA are not always consistent with their own messaging. In FC 25, Serie A POTM Marcus Thuram was announced with the same disclaimer but ended up receiving one of the best early SBCs of the year. That example shows that while it is very likely we won’t see an SBC for the August La Liga winner, nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to EA’s release plans.
Who has the best chance to win the vote
Looking at the statistics, Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are far ahead of the rest. Nicolás Pépé has three contributions, which keeps him in the conversation, but Mbappé’s three goals and Lamine’s four total goal involvements put them at the top.
Considering how voters usually respond, it is almost certain the winner will be between Mbappé and Lamine Yamal. Mbappé’s global popularity could carry him, but Lamine has a huge wave of hype behind him as one of football’s brightest young stars.
What a win could mean for FC 26 players
Even though the official word is that there will be no SBC, the winner will still carry significance. It sets the tone for how EA approach early promotions in FC 26 and gives us a first sign of which players will dominate early discussions in the community.
If Lamine Yamal wins, it will be his first major award spotlight in Ultimate Team, which could raise expectations for a boosted card in an upcoming promo. If Mbappé wins, it will only strengthen the idea that EA want to make him the face of early FC 26 content.
Many in the FUT community are already bookmarking the voting page, as this is where all future POTM votes across major leagues will be posted throughout the FC 26 cycle. Having it saved is essential for players who want to stay ahead on SBC planning and club building.
How last year’s August vote impacts this one
The memory of last year still plays an important role. Raphinha’s win with no SBC left many players frustrated, only for EA to later release him in another promo. The unexpected Marcus Thuram SBC in Serie A is the opposite example, showing that EA can reverse course without notice.
This uncertainty means that even though the disclaimer is present, some players still hold out hope that EA will surprise the community again. If they do, an early Lamine Yamal or Mbappé SBC could become one of the most in-demand cards in the first weeks of FC 26.
FAQ about FC 26 La Liga POTM vote
When does the first FC 26 La Liga POTM vote end?
It should close in the first week of September.
Will the La Liga POTM winner get an SBC in FC 26?
No, EA confirmed August’s winner will not.
Who are the top candidates for La Liga POTM?
Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal are the main favorites.
Why is this POTM still important without an SBC?
It sets early hype and can influence upcoming promos.
