The first month of Premier League action in the 2025–26 season has already delivered drama, goals, and standout performances. EA Sports has now revealed the August Player of the Month nominees, which is always one of the earliest and most important Squad Building Challenges in the new Ultimate Team cycle. The winner will receive a boosted card in FC 26, and given how influential these cards have been in past years, players are already eager to know who will take the prize.
Here’s a closer look at why each of the eight players earned their nomination and our prediction on who might come out on top.
The Nominees
Erling Haaland (Manchester City)
Manchester City’s star striker remains the most reliable goalscorer in the league. Haaland netted multiple times in August, including a brace on opening weekend, and looked unstoppable in the box. His ability to deliver consistent end product keeps him firmly in the spotlight for yet another award.
Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool)
Liverpool’s summer signing wasted no time showing why the club invested in him. Ekitike scored on his Premier League debut and added another goal before the month was over, quickly becoming a fan favorite. His pace, direct play, and clinical finishing gave Liverpool a new attacking dimension.
Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool)
The Hungarian international was everywhere for Liverpool in August, combining tireless energy with moments of brilliance. Even when deployed out of position, Szoboszlai still found ways to influence matches. His highlight was a late free-kick winner against Arsenal that secured Liverpool’s perfect start to the campaign.
Marc Guéhi (Crystal Palace)
At the back, Guéhi stood out for his commanding presence and composure. The centre-back not only marshalled Palace’s defense but also scored a stunning long-range goal that went viral across social media. His performances have underlined his growing reputation as one of the league’s most complete defenders.
Jack Grealish (Everton)
Having joined Everton this summer, Grealish has thrived with freedom in attack. He finished August as the league’s leading provider, racking up four assists in just three matches. Whether it was setting up goals at Everton’s new stadium opener or inspiring a comeback win at Wolves, Grealish has been the creative heartbeat of his side.
João Pedro (Chelsea)
Chelsea’s new signing hit the ground running, contributing goals and assists straight away. He was instrumental in a 5–1 derby win over West Ham and later broke the deadlock against Fulham with a decisive late header. His ability to combine strength, movement, and technical finishing has been key to Chelsea’s early attacking form.
Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Few players grabbed headlines like Semenyo in August. The Ghanaian forward scored twice at Anfield, including an unforgettable solo run from deep inside his own half. He followed that up with strong displays in wins over Wolves and Tottenham, proving he can be a difference-maker at the highest level.
Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
Arsenal’s new left-back made an immediate impact, scoring the winning goal at Old Trafford just 13 minutes into his Premier League debut. Alongside his defensive stability, that strike set the tone for a strong start to life in England. His blend of composure and attacking threat makes him one of the standout defenders of the month.
Prediction: Who Will Win?
Every nominee has a legitimate case, but one stands above the rest. Jack Grealish is our pick to claim the August Player of the Month award. With four assists already and a direct hand in Everton’s early wins, his creative influence has been unmatched. João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike will push him close with their goal contributions, but Grealish’s consistency and ability to elevate his new team give him the edge.
Whoever wins, the first POTM SBC of FC 26 is shaping up to be a must-complete card for many Ultimate Team squads.
