EA Sports has announced the cover stars for its highly anticipated FC 25 game.
England and Real Madrid midfielder Jude Bellingham is prominently featured on the standard and Ultimate Edition covers.
This marks the first time an English player has appeared on the cover since Wayne Rooney in 2011.
Bellingham’s inclusion is a testament to his impressive performance and growing influence in the world of football.
Bellingham's Career Progression
At just 21 years old, Jude Bellingham’s selection as the face of FC 25 underscores his rapid ascent in professional football.
Bellingham started off at Birmingham City, where his exceptional talent became apparent early on.
He transitioned to Borussia Dortmund in 2020, making impressive progress and emerging as one of the standout players in the Bundesliga.
In 2023, Bellingham joined Real Madrid, further solidifying his status as one of the sport's most promising young talents.
Thus, His presence on the FC 25 cover reflects his significant impact on the sport and his recognition as one of the leading talents of his generation.
Ultimate Edition Cover Stars
The Ultimate Edition cover of FC 25 features a mix of football legends and current stars, offering a rich tapestry of football history and present-day excellence.
Alongside Bellingham are iconic players such as England's David Beckham, France's Zinedine Zidane, Spain's Aitana Bonmatí, and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon.
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Beckham and Zidane are renowned for their outstanding careers and their significant impact on the global popularity of football.
Bonmatí, a standout in women's football, represents the growing recognition and inclusion of female athletes in mainstream sports media.
Buffon, known for his remarkable goalkeeping career, adds a touch of veteran prestige to the cover.
This diverse lineup appeals to fans from different eras and regions, celebrating both contemporary and historical football excellence.
Cover Art Design
This year’s cover art takes a more traditional approach, featuring straightforward photographs of the players.
EA FC 25 cover design | EA
This decision follows mixed reactions to the in-game artwork used previously, with some fans prefer a simpler, more classic design.
The traditional cover art aims to resonate with a broader audience by highlighting the players' real-life appearances and the authenticity of the sport.
Release Date and Access
FC 25 is expected to be released on September 27, 2024.
Fans who purchase the Ultimate Edition, priced at £79.99, will gain early access starting September 20, giving them a week to experience the game before its general release.
Additionally, EA Play subscribers will be able to enjoy a 10-hour trial period, allowing them to explore the game before making a full commitment.
This staggered release strategy aims to build excitement and provide dedicated fans with an exclusive early experience.
Platform Availability
Although official platform announcements are pending, industry insiders expect FC 25 to be available on various consoles.
This includes PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
This broad availability mirrors the release strategy of its predecessors, ensuring that fans across different gaming systems can enjoy the latest instalment.
Transition to EA Sports FC
The transition from FIFA to EA Sports FC signifies a new era for the long-running series.
After nearly three decades of partnership with FIFA, EA Sports embarked on a fresh journey with a new name and logo.
FC 24, released last year, marked the beginning of this new chapter, and FC 25 aims to build on that foundation.
The rebranding reflects EA Sports' commitment to evolving the series while maintaining the core elements that fans love.
Bellingham's Reaction
Expressing his excitement, Bellingham shared, "I played this game with my brother growing up. Being on the cover is something I always dreamed about.
To be the first English player since 2011 to receive this honor is truly special."
Cover Star "Curse"
Jude Bellingham is now following in Erling Haaland's footsteps as the FC cover star.
Even after an outstanding debut season with Real Madrid, helping to secure the LaLiga title and Champions League, Bellingham is determined to steer clear of the so-called "cover curse" that has plagued some former players.
The "cover curse" refers to the superstition that players featured on the cover may experience a decline in performance or face unfortunate events in their careers.
However, Bellingham’s outstanding contributions, including guiding England to the Euro 2024 final, suggest he is well-equipped to break this supposed curse.
Conclusions
For football fans and gamers alike, Jude Bellingham's inclusion on the cover of FC 25 is exciting news. The game features current stars and legends, bridging the gap between different football generations.
This blend offers something for everyone, allowing younger players to learn about the greats of the past while celebrating the heroes of today.
As the release date approaches, fans can expect more updates and insights into the game’s features and innovations.
Stay tuned for further announcements and previews, as FC 25 promises to deliver an engaging and immersive football gaming experience.