The 26th ICON class has finally been released for FC 26, and the reactions are… spicy. The new badges would release on September 26, with pre-orders already opened a few weeks back. While some gamers are happy, others are on fire, wondering who DID NOT get the deserved honor.
But first, let’s speak about the reveal itself and what has gone on after. The list of Icons coming to EA Sports FC (previously called FIFA) was dropped, and as per most occasions, it’s filled with legends but also with a few controversial ones. The tweet itself was very straightforward, just a graphic with the new Icons and the hashtag #FC26 with a link to pre-order. Responses? Oh boy, that is where the real mess began.
The comment section overflowed with demands, gripes, and downright confusion towards the game. The name that missed being included the most was Arjen Robben. Many players slammed EA for snubbing the Dutch winger. One declared, “No Robben = shit game.” And someone else saltily commented, “EA asked for Alex Morgan from a fake account,” which… okay, that just seemed random, but alright, we got the emptiness of frustration.
Then there was John Terry. The Chelsea boss has been out of football since 2013, yet still does not get into the game, to the dismay of his fans. “WHERE TF IS JOHN TERRY?!” one user screamed, while another joked that if he’s added they’d probably give him “35 pace.” Classic EA move, eh?
But it’s not just about who’s missing-these are also battles about the ratings. “Zlatan Ibrahimovic = Andrés Iniesta” is an argument saying that it’s “disrespectful to Iniesta,” while somebody else asks why Ali Daei, the legendary Iranian who still holds the record for most goals scored internationally, is never given respect.
And then, those out-there requests. The ever-serious one asking for an Emile Heskey Hero card. Respect. Another going for Cuauhtémoc Blanco-the soon-to-retire, long-ago Mexican star-now-politician with a … let’s call it “interesting” reputation. Yep… that devolved quickly.
One of the funniest things about it? The sheer amount of differing opinions. Some are furious about who doesn’t make the ship of Prometheus; others are debating whether Hazard even deserves an Icon card (some apparently think Frank Lampard is a fraud, so there’s that whole other debate); and others aren’t even sure if the Icons will be coming in player picks or in packs.
So what do we say? While the Icon list of EA Sports FC 26 features some big names, it is the ones absent that seem to be driving everybody mad. Will EA listen and finally deliver Robben, Terry, or checks notes Arda Turan? Probably not. That said, we’re looking at a few more months of drama before the game is released.
Pre-Orders are live now but don’t hold your breath for your favorite retired legendary player finally getting into the game… EA’s gonna EA.
