FC 26: Premier League Player Ratings Breakdown and Top 10 Debate

With the launch of the FC26 football game, player ratings for Premier League teams have been released. These ratings not only reflect players 'on-field performances but also provide fans with a new perspective to analyze their capabilities.' Mohamed Salah leads the rankings, followed closely by Sergio Rodri and Virgil van Dijk, with five Liverpool players securing spots in the top ten. As always, this segment inevitably sparks controversy. Let's take a closer look.

 

Six Core Attributes

These are the six most core fundamental attributes in the game, collectively determining a player's overall rating (OVR) and on-field performance.

To have a clear understanding of the scoring of players, it is necessary to have an understanding of the meanings of each attribute of players in the game.Here are the abbreviations for player attributes in the EA Sports FC (FIFA) series, along with their corresponding brief descriptions:

Abbreviation	Full Name	Brief Description
PAC	Pace	Includes sprint speed and acceleration, determining a player's off-the-ball speed.
SHO	Shooting	Includes shot power, accuracy, long shots, penalties, etc., determining finishing ability.
PAS	Passing	Includes short passing, long passing, crossing, vision, etc., determining playmaking ability.
DRI	Dribbling	Includes agility, balance, ball control, reactions, etc., determining ball retention and dribbling skills.
DEF	Defending	Includes tackling, interceptions, defensive awareness, sliding tackles, etc., determining defensive capability.
PHY	Physicality	Includes strength, stamina, aggression, jumping, etc., determining physical prowess.

 

The 88s: The Real Key Players

The players who earned an 88 rating are Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka, and Alexander Isak. Saka absolutely deserves his 88 points as a world-class winger with comprehensive skills, high football IQ, strong mental toughness, and continuous improvement. While he may not possess every physical attribute that defines historical legends, he has become a "modern attacking force" capable of making significant impacts on both attack and defense by seamlessly integrating technical mastery, tactical awareness, and team coordination. Isak stands out as a top striker with all the qualities required of a modern center forward—versatile technique, exquisite shooting, and complete attributes. During his time at Newcastle United, he demonstrated his worth through efficient performances. Meanwhile, Magalhães is a top-class center-back combining defensive solidity with modern organizational skills. His exceptional aerial ability, outstanding physicality, and left-footed technique make him a key figure in Arsenal's defense. Although there is still room for improvement in certain aspects, he has proven himself to be an indispensable core player for the team.

 

The 89s: Controversial

The three players who scored an 89 rating are Alisson Becker, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Florian Wirtz. Among them, Alisson is widely regarded as the best goalkeeper in the Premier League, leaving no room for debate. The other two have yet to make their Premier League debut. Donnarumma has earned high praise for his outstanding Champions League performances with Paris Saint-Germain, though his strength lies in traditional goal-line skills and saving ability, while his passing prowess remains questionable. This contrasts sharply with his predecessor Edinson's role in contributing multiple assists for the team. Wirtz's stellar rating stems from his sensational season at Bayer Leverkusen, where the game itself showed respect for this rising star. However, after transferring to the Premier League, Wirtz struggled to adapt on the pitch. His average key passes per game plummeted from 2.3 in the Bundesliga to 0.9. While their ratings appear impressive, many question whether it's fair to place them above veteran Premier League stars like Rice, Saka, or Eder.

 

The 90s: No Complaints

Alongside Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Sergio Rodri, and Christian Haaland all earned a stellar 90-point rating. These defenders epitomize their teams 'core value: Van Dijk, Liverpool's defensive anchor, boasts an impressive 70% tackle success rate and exceptional crisis management that earns him widespread recognition from teammates. Rodri at Manchester City demonstrates unparalleled midfield leadership, with top-tier passing accuracy and defensive coverage – a 2024 Ballon d 'Or winner who truly deserves this high score. Haaland's 91st-minute goal-scoring potential tops the Premier League, while his 88th-minute physical attributes rank highest among all non-goalkeepers in the league.

 

Salah At 91: Best Of The Best

Standing above the rest is Mohamed Salah, with a total score of 91. Salah boasts 89 in speed, 88 in shooting and 90 in dribbling, still standing as the Premier League's ultimate striker in EA FC 26.

Despite competition from Robin van Persie and Ryan Rodde, Mohamed Salah rightfully earned the title of "the Premier League's greatest player," both in real life and in Ultimate Team. Few can dispute—— his five-year reign as a constant, prolific force with absolute dominance. Ultimately, he stands as a world-class footballer—technically complete, mentally tough, and constantly pushing his own boundaries. More than just a legend built on staggering statistics and countless honors at Liverpool FC and in Premier League history, he has become a cultural icon transcending sports through his off-field influence.

 

Conclusion

Overall, FC 26's Premier League player ratings reflect both the players' comprehensive performance in the previous season and the game developers 'assessment of their future potential. Liverpool and Manchester City stars still dominate the top tier. These ratings directly impact your gameplay experience—— Players with high ratings demonstrate significant advantages in key attributes like speed, shooting ability, and passing skills. You can leverage this information to quickly assemble your dream fantasy squad after the game launches. We hope this breakdown helps you better understand the Premier League player rating structure in FC 26. Which star's rating interests you most, or which one surprised you the most?