Zlatan Ibrahimovic Confirmed as EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition Cover Star

Zlatan Ibrahimovic, cover star of EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition (Image Credit: EA Sports)

EA Sports has officially announced that Swedish football icon Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be the cover athlete for EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Edition. This marks his first appearance since FIFA 23, from which he was removed following his retirement.

The reveal also confirms that the first trailer for FC 26 is set to debut on July 16 on EA FC’s official YouTube channel.

Alongside this, EA is also bringing Ibrahimovic to FC Mobile later this week, giving mobile players a chance to experience his presence before the full release.

Zlatan’s return is especially noteworthy considering his public conflict with EA back in 2021. The striker had accused the company of using his name and likeness without permission, prompting a firm response from EA shared via Forbes. However, with his face now front and center on the Ultimate Edition cover, it’s clear that both parties have moved past the dispute.

As per multiple reports and leaks, FC 26 is expected to introduce 12 new ICONS, possibly as part of this year's major Ultimate Team revamp. These rumored ICONS include:

• Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden) – ST

• Andres Iniesta (Spain) – CM

• Toni Kroos (Germany) – CM

• Marcelo (Brazil) – LB

• Giorgio Chiellini (Italy) – CB

• Alex Morgan (USA) – ST

• Francesco Totti (Italy) – ST

• Oliver Kahn (Germany) – GK

• Sara Thunebro (Sweden) – LB

• Cha Bum-kun (South Korea) – ST

• Steffi Jones (Germany) – CB

• Sissi (Brazil) – CAM

Alongside the ICONS, eight new Heroes are rumored to be joining the squad:

• Louisa Necib Cadamuro (France) – CAM

• Simone Laudehr (Germany) – CAM

• Michel Salgado (Spain) – RB

• Ivan Zamorano (Chile) – ST

• Jill Scott (England) – CDM

• Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal) – RM

• Daniele De Rossi (Italy) – CDM

• Pablo Aimar (Argentina) – CAM

Although EA has not revealed the Standard Edition cover yet, insider reports suggest that Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala are expected to share the spotlight.

Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham and Bayern star Jamal Musiala (Image Credit: EA Sports FC Update)

As for the release date, FUT Sheriff, a well-known and reliable leaker, claims that EA Sports FC 26 will launch on September 19 for Ultimate Edition buyers and September 26 for Standard Edition users. While not yet officially confirmed, the timeline fits EA’s typical release window and is likely accurate.