EA Sports has officially released the EA FC 26 player ratings ahead of the 26 September release date, and as always, the football gaming community is buzzing with debate. The latest edition of the world’s most popular football simulation reflects the ongoing power struggle in the Premier League, with stars from Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City all ranking among the game’s elite.
Arsenal’s Rise in Ratings
Arsenal continue to build on their resurgence under Mikel Arteta, and EA FC 26 reflects that progress. According to Arsenal News, Bukayo Saka has cemented himself as one of the league’s top wingers, receiving one of the club’s highest ratings. Defensively, Gabriel Magalhães also earned a major boost, highlighting Arsenal’s balance across the pitch. With consistent Champions League performances and a domestic title challenge, the Gunners’ player ratings mirror their growing stature.
Manchester United: Fernandes Still the Focal Point
Despite mixed results on the pitch, Manchester United’s ratings showcase the individual brilliance still within their squad. As Man Utd News notes, Bruno Fernandes remains the highest-rated Red Devil, continuing to be EA FC’s representation of United’s midfield creativity. A surprising highlight is Bryan Mbeumo, whose impressive Premier League displays have earned him one of United’s top spots in the rankings. While the squad may still lack consistency, EA clearly values their attacking flair.
Chelsea’s Bright Future Reflected in Ratings
Chelsea’s player ratings also turned heads this year. With several young stars stepping up, Sports View revealed that Cole Palmer and Moisés Caicedo are among the Blues’ top-ranked players. Palmer’s creativity and goal contributions have elevated him to elite status, while Caicedo’s consistency in midfield makes him a reliable pick in Ultimate Team and Career Mode alike. EA FC 26 clearly recognizes Chelsea’s transition toward a younger, hungrier core ready to compete.
The Best from Every Premier League Club
While the focus often falls on the traditional top six, EA’s ratings cover the entire league. 11v11 compiled the highest-rated player from each Premier League team, showcasing the talent spread across England’s top flight. From established stars like James Ward-Prowse leading West Ham’s ratings to rising names at promoted clubs, the database underlines the league’s depth. For Career Mode fans, this variety offers plenty of opportunities to scout hidden gems and build unique squads.
Salah, Haaland, and the Battle for the Top
At the very peak of the Premier League ratings table, it’s no surprise to see Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland vying for supremacy. Football Today reports that Salah once again tops Liverpool’s chart, reflecting his continued dominance as one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Meanwhile, Manchester City’s squad depth ensures multiple players rank among the highest overall.
The City-Liverpool rivalry is mirrored in the game: while Salah’s longevity has kept him near the top, Haaland’s explosive rise means he’s one of the most powerful strikers in EA FC history. Players building Ultimate Teams will undoubtedly debate which star should lead their attack.
Shifting Dynamics Across the League
One of the most intriguing aspects of EA FC 26 is how it captures shifting Premier League narratives. Arsenal’s youth-driven rise, United’s search for identity, Chelsea’s emerging talents, and the sustained excellence of City and Liverpool all shape the ratings. Even smaller clubs are seeing their standout performers get recognition, which creates a more competitive player pool across all modes.
For fans, these changes not only influence gameplay but also fuel discussions about whether EA has fairly represented their favourite stars. Some argue certain upgrades are overdue, while others believe reputations continue to outweigh form. Either way, the ratings spark conversations that keep the football gaming community alive year-round.
Ultimate Team and Career Mode Implications
From a gameplay perspective, EA FC 26’s ratings will have a major impact on both Ultimate Team and Career Mode. In Ultimate Team, cards like Saka, Fernandes, Palmer, and Salah will be in high demand, especially early in the cycle when strong Premier League players dominate the transfer market.
In Career Mode, gamers will likely turn to young stars such as Palmer or Arsenal’s emerging talents, knowing their potential growth matches their real-world trajectory. Meanwhile, veterans like Salah or Kevin De Bruyne remain indispensable for those chasing immediate success.
Final Thoughts
The EA FC 26 player ratings are more than just numbers—they tell the story of the Premier League. Arsenal’s rise, United’s reliance on Fernandes, Chelsea’s youthful promise, and the battle between Salah and Haaland all shape the gaming experience. Whether you agree with every rating or not, one thing is certain: this year’s edition once again delivers a compelling snapshot of world football’s most competitive league.
For fans and gamers alike, EA FC 26 offers the perfect blend of realism and debate—fueling rivalries not just on the pitch, but on consoles worldwide.