Chelsea’s Rising Stars in EA FC 26: Palmer and Caicedo Set to Shine

As Chelsea’s season wraps up, fans are already turning their attention to the next edition of EA Sports’ flagship football game — EA FC 26. Player ratings are always hotly debated, but with Chelsea reshaping its squad, this year feels particularly exciting. Standout performers like Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo are likely to see their virtual ratings soar. For Ultimate Team enthusiasts, it’s the perfect moment to start planning — some are even eyeing up FC 26 Coins early, knowing upgraded cards could define their squads from the first day.

Cole Palmer has had one of the Premier League’s most compelling rises this season. After leaving Manchester City, questions loomed — could he handle being Chelsea’s main man? Not only did he cope, he thrived. Week after week, Palmer pulled the strings in attack, scoring and assisting with maturity beyond his years. He’s become Chelsea’s creative heartbeat, the player who dictates tempo and unlocks stubborn defenses. In FC 25, his rating felt like an outdated snapshot; in FC 26, expect a jump into the mid-to-high 80s, with sharp boosts to shooting, passing, and dribbling. He’s no longer “one for the future” — he’s already one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders you can select.

Moises Caicedo had a different path but no less impressive. His record-breaking Chelsea transfer came under intense scrutiny, and the first months were challenging. There were moments when the pressure looked like it might break him. But around mid-season, something clicked — his tackling sharpened, his positioning improved, and his passing range widened. By season’s end, he was the heartbeat of Chelsea’s midfield, sweeping up danger and recycling possession with calm authority. Current EA ratings undersell his influence, so an upgrade in FC 26 feels inevitable. Defensive-minded players will want him in their Ultimate Team as a reliable core to build around.

Other notable mentions include Malo Gusto, who stepped in admirably for Reece James, balancing defensive solidity with forward runs and precise deliveries. Nicolas Jackson impressed with pace and movement, despite occasional finishing frustrations, and if EA chooses to focus on his underlying stats, he could see a bump too. Conor Gallagher consistently displayed relentless stamina and work rate, which should translate to boosts in physical and defensive stats in-game. These are the kinds of players who may not grab headlines but shape the backbone of your squad.

Not everyone will see upgrades. Raheem Sterling had a season of highs and lows, and EA often penalizes inconsistency. Reece James faces a tougher call — when fit, he’s world-class, but injuries limited his contributions, and EA typically factors availability into ratings. That could mean his card stays flat or even dips slightly, which feels harsh but is consistent with EA’s past handling of injury-hit stars.

One wildcard is how EA handles team chemistry and playstyles in FC 26. If dynamic playstyles receive a bigger emphasis, players like Palmer who dictate tempo could become even more valuable, while box-to-box types like Gallagher might gain meta relevance for hybrid squads. This subtle shift could dramatically change the transfer market during the early weeks, pushing their card prices higher than expected. That’s why many savvy players are already preparing to buy FC 26 Coins ahead of release — locking in coins before the hype can help secure these stars at launch-day prices.

The takeaway is clear: Chelsea’s in-game hierarchy is shifting. Palmer and Caicedo are stepping into the spotlight, reshaping both Career Mode and Ultimate Team dynamics. In real life, the Blues may still be finding their rhythm, but in EA FC 26, their new generation is ready to take over — and smart players will be ready to capitalize.