EA Sports have officially kicked off the EAFC 26 era with its first major reveal.
After updating all its social media logos over the weekend, anticipation had been building for concrete news around the next edition of the franchise.
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Leaks had already surfaced in recent weeks, teasing new features, gameplay tweaks, and a high-profile Ultimate Team Icon appearing on the cover.
Now, EA has confirmed the identity of that cover star – and it’s a former Manchester United star making his long-overdue debut front and centre.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic headlines the EAFC 26 Ultimate Edition cover, lying on a bed in a room filled with memorabilia from his iconic career, including nods to United, PSG, Sweden, and Malmo.
Zlatan himself announced the news on X: “FC without Zlatan is not complete. I’m back.”
The Swede who scored 28 goals and provided 9 assists in 46 games during his first full season at Old Trafford in 2016/17, also returns to Ultimate Team as a new Icon.
It marks the first time Ibrahimovic has ever featured on the cover of an EA Sports football game.
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That is despite his prolific record and cult status in world football.
The last former United player who featured on a FIFA cover was Cristiano Ronaldo in FIFA 19.
Wayne Rooney was the last ‘then-current’ United player to feature on the cover for FIFA 12, alongside Jack Wilshere.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo Nazario appears on the cover art for this year – as both a poster and on the magazine Zlatan is reading.
EA have also confirmed, via The Mirror, that the official EA FC 26 reveal trailer will premiere on Wednesday, July 16 at 4:57pm BST.
A runtime of 2 minutes and 25 seconds is expected.
Ibrahimovic played under then-manager Jose Mourinho at United, where he lifted the Community Shield.
The 43-year-old then went on to lift the League Cup and Europa League the same season, often remembered by United fans for his brace vs Southampton in the league cup final.
A final, which United went on to win 3-2.
FC without Zlatan is not complete. I’m back. @easportsfc #FC26 #ad pic.twitter.com/pEtHUXP05Q
— Zlatan Ibrahimović (@Ibra_official) July 14, 2025
