Leak Reveals Potential Cover Stars for EA Sports FC 27
As the current EA Sports FC cycle draws to a close, attention is shifting to the next iteration of the football game franchise. EA Sports FC 26 continues to highlight the 2026 World Cup with in-game events, but the 2026-2027 season is rapidly approaching, bringing with it the reveal of EA Sports FC 27. The dominant name in football video games since the FIFA days ended in 2024, EA Sports is preparing a new title.
History suggests big news is imminent. EA Sports revealed EA FC 26 this time last year, and EA FC 25 was unveiled around the same period in 2024. The same marketing schedule is expected, so a first look should arrive soon. However, substantial rumours are already circulating, particularly regarding who will grace the game's cover.
Bellingham and Dembele Rumoured for Standard Edition
According to prominent leaker Detective FUT on X (formerly Twitter), Jude Bellingham could feature on the cover for a third consecutive year. The Real Madrid star first appeared on EA FC 25 and was joined by childhood friend Jamal Musiala of Bayern Munich for EA FC 26. Detective FUT suggests Bellingham might be joined by the most recent Ballon d'Or winner, Ousmane Dembele. Alternatively, a Barcelona player could grace the cover for the first time since FIFA 16, when Lionel Messi last appeared.
Detective FUT stated, "based on the information I have," that the cover could be shared by a Barcelona and Real Madrid player, representing one of football's most infamous rivalries.
Ronaldo Set for Ultimate Edition Return
The leaked Ultimate Edition cover star is raising eyebrows. Last year, EA Sports used Zlatan Ibrahimovic as the Ultimate Edition cover star to celebrate his inclusion as an Icon in Ultimate Team. It was the fourth time a retired star promoted the Ultimate Edition. In 2019, FIFA 20 featured Zinedine Zidane, while EA FC 24 included legends like David Beckham alongside standard edition cover star Erling Haaland. EA FC 25 featured Gianluigi Buffon and women's Ballon d'Or holder Aitana Bonmati.
In 2026, the Ultimate Edition is expected to feature Cristiano Ronaldo, a football legend who has yet to retire. If the leak is true, Ronaldo will appear on an EA Sports game cover for the first time in eight years, since he was on the front of FIFA 19. That was his second consecutive feature, having also been the star of FIFA 18 during his final season at Real Madrid.
Ronaldo's Cover History and All-Time Leaders
Ronaldo's third appearance would still lag behind the leading FIFA and EA FC cover stars. Wayne Rooney leads in the UK with seven features between 2005 and 2012, followed by Messi and Ronaldinho with four each, and Kylian Mbappe with three. The full list of UK cover stars includes: EA Sports FC 26: Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala; EA FC 25: Jude Bellingham; EA FC 24: Erling Haaland; FIFA 23: Kylian Mbappe and Sam Kerr; FIFA 22: Kylian Mbappe; FIFA 21: Kylian Mbappe; FIFA 20: Eden Hazard; FIFA 19: Cristiano Ronaldo; FIFA 18: Cristiano Ronaldo; and earlier editions featuring stars like Marco Reus, Lionel Messi, Wayne Rooney, and Ronaldinho.
