FC 26: The Cover Stars of the New Version of EA FC 26 have been Leaked

The excitement around EA FC 26 continues to grow as we move closer to its global release on September 26, 2025. Fans who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will even get a week’s head start, jumping into the action as early as September 19, 2025. During this countdown period, EA Sports is steadily teasing fans with fresh updates and leaks about what’s coming in the latest installment of its beloved football franchise. Among the most buzzworthy leaks is the revelation of the new cover stars, which traditionally set the tone and capture the spirit of each year’s game.

According to reliable insiders, Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala are slated to appear on the standard edition cover of EA FC 26. This pairing means that the striking young midfielders from Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively, will serve as the global ambassadors for this year’s game — a dynamic duo that underscores EA’s focus on the next generation of football brilliance.

Who will be the cover star of the standard edition of EA FC 26?

Earlier reports hinted that Bellingham would continue as a cover athlete for a second consecutive year, having already graced the cover of FC 25. However, the addition of Musiala comes as a welcome surprise for many fans. It’s actually the first time since FIFA 16 that EA has gone with a dual cover strategy — back then, Lionel Messi appeared alongside different players in region-specific covers. More recently, "FIFA 23" featured Kylian Mbappé and Sam Kerr, but this was for promoting both men’s and women’s football simultaneously.

At just 22 years old, Musiala has blossomed into one of the most electrifying young talents in world football, dazzling fans with his creative dribbles and sharp eye for goal. His selection also marks a milestone: he becomes the first Bundesliga player and first German since Marco Reus in FIFA 17 to grace the global cover. However, fans are also watching his recovery closely, as Musiala recently suffered a fractured fibula and ankle injury during the Club World Cup. While speculation continues over how long he’ll be sidelined, hopes remain high that he’ll be fit and featured prominently by the time FC 26 launches.

Is the cover star of EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition also leaked?

Even before the leak of the standard edition cover, another intriguing rumor made waves. It suggested that none other than Zlatan Ibrahimović would be the face of the EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition. Given Zlatan’s towering legacy — over 570 goals scored and 34 trophies won throughout a remarkable career — this would feel like overdue recognition. Amazingly, despite his iconic status, Ibrahimović has never appeared on the cover of an EA FIFA game before.

This is even more interesting considering that back in 2020, Ibrahimović publicly criticized EA and FIFPro on social media, accusing them of using his likeness without consent. However, that controversy was tied more to player union agreements and debates over agent reforms, in which Zlatan’s own representation opposed certain FIFPro policies. If these new leaks prove accurate, they suggest a reconciliation between Ibrahimović and EA — finally bringing the Swedish superstar onto the front cover and featuring him prominently in-game.

Regardless of the specifics, one thing is clear: leaks surrounding EA FC 26 are far from over. Fans can expect a steady stream of new details, trailers, and official reveals in the months leading up to launch. Whether it’s about Career Mode improvements, new FUT PlayStyle+ features, or additional stadium licenses, keeping up with the latest FC 26 developments is the best way for players to stay prepared.

So, stay tuned, keep your pre-orders and FUT Coins ready, and get excited to see how these cover stars and all the other new features will shape the beautiful game when FC 26 finally kicks off this September.