EA SPORTS FC 26 could see a spectacular return. According to renowned leakers, Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to become the cover star of the Ultimate Edition.
During his active career, Zlatan Ibrahimovic made it onto the cover of a FIFA game exactly once – in 2002, for the Swedish edition. The superstar has never appeared on an international cover. That could now change, years after the end of his career.
Several reputable leakers are currently reporting that Ibrahimovic is set to be the cover star of the Ultimate Edition of EA SPORTS FC 26. In the image generated by insiders, he can be seen wearing a red and black striped jersey – complete with his trademark mane. This is a nod to his first spell at AC Milan from 2010 to 2012. Another clue: the first images of alleged new icons appeared weeks ago, including Oliver Kahn, Toni Kroos, and Ibrahimovic.
Mixed community reactions
EA SPORTS has not yet made an official statement. It is unclear who will grace the cover and from which stage of their career. For comparison: Last year, Jude Bellingham graced the cover of the Ultimate Edition alongside Zidane, Buffon, Beckham, and Aitana Bonmatí. According to earlier leaks, the English national player has signed a long-term contract with the publisher.
The possible Ibrahimovic comeback has been met with mixed reactions in the community. Some are celebrating the choice, while others remain indifferent. The first memes are already circulating on X: “Zlatan didn’t choose the cover – the cover chose Zlatan.”
Old conflicts settled?
In 2020, the Swede had publicly criticized EA SPORTS. At the time, he tweeted: “Who gave EA SPORTS permission to use my name and face? FIFPro? As far as I know, I’m not a member – and if I am, I was dragged into it without my knowledge.” He announced that he would have the legal situation reviewed.
While Kahn did indeed take legal action against EA SPORTS at one point, the dispute with Ibrahimovic did not seem to have had any serious consequences. The dispute over image rights and licenses apparently came to nothing. If the current leaks are correct, old conflicts would have been settled and the Swede would reappear on the cover of the EA SPORTS series after more than two decades.