If you’re a FIFA fan then you must be already aware that Ricardo Izecson dos Santos Leite, better known as Kaka, will be the center athlete of the three-athlete cover of FIFA 11. Just announced as joining Kaka and Team Mexico’s Carlos Vela is our nation’s soccer hero Landon Donovan. Donovan is no stranger to FIFA covers, having adorned the 2003 and 2007 covers, but EA Sports felt his performance during this past year’s MLS season combined with his awe inspiring World Cup games was reason enough for Donovan to grace the cover once again.

Matt Bibey, President of Soccer for EA Sports had this to say.

“Landon is the most recognizable, popular and accomplished soccer player in the United States and he was at his best with the world watching during the 2010 FIFA World Cup. After his FIFA World Cup performance and the season he had with the Galaxy last year we felt he belonged back on the cover of FIFA Soccer 11.”

Aside from David Beckham and Posh Spice, Landon Donovan is the United States’ most recognizable Soccer star. He is the heart, soul, and, more importantly, the top performer of our National team and therefore the best choice to represent our country.

Last year’s FIFA 10 was a huge leap forward in the franchise, reclaiming its title as the Madden of soccer games in terms of customization and breadth of features. With excitement hitting a saturation point after the recent World Cup in South Africa, it is hard to not imagine this game selling well.

Three of the new core features joining the more in depth player customization in this year’s iteration of the game are the Personality+, Pro Passing, and 360° Fight for Possession features. Personality+ will allow distinct athlete abilities to be carried from game to game giving a more accurate representation. Pro Passing relies heavier on athlete ability combined with player reactions to determine the difference between a crisp pass and a sloppy pass. Finally, the new 360° Fight For Possession feature will add a new dimension to man-on-man coverage utilizing a wider range of motion than just lateral movement.

As a soccer fan and player I can say that FIFA is always on my must play list, but for those more casual sports fans this is the year to pick it up. If you are not that big of a fan of soccer, try the Wii version with its 5-on-5 arcade style of play. But, no matter what, if what you saw in South Africa inspired you to learn more about the sport of Soccer, pick up FIFA 11 and experience the greatest sport in the world.

What say you Ranters? World Cup 2010 get you excited for FIFA 11? Sound off in the comments below.

FIFA 11 releases for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Nintendo DS, PSP, PC, PlayStation 2, and iPhone on September 28th and for the Wii on October 4th.