FIFA Ultimate Team is the most widely played game mode in EA's long-running soccer franchise, and it shouldn't really surprise anyone. After all, the combination of arcadey gameplay, multiplayer tournaments, a bustling marketplace, and some clever loot box mechanics is a recipe for success, not limited to just FIFA or sports games.
With the introduction of the FUT Icon cards to the series, players could hope to draw some of the best players in soccer history and incorporate them into their rosters, without having to worry about squad chemistry.
Updated August 8th, 2021 by Maciej Grzymkowski: The FUT Icons cards in FIFA's record-breaking Ultimate Team mode have proven to be a hit with the fans, even though some people were quick to complain that they made the game unfair, in favor of the players who had the cash to drop on microtransactions. To be completely honest, the game was skewed towards those players without these cards, anyway. At least with the Icons, football enthusiasts have the option to include legendary footballers in their lineups. The summer, an infamous period where last year's FIFA fades into irrelevancy as players await the next iteration's release is a good time to take a look back at some of the best FUT 21 Icons cards in order to get an understanding of which iconic players will have the best ratings in FIFA 22.
15 David Beckham
Even those who do not know anything about soccer will recognize David Beckham's name. An absolute icon of the sport, the English player proved that footballers can do a lot more than just focus on their profession.
In FIFA, Beckham is an undeniably strong presence on the field. With a 92-95 passing stat and 85-88 dribbling, Beckham can make defenses fall apart, and be a reliable source of assists for strikers.
14 Fernando Torres
In his prime, Fernando Torres was simply unstoppable. After his transfer to Liverpool from Atletico Madrid, he became a fan-favorite almost instantly, as he simply refused to stop bagging goals for the Reds in the 2007/08 season. He left Liverpool to join Chelsea in 2010, a club with which he won the UEFA Champions League in 2012. Later on in his career, he returned to his boyhood club, Atletico Madrid, and finished his career with a brief stint at Sagan Tosu in the Japanese first division.
Torres debuted as a FUT Icon in FIFA 21, and with his blistering pace (87-93), unstoppable shots (83-90), and mind-boggling dribbling skills (85-88), Ultimate Team players were willing to drop millions of FUT coins on him instantly after the game's release.
13 Ferenc Puskas
Modern soccer fans may not know much about Ferenc Puskas, except the fact that FIFA's (the association, not the game) Goal of the Year award is named after him. As a Real Madrid and Hungarian national team legend, Puskas made a name for himself as the best striker of the 1950s. With over 500 career goals to his name, he led Real Madrid to three European Cups.
This FUT Icon card will serve any FIFA player incredibly well. With ridiculous shooting, pace, and dribbling stats, Puskas is sure to catch even the worst of misplaced passes, as well as perform some miraculous individual skills.
12 Paolo Maldini
This AC Milan legend is one of the best defenders who have ever graced the game. Paolo Maldini can be praised not only for his defensive record and dedication to keeping clean sheets but also for his loyalty to AC Milan. Throughout his 25-year-long career, he's only played for one club.
With 90-96 defensive stats and 82-87 pace, Maldini is one of those rare defenders who are not only incredibly solid when it comes to neutralizing threats but can also contribute to carrying out incredibly fast counter-attacks.
11 Nemanja Vidic
Nemanja Vidic is a true defensive rock. Back in the 2000s, he was known as one of the best center backs in the world, especially during his time at Manchester United. Alongside Rio Ferdinand, Vidic was part of one of the most effective defensive partnerships in history.
In FIFA 21, players will be able to rely on him to stop most of the incoming threats. With 87-91 physical stats, he can also be a formidable force in the opposition's penalty area during corners and other set pieces.
10 Ronaldo
Luis Nazario de Lima won everything there was to win in soccer. Not only did he lead Brazil to the 2002 World Cup, but he also won it eight years earlier at the age of 17! He won two Ballon d'Ors, as well as a number of other accolades in his time.
As a FUT Icon, Ronaldo will get past anyone that dares to go up against him, with blistering pace (93-97), unstoppable shooting (90-95), and world-class dribbling (91-95). Players should keep in mind that he is one of the most sought-after cards in the entire game, though.
9 Xavi
Xavi was a key player in the legendary Barcelona team managed by Pep Guardiola. He played an important role in realizing the famous tiki-taka tactics that the Spanis coach is known for and helped Barca secure two Champions League trophies within three seasons. Always quick on his feet and famous for rarely missing a pass, Xavi was the most reliable player in the world in his prime.
As a FUT Icon, Xavi is the best choice for central midfield for players who can afford him. With a passing skill ranging from 89 to a whopping 95 and a dribbling rating that will leave defenders falling on their faces (88-93), Xavi is an ideal player for linking quick counterattacks, as well as slower build-up play.
8 Ronaldinho
This is a player that has inspired countless young stars of this generation. Those who have watched him in his prime will know that Ronaldinho played the most joyful type of soccer, with plenty of skill moves and tricks up his sleeve.
It's also how Ronaldinho is best used in FIFA 21. With fantastic on-the-ball movement and fluidity, Ronaldinho is a valuable asset that can help break down the very best defenses.
7 Andrea Pirlo
Currently the manager of Juventus, Andrea Pirlo is one of the last of the old-school deep-lying playmakers, with incredible vision and awareness. Back in his prime, he could pick and deliver passes that no one else would deem possible.
FIFA players who struggle to improve the accuracy of their passing and often find themselves vulnerable to enemy counterattacks could use Pirlo's Icon card. With 91-95 passing stats and 90-91 dribbling, he is one of the best icons in FIFA 21.
6 Thierry Henry
Alongside Zinedine Zidane, Thierry Henry was probably the most recognizable French player of the 2000s. His goalscoring abilities put the best Premier League defenders to shame. When playing for Arsenal, he's scored over 20 goals in five consecutive seasons in the English top-flight, making him one of the only two players to do so.
In FUT, those who are lucky enough to get their hands on his Icon card can count on Henry's speed (90-94 pace rating) and impeccable dribbling abilities (87-90). With these kinds of stats, it's easy enough to use Henry to dribble the ball straight into the opposition's goal, but his 91 rated shooting makes him a long-distance threat, too.
5 Zinedine Zidane
Zinedine Zidane is a true legend of the sport. One of the most well-rounded, versatile players in the history of soccer, not only was Zidane a masterful passer of the ball, but he could also astonish opponents with thunder-like shots from outside of the box.
"Zizou" is probably one of the best FIFA 21 icons players could hope to come across. Thanks to his amazing stats in all six categories, few players can match Zinedine Zidane's usefulness and versatility.
4 Ruud Gullit
The legendary Dutch attacking midfielder is no stranger to receiving accolades. Having won the Ballon D'or in 1987 and being named as one of the 125 greatest living footballers by FIFA in 2004, Gullit helped AC Milan win two consecutive European cups in 1989 and 1990.
Gullit's statistics as a FUT Icon perfectly reflect his real-life skills from his prime days. Deadly shooting (80-91), pin-point accurate passes (86-91), and a strong physical presence on the field (78-90) do not only give him an attacking edge but also make him a valuable defensive asset.
3 Diego Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona, who sadly passed away last year, was an undeniably controversial figure, both in his playing days and after he retired. However, no one can deny the fact that he was one of, if not the best player to have ever graced the sport.
When Maradona is in an opponent's lineup, a world of trouble awaits. With unreal dribbling (94-97), great passing (87-92), and formidable shooting (87-93), Maradona is one of the cards that could carry an entire team of silver and bronze-rated footballers to victory.
2 Marco Van Basten
Marco Van Basten has had an incredibly glamorous career, full of accolades and best player awards. However, it was unfortunately cut short due to a particularly nasty injury in 1993, right as he was entering his prime at 28 years old. Despite being forced to abandon professional football so early, he still managed to get the Ballon D'or three times in four years. There is no telling what he could have achieved had he continued playing till his late thirties, like most footballers.
In FIFA 21's Ultimate Team, owning Van Basten's Icon card will inevitably lead to increasing one's team's goalscoring record. With shots ranging from 91 to 94, and dribbling ratings falling between 86 and 89, the mere sight of his card in the lineup on the loading screen will frighten opponents.
1 Pele
Although in recent years Pele's goalscoring record has been put into question and relentlessly memed about, there is no denying that until Cristiano Ronaldo broke it this year, he was the top-scoring player in the history of soccer for nearly 50 years. Pele is also the only player who has won three FIFA World Cups.
With all of these accolades, it should come as no surprise that Pele is one of the best Icons in FIFA 21 that anyone could ever land in a pack. With its best iteration having a 98 overall rating, it is virtually impossible to miss a shot or lose the ball when controlling Pele.