These Are the FC 25 Players Removed In EA FC 26 line-up

EA FC 26 has arrived with exciting updates, but some fan-favourite stars are noticeably absent from the roster. This absence impacts gameplay strategies and team-building in Ultimate Team and Career Mode. In this blog, we dive into the most significant players missing, exploring the reasons behind their exclusion and what their predicted cards might have looked like based on recent performances and fan speculations. These omissions highlight how real-world events like retirements and club moves influence the virtual pitch.

Key Reasons for Absences of These Players in EA FC 26

Several factors contribute to players not appearing in the game, from career endings to shifts to unlicensed competitions. Here's a breakdown:

• Retirements: Many veterans called time on their careers by mid-2025, removing them from active squads.
• Moves to Unlicensed Leagues: Transfers to regions without EA licensing agreements mean no in-game representation.
• Contract Terminations and Free Agency: Players without clubs by the roster lock-in date often get excluded.
• Individual Licensing Issues: Some stars face personal disputes or opt-outs, preventing their inclusion.

These issues create gaps in team options, forcing gamers to adapt to choices.

Profiles of Missing FC 26 Players

Let's examine each absent star from the viral FUTBIN graphic, including their real-world status as of August 2025. "First FUT without Neymar since FIFA 12 😢," lamented popular X user FIFA22_INFO, capturing the disappointment felt by many.

• Raphael Varane (France, CB): Retired in September 2024 after a knee injury at Como. No active club means no card.
• Dries Mertens (Belgium, CAM): Hung up his boots in July 2025, post-Galatasaray, ending a prolific career.
• Ivan Rakitic (Croatia, CM): Retired in July 2025 following a stint at Hajduk Split, his boyhood club.
• Neymar Jr (Brazil, LW): Despite returning to Santos in January 2025, licensing complications with individual rights kept him out.
• Amel Majri (France, LW): Transferred to Al-Ula FC in the Saudi Women's Premier League, an unlicensed competition.
• Roberto Firmino (Brazil, CAM): Joined Al Sadd in the Qatar Stars League in July 2025, outside EA's licensed scope.
• Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan, RB): Became a free agent after mutual contract termination with Arsenal in July 2025.
• James Rodriguez (Colombia, CAM): Moved to Club León in Liga MX, which lost full licensing in FC 26 updates.
• Alisha Lehmann (Switzerland, RW): Switched to Como Women in August 2025, but women's Serie A faced partial licensing hurdles.
• Emerson Royal (Brazil, RB): Signed with Flamengo in July 2025, yet Brazilian league inconsistencies affected select players.

These shifts reflect the dynamic nature of football, where off-field decisions ripple into gaming.

Predicted Cards and Overall Ratings

If these players had made it into EA FC 26, their cards would likely be based on peak forms and recent stats. Using the FUTBIN mockups as a guide, here's a table outlining hypothetical base cards, including positions, nationalities, and predicted overalls. These estimates consider age, form, and potential upgrades in modes like Ultimate Team.

These ratings align with EA's scaling, where defensive stalwarts like Varane hold high value.

Impact on Gameplay and Team Building

Missing these icons forces creative squad assembly. For instance, without a top-tier FC 26 player like Neymar, Brazilian-themed teams lose flair, pushing users toward alternatives like Vinicius Jr. Defensively, Varane's absence means relying on newer talents, altering meta strategies in Weekend League.

Exploring various FC players across licensed leagues can help build resilient squads, blending veterans with rising stars for balanced chemistry.

How to Adapt and Thrive in FC 26

To stay competitive despite these gaps, focus on evolutions and SBCs that upgrade available cards. As you gear up for endless matches, forget about FC 25—it's history now—and Buy FC 26 Coins now to stock up on resources for quick team enhancements. This approach ensures you're ready for dynamic events like international tournaments or club takeovers in Career Mode.

Conclusion

The exclusion of these key figures in EA FC 26 underscores the game's ties to real football's unpredictability. While disappointing, it opens doors for underdogs to shine. Whether through retirements or league shifts, these absences reshape how we play. Keep an eye on updates—EA might add some as Icons later. What's your take on these missing stars? Share below!