Hugo Ekitike’s 86-rated Ratings Reload card has quickly turned into a fan favorite in FC 26 Ultimate Team. He fits the current meta for strikers who combine size with sharp touches, and his playstyle mix lets you tailor him to either counter-focused or buildup-heavy systems. He comes with Advanced Forward++, Rapid, Chip Shot and Tactical, which gives him clever attacking AI and the burst to separate from center backs. If you like a striker who makes assertive runs, shields well and still feels nimble on the turn, this card lands right in that pocket.
The CAM listing is there, but it is more of a tactical option than a true playmaking role. With his baseline passing, CAM works best in the side channels of a 4-2-3-1, where you can still exploit his off-ball movement and finishing patterns. As a central CAM, you would probably want more passing playstyles.
Best roles, instructions and chemistry styles for Ekitike
Ekitike is best at ST in systems that create central overloads and quick slip passes. In a 4-3-2-1, set him to Get In Behind and Stay Central to max out Advanced Forward++. In a 4-2-3-1, pair him with a free-roaming CAM who can hit first-time through balls, then let Ekitike attack the blindside shoulder.
Chemistry styles depend on how you score:
• Hunter if your game leans on constant through balls and you want the raw pace spike
• Finisher if you value crisp turning and higher shot reliability inside the box
• Engine if you need lighter left-stick turns and better carry in the half spaces
With Finisher he feels stickier in tight areas, which suits players who prefer short buildup and cutbacks over pure transition. Hunter makes him a missile for the counter and through ball meta, though Finisher generally gave the cleanest shots in testing.
How he actually plays, movement and finishing patterns
Ekitike’s standout is the way Advanced Forward++ syncs with diagonal triggers. He starts on the shoulder, curves into the gap, then explodes into space. Rapid helps him win the first two steps, which opens driven or near-post strikes before the keeper sets. His sharp touches are surprisingly tidy for a tall forward, so you can shimmy inside a box-block and fire a precision-driven finish.
Chip Shot is viable when the keeper rushes early, but it is still situational. Low-driven across the body remains the highest percentage look. He also times R1 or RB bounce touches smoothly, which lets you angle away from pressure and create the lane for a green-timed strike. In FUT Champs, that extra half yard is often the whole story.
When CAM makes sense and when it does not
He can play CAM, but only if you use him wide in a 4-2-3-1 or as a second striker in a 4-4-1-1. You will be leaning on his decoy runs to open lanes for a primary finisher. If you expect him to thread constant through balls or swing driven crosses, he will feel limited without more passing boosts. You definitely get better value keeping him at ST, where Advanced Forward++ matters most.
Meta context, comparisons and price notes
Think of him as a budget-friendly answer to the tall, agile finisher archetype. He does not feel as elastic as a smaller dribbler, yet his first touch and shield-to-shot flow are excellent. Compared with a lighter forward, you get more presence on crosses and cutbacks, especially near-post toe pokes. Versus bulkier strikers, you gain enough responsiveness to wriggle in congested areas without losing your angle.
At the time of the video review, he hovered around the 295k mark and trended down near 286k. Prices swing, but the core value is clear, he gives premium striker patterns without demanding a mega budget, which is exactly why so many squads are testing him early.
How to get the most from Ekitike in your system
• Pair him with a passer. A CAM with First Touch and Long Ball Pass turns his runs into goals
• Use manual trigger runs, then release early. He loves the curved slip behind the CB
• Mix near-post and across-body finishes. Do not telegraph the same shot twice
• If you face deep blocks, Finisher helps you turn tighter and shoot through traffic
• On kickoffs and quick restarts, Rapid plus Advanced Forward++ catch backlines sleeping
If you want a broader look at how attacker playstyles stack in FC 26, check EA’s official FC Ultimate Team hub for mechanics and chemistry guidance:
EA Sports FC 26 Official Site
Strengths and weaknesses you should actually expect
Strengths
• Elite attacking runs with Advanced Forward++
• Rapid acceleration window that wins the first step
• Sharp touches for a taller striker, reliable angles for driven shots
• Aerial presence on near-post crosses and cutbacks
• Flexible chem, Hunter or Finisher both feel legit
Weaknesses
• CAM duties feel limited without passing boosts
• Chip Shot is niche, pick your moments
• Heavy traffic can still body him off if you mistime turns
• Manual greens help a lot, casual timing lowers the ceiling
Suggested tactics and teammates
Tactics
• 4-3-2-1, width 45 to 50, direct passing, ST Stay Central and Get In Behind
• 4-2-3-1, drop your width slightly and let the central CAM free roam to feed him
• Corners 3, free kicks 2, keep transitions quick but not reckless
Teammates
• A through-ball specialist CAM, think an agile creator with Long Ball Pass
• A winger with 
Finesse Shot+ to punish narrow center backs
• A box-to-box CM who can win second balls and hit first-time passes
He thrives when service is early and clean. If your midfield cannot receive and release under pressure, you will notice a drop.
FAQs about Hugo Ekitike FC 26 Ratings Reload
Is Ekitike better with Hunter or Finisher?
Hunter for counters, Finisher for box play and shot consistency.
Can Ekitike play CAM effectively?
Only in side CAM roles or second striker variations.
What formations suit him best?
4-3-2-1 and 4-2-3-1 with early slip passes work best.
Does Chip Shot matter on this card?
Situational, use when the keeper sprints out aggressively.
Is he good for FUT Champs?
Yes, his runs and sharp touches translate to clutch finishes.
