EA FC 26 Highest Rated Players For Each Position

The eternal debate begins anew: who is the best in the world? With the launch of EA Sports FC 26, the official player ratings have finally dropped, setting the stage for a year of arguments, squad-building challenges, and on-pitch battles. The list of the FC 26 highest rated players is always one of the most anticipated reveals of the year, as it defines the "meta," shapes the transfer market in Ultimate Team, and gives us all bragging rights when our favorite players get a big upgrade.

But this isn't just a list of numbers. This is your ultimate guide and playbook. We're going to break down the FC 26 highest rated players for every single position on the pitch. Whether you're meticulously planning your Ultimate Team starter squad, scouting for that perfect Career Mode signing, or just want to win arguments with your friends, this definitive list has you covered.

Understanding the FC 26 Ratings

Before we dive into the lists, it's crucial to remember one thing: the overall rating isn't everything. While we are looking at the official list of the FC 26 highest rated players, the true FC 26 best player for your specific team might be an 88-rated beast with the perfect PlayStyles, not a 91-rated superstar who doesn't fit your system.

This year, more than ever, in-game stats like Composure, Agility, and Reactions, combined with game-changing PlayStyles+, will determine a player's true effectiveness. Use this guide to identify the top-tier talent, but always be sure to dig deeper into their stats to find the perfect fit for your playstyle. That said, having a squad full of the FC 26 highest rated players is never a bad place to start!

The Goal Machines: Highest Rated Attackers

This is where the magic happens. The attackers are the superstars who sell shirts and win matches. In FC 26, the gap between the good and the great is defined by a combination of clinical finishing, blistering pace, and killer PlayStyles. Here are the FC 26 highest rated players leading the line this year.

Strikers (ST)

The striker position is home to the most lethal finishers in world football. These are the players you can count on to bury that one chance you get in the 90th minute of a tight FUT Champions match. The list of the FC 26 highest rated players at striker is a who's who of goal-scoring royalty.

Kylian Mbappé FC 26 (91)

Mbappé continues his reign as the undisputed king of the meta in FC 26. His 91-rated card is, simply put, a cheat code. The combination of 97 Pace and 92 Dribbling is already game-breaking, but the addition of the 'Quick Step+' PlayStyle makes his initial burst of acceleration feel almost instant, allowing him to glide past defenders with ease. With 90 Shooting, he's lethal from any angle, making him the most complete and feared attacker in the game. He's not just a player; he's a guaranteed goal.

Ousmane Dembélé FC 26 (90)

For players who live and breathe by dribbling, Dembélé's 90-rated card is a dream come true. His 93 Dribbling is the main attraction, making him feel incredibly shifty and responsive on the ball. The real magic, however, is the 'Rapid+' PlayStyle, which allows him to sprint with the ball at his feet almost as if it's glued to him, making him a nightmare for any fullback in a 1-on-1 situation. A massive boost to 88 Shooting this year means he's no longer just a creator; he's a top-tier goal threat as well.

Erling Haaland FC 26 (90)

Haaland is the definition of a powerhouse striker in FC 26. What he lacks in elite dribbling, he more than makes up for with sheer, unstoppable force. His 90-rated card is built around his two best assets: 91 Shooting and 88 Physicality. He can outmuscle almost any defender in the game, and the new 'Low Driven+' PlayStyle makes his finishing inside the box brutally efficient and automatic. If you play a direct style and need a player to simply bully defenses and finish chances, Haaland is your man.

Harry Kane FC 26 (89)

In a game often dominated by pace, Harry Kane's 89-rated card proves that pure finishing is still king. His 64 Pace means he won't be running in behind, but that's not his game. His 92 Shooting is world-class, and the 'Finesse Shot+' PlayStyle is one of the most overpowered in FC 26, making him an almost guaranteed goal from anywhere around the edge of the penalty box. For players who use a patient, possession-based build-up, Kane is the ultimate clinical number 9 to finish off your chances.

Wingers (LW/RW)

On the wings, pace and dribbling are king. These players are tasked with terrorizing fullbacks, cutting inside for a finesse shot, or delivering the perfect cross. To be considered the FC 26 best player on the wing, you need more than just speed; you need agility and flair.

Caroline Graham Hansen FC 26 (90)

As one of the few players to break the 90-rated barrier at launch, Graham Hansen is the complete package and a true magician on the wing. Her card is incredibly well-rounded with 89 Pace, 87 Shooting, 88 Passing, and 90 Dribbling, meaning she has no weaknesses in her attacking game. Her key feature, however, is the 'Trickster+' PlayStyle, which unlocks a host of unique and devastating skill moves, making her one of the most unpredictable and fun players to use in FC 26. She is the perfect choice for skilled players who want a winger that can score, create, and humiliate defenders in equal measure.

Vini Jr. FC 26 (89)

If your game is all about raw, explosive speed, then Vini Jr. is your man. His 89-rated card is defined by its world-class 95 Pace and 91 Dribbling. When you combine those stats with the 'Quick Step+' PlayStyle—the same one that makes Mbappé so unstoppable—you get a player whose first step is simply game-breaking. He is the ultimate "get in behind" threat on the wing, capable of burning past any fullback in the game. While his 84 Shooting is more than adequate, his primary role is to be a creator and a chaos agent, using his blistering pace to open up defenses.

Bukayo Saka FC 26 (88)

Saka's 88-rated card establishes him as one of the premier creators from the right-wing position. While his stats are nicely balanced across the board, his standout feature is the 'Whipped Pass+' PlayStyle. In the FC 26 meta, this is one of the most powerful abilities in the game, allowing him to deliver incredibly fast, accurate, and dangerous crosses into the box. He may not have the 90+ pace of other elite wingers, but for players who use a target man striker and love to attack from the flanks, Saka's pinpoint delivery makes him an essential and game-changing player.

Kadidiatou Diani FC 26 (88)

Diani's 88-rated card is a pure goal-scoring winger, perfect for the inside forward role. She combines elite 92 Pace with a very strong 85 Shooting stat and the coveted 'Finesse Shot' PlayStyle. This makes her an immediate threat when cutting inside from the wing onto her stronger foot. On top of that, her 79 Physicality is excellent for a winger, allowing her to hold off challenges from fullbacks more effectively than most. She is the ideal choice for players who use their wingers as additional goal threats and frequently shoot from the edge of the box.

The Engine Room: Highest Rated Midfielders

The midfield is where games are won and lost. Whether it's a creative CAM, a box-to-box CM, or a rock-solid CDM, having some of the FC 26 highest rated players in your engine room is crucial for controlling the tempo.

Attacking Midfielders (CAM)

These are the playmakers, the artists who can unlock any defense with a single pass. They are the link between your midfield and attack, and the FC 26 highest rated players in this position are true creative geniuses.

Jude Bellingham FC 26 (90)

Jude Bellingham's 90-rated card establishes him as arguably the most complete midfielder in all of FC 26. While he's listed as a CAM, his stats are those of a true "do-it-all" force of nature. With 86 Shooting, 83 Passing, 90 Dribbling, and a staggering 85 Physicality, he can dominate a game from any position. The 'Relentless+' PlayStyle is the perfect complement, allowing him to press defenders, track back, and make lung-busting runs for the entire 90 minutes without losing a step. He's not just a luxury playmaker; he's the engine of the entire team, making him the perfect choice for players who want their CAM to be a goalscorer, a creator, and a ball-winner all in one.

Florian Wirtz FC 26 (89)

Florian Wirtz's 89-rated card is a dream. This card is built for one purpose: creating goals. His standout 88 Passing is elevated to an elite level by the 'Incisive Pass+' PlayStyle, which means his through balls will have the perfect curve, weight, and accuracy to slice open even the most compact defenses. When you pair that passing ability with his 90 Dribbling, you get a maestro who can create space for himself before delivering a killer final ball. He is the ultimate assist machine, perfect for players who want a specialist to feed their clinical strikers.

Jamal Musiala FC 26 (88)

Jamal Musiala's 88-rated card is for the dribbling purists. His 90 Dribbling stat is made even more potent by the 'Technical+' PlayStyle, which makes his controlled sprint (R1/RB dribbling) one of the fastest and tightest in the game. He is a master of close control, able to weave through defenders in the most crowded areas around the penalty box. While his shooting and passing are solid, his true value lies in his unique ability to create a yard of space out of nothing through pure, individual skill. For players who love to use left-stick dribbling to break down opponents, Musiala is an absolute nightmare for any defense to handle.

Center Midfielders (CM)

The box-to-box workhorses. A great CM needs to be able to do it all: defend, pass, dribble, and shoot. The FC 26 best player in this role is often the one with the most well-rounded stats.

Alexia Putellas FC 26 (91)

Alexia Putellas enters FC 26 as one of the most technically gifted midfielders in the entire game. Her 91-rated card is a true offensive maestro, boasting an incredible trio of 89 Shooting, 90 Passing, and 91 Dribbling. This makes her a deadly threat both as a scorer and a creator from the center of the park. Her 'First Touch+' PlayStyle is the key to her game, allowing her to instantly control difficult passes under pressure and perfectly set herself up for either a shot or a dribble. For players looking for a CM who plays like an elite CAM, Putellas is the ultimate choice to run your attack.

Aitana Bonmatí FC 26 (91)

Sharing the top spot in the midfield ratings, Aitana Bonmatí's 91-rated card offers a different flavor of dominance. Her game is built around agility and control, combining 85 Pace with a sublime 91 Dribbling stat. This is all amplified by the 'Technical+' PlayStyle, which makes her controlled sprint one of the most effective in the game, allowing her to weave through crowded midfields with ease. On top of her attacking prowess, her 77 Defending is surprisingly solid, making her a fantastic two-way player. Bonmatí is the perfect midfielder for players who love to break the lines with the ball at their feet.

Federico Valverde FC 26 (88)

Federico Valverde's 88-rated card is the definition of a perfect box-to-box midfielder in FC 26. He is the ultimate all-rounder, with no face stat below 83 and an incredible combination of 88 Pace, 83 Defending, and 85 Physicality. He can truly do it all: track back to win a crucial tackle, carry the ball forward with his blistering speed, and contribute with a goal or an assist. The 'Relentless+' PlayStyle is the icing on the cake, ensuring his high-energy, all-action presence is felt for the entire 90 minutes. For players who need one midfielder to be the engine of their entire team, Valverde is the undisputed king.

Defensive Midfielders (CDM)

The shield for your back line. These players are tasked with breaking up play, intercepting passes, and protecting your defense. The FC 26 highest rated players at CDM are tactical masters.

Rodri FC 26 (90)

Rodri's 90-rated card solidifies his position as the premier anchor man in FC 26. He is the complete modern CDM, blending immense defensive prowess with sublime on-the-ball skill. With 86 Defending and 85 Physicality, he is a rock-solid shield for any back line, capable of breaking up play with ease. What makes him truly elite, however, is his 86 Passing and 84 Dribbling, complemented by the 'Tiki-Taka+' PlayStyle. This makes him incredibly press-resistant and perfect for dictating the tempo of a match with short, crisp passes from deep. While his 65 Pace means he won't be catching fast attackers on the break, his flawless positioning makes him the perfect choice for a possession-based player who needs a true general in the heart of their midfield.

Joshua Kimmich FC 26 (89)

Joshua Kimmich's 89-rated card is for players who see their defensive midfielder as a deep-lying playmaker. He is the quarterback of the team, designed to launch attacks from a defensive position. His 89 Passing is simply world-class, and the 'Long Ball Pass+' PlayStyle makes his cross-field switches and passes over the top feel like guided missiles. He can change the point of attack with a single kick of the ball. While his 79 Physicality means he's not a pure ball-winning destroyer, his 83 Defending is more than capable. He is best used in a two-CDM formation next to a more physical partner, giving him the freedom to control the game with his incredible vision.

Patri Guijarro FC 26 (89)

Patri Guijarro's 89-rated card is one of the most well-rounded defensive midfielders in the game. She offers a fantastic balance of offensive and defensive capabilities. Like Kimmich, she possesses the 'Long Ball Pass+' PlayStyle, making her a dangerous deep-lying playmaker. However, unlike him, she also brings top-tier defensive stats with 86 Defending and 83 Physicality, making her an elite ball-winner in her own right. With a solid 78 Pace, she has the mobility to cover ground effectively, making her an ideal candidate for a lone CDM role. For players looking for one complete midfielder who can defend, dribble, and launch attacks, Patri is a truly elite option.

The Wall: Highest Rated Defenders & Goalkeepers

You can't win if you can't keep a clean sheet. Having a defense built with some of the FC 26 highest rated players is the foundation of any great Ultimate Team.

Center Backs (CB)

In FC 26, a great center-back needs more than just high defending stats; they need pace and the right PlayStyles to keep up with the elite attackers on this list.

Virgil van Dijk FC 26 (90)

Virgil van Dijk stands as the undisputed king of defenders in FC 26. His 90-rated card is an absolute wall, combining 90 Defending with 87 Physicality to create an impassable object for any attacker. His superpower is the 'Intercept+' PlayStyle, which gives him an almost supernatural ability to read the game, block passing lanes, and automatically stick out a leg to stop a through ball. While his 73 Pace isn't lightning-quick, his flawless positioning and dominant presence mean he's rarely caught out. For any player looking for an anchor to build their defense around, van Dijk is simply the best in the game.

Mapi León FC 26 (89)

Mapi León's 89-rated card is the perfect example of a modern, ball-playing center back. She pairs elite 90 Defending with fantastic technical stats, including 79 Passing and 76 Dribbling, making her incredibly comfortable and composed when playing out from the back. Her standout feature is the 'Slide Tackle+' PlayStyle, which turns her last-ditch challenges into perfectly clean, surgical dispossessions. While she isn't as physically imposing as some other top-tier CBs, her intelligence and technical skill make her an ideal choice for possession-based players who want their defenders to start the attack.

Gabriel FC 26 (88)

If you're looking for an old-school, no-nonsense physical defender, Gabriel's 88-rated card is your man. He is a pure enforcer, designed to bully strikers off the ball. His combination of 88 Defending, 84 Physicality, and the 'Bruiser+' PlayStyle means he will win almost every single shoulder-to-shoulder challenge and physical duel. He is the perfect counter to strong, target-man strikers. However, his 64 Pace is a significant liability, making him vulnerable to fast attackers. He is a specialist who is best paired with a much quicker center-back partner.

Alessandro Bastoni FC 26 (87)

Bastoni's 87-rated card is one of the most solid, reliable, and well-rounded defenders in the game. He has no major weaknesses, blending a solid 74 Pace with top-tier 88 Defending and 82 Physicality. What sets him apart from more traditional defenders is his comfort on the ball, with 75 Passing and 76 dribbling, which allows him to confidently carry the ball out of defense. He is the perfect meta center back for anyone building a Serie A squad, offering a fantastic balance of pace, power, and technical skill.

Marquinhos FC 26 (87)

For players who prefer a more agile and intelligent defender, Marquinhos's 87-rated card remains an elite choice. His greatest asset is his 78 Pace, which is excellent for a center back and allows him to keep up with the fastest strikers in the game. He shares the 'Intercept+' PlayStyle with van Dijk, making his AI positioning and ability to automatically cut out through balls second to none. While his 80 Physicality means he can sometimes be outmuscled by stronger forwards, his game-reading intelligence makes him the perfect defender for players who like to maintain a high defensive line.

Fullbacks (LB/RB)

The modern fullback is expected to attack as much as they defend. The FC 26 highest rated players in these positions are often lightning-fast and possess great crossing and dribbling stats.

Achraf Hakimi FC 26 (89)

Achraf Hakimi's 89-rated card positions him as the ultimate modern fullback in FC 26. His stats are the definition of a true box-to-box threat, combining elite 92 Pace with incredibly well-rounded numbers in every other category, including 82 Passing, 83 Dribbling, and a very solid 82 Defending. The 'Relentless+' PlayStyle is the key to his game, allowing him to bomb up and down the wing for the entire 90 minutes without losing stamina. He is the perfect player for those who demand their fullbacks to be just as involved in the attack as they are in the defense, making him arguably the best all-around right-back in the game.

Jules Koundé FC 26 (87)

Jules Koundé's 87-rated card is a defensive specialist, essentially a top-tier center back playing on the flank. His game is built around his immense 86 Defending and 84 Physicality, which are elite for a fullback. The 'Jockey+' PlayStyle makes him incredibly agile in 1v1 defensive duels, allowing him to shut down even the trickiest wingers. While his 84 Pace is solid, his attacking output is minimal. He is the perfect choice for a player who wants a "stay back" fullback, or for someone who uses a 3-at-the-back formation where he can excel as a wide center back.

Nuno Mendes FC 26 (86)

If you are looking for pure, unadulterated speed from your fullback position, Nuno Mendes is your man. His 86-rated card is all about its game-breaking 95 Pace. This is supercharged by the 'Quick Step+' PlayStyle, which gives him an explosive burst of acceleration that makes him almost unstoppable on the overlap and incredibly fast on defensive recoveries. Paired with his 82 Dribbling, he feels more like a winger than a defender. While his defensive stats are solid but not spectacular, his blistering pace makes up for it, allowing him to close down any attacker. He is perfect for players who use their fullbacks as their primary source of width in attack.

Goalkeepers (GK)

Your last line of defense. The FC 26 best player between the sticks can single-handedly win you games.

Thibaut Courtois FC 26 (89)

Courtois continues to be a dominant force between the sticks in FC 26. His 89-rated card excels with 90 Reflexes and 88 Positioning, and his massive in-game frame allows him to cover the goal like an absolute wall. He is a traditional shot-stopper who is incredibly difficult to beat from inside the box, making him one of the most reliable and imposing goalkeepers in the game.

Alisson FC 26 (89)

Alisson's 89-rated card makes him the perfect modern "sweeper-keeper." He is incredibly well-rounded with no major weaknesses and stands out with his superb 86 Kicking. This allows him not only to make crucial saves with his 89 Reflexes but also to launch devastating counter-attacks with his pinpoint distribution. For players who want a complete goalkeeper who is a part of the build-up play, Alisson is the top choice.

Gianluigi Donnarumma FC 26 (89)

Donnarumma's 89-rated card is all about spectacular, athletic saves. With a perfect combination of 90 Diving and 90 Reflexes, he is one of the best in the game at stopping shots that seem destined for the back of the net. He is the keeper you want for making those unbelievable, match-winning saves that leave your opponent stunned.

Beyond the List: How to Use This Information

Knowing who the FC 26 highest rated players are is the first step. The next step is getting them into your club. This table summarizes the top-rated player for each main position group, giving you a clear target for your dream team.

Building a team with players of this caliber requires a significant coin balance. While you can spend months grinding, the smartest players often get a small, secure coin boost at the start of the game. This allows them to invest in the FC 26 best player for their team before prices skyrocket, giving them a huge competitive advantage.

Conclusion

The release of the new ratings officially kicks off the FC 26 season. This list of the FC 26 highest rated players provides the ultimate blueprint for who you should be aiming for as you build your club. But the debate is never truly over. Who do you think was overrated? Who was snubbed and deserved a higher rating? Let us know your thoughts on the FC 26 highest rated players down in the comments below!