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0EA SPORTS FC 26 Thunderstruck Promo: Predictive Ratings, Meta Icons & What’s Coming Next in Ultimate Team
Grayson Edwards
- EA SPORTS FC 26 Thunderstruck Promo: Predictive Ratings, Meta Icons & What’s Coming Next in Ultimate Team
- Top 10 Thunderstruck Players — Full Predictive Breakdown
- Other Confirmed Thunderstruck Names
- Upcoming Content — More Promos Coming
EA SPORTS FC 26 is gearing up for one of the biggest promos of the year, and the Thunderstruck campaign is already generating massive hype across the community. Unlike traditional releases, this promo blends predictive ratings, dynamic design flair, and a massive roster of both modern stars and icons. The cards revealed come with placeholder stats, meaning the numbers shown now represent what EA expects these football legends and stars to feel like based on current meta trends and projected performance tiers.
From icons like Maradona, Eusébio, Maldini, Beckenbauer, Bergkamp and modern threats like Musiala, Theo Hernández, and Rafael Leão, this promo has a power-curve presence that can immediately change Weekend League lineups and player pricing. Some of these cards could instantly become end-game material depending on confirmed playstyles and animation quality. And with the predicted arrival of BIG player SBCs, campaign upgrades, Best-Of packs, evolutions, and login objective rewards, Thunderstruck feels like the kickoff of the true Ultimate Team cycle, not just another promo.
Top 10 Thunderstruck Players — Full Predictive Breakdown
Diego Maradona — 96 OVR
Maradona leads the lineup with one of the most stacked attacking profiles EA has ever teased. We expect around 92 Pace, 93 Shooting, and 97 Dribbling, turning him into a card capable of ridiculous responsiveness and unpredictable acceleration bursts. Pair that with technical playstyles and finesse-based finishing, and he could instantly feel like one of the most lethal attacking midfielders in FC 26. Maradona cards traditionally reward players who dribble in tight spaces, and with gameplay favoring elastic movement this year, his predictive stats match the meta perfectly.
That combination of agility, shooting class, and passing projection (we expect around 93 Passing) allows him to play CAM, CF, or even false nine roles without losing effectiveness. Whether creating, dribbling, or finishing, Maradona’s predicted version looks like one of the most balanced and dangerous elite attackers in this promo and if he receives multiple playstyle plus tags, he could easily become the most expensive card in Thunderstruck.
Paolo Maldini — 93 OVR
Maldini’s predicted stats show a clear intent: elite defending with enough pace to keep up with the fastest strikers in the game. We expect around 89 Pace and 95+ Defending, which already place him in auto-meta territory. Maldini cards historically feel clean, sharp, and disciplined with animations that consistently cancel attacker advantages and this predicted version aligns with that legacy perfectly.
His expected physical presence and passing reliability mean he won't just win the ball — he’ll help retain possession and reset play comfortably. In a game where defensive mistakes get punished instantly, Maldini offers one of the most secure defensive profiles in FC 26. If confirmed playstyles include Anticipate or Block+, he may become the no-discussion CB1 for top players.
Eusébio — 92 OVR
Eusébio’s predicted numbers establish him as a pure finisher with versatility across multiple striker roles. We expect around 93 Pace, 95 Dribbling, and 94 Shooting, and that instantly signals a card capable of explosive acceleration, sharp directional control, and deadly finishing even under pressure. Eusébio cards typically excel at responsiveness, and predictive stats suggest that will continue.
With projected playstyles like Power Shot, Finesse, First Touch, or even Rapid, he could become a dominant force in competitive play. Whether used as a solo striker or in a two-forward structure alongside a more physical attacker, Eusébio is shaping up to be one of the biggest threats in Thunderstruck.
Gareth Bale — 89
Bale’s predicted numbers lean heavily into raw explosiveness and long-range threat. We expect around 96 Pace and 90+ Shooting, which positions him instantly as one of the strongest right-side attackers in the promo. Bale has always been built around physical momentum and powerhouse finishing, and this card projects that identity perfectly.
His ability to cut inside on his left foot, combined with finesse and power shot playstyle potential makes him a terrifying matchup for full-backs. And with the meta still favoring driven shots and outside-box power-strikes, Bale’s predicted stats complement the gameplay direction beautifully. He could easily become a club staple for players leaning toward counter-attacking or high-pace buildup.
Franz Beckenbauer — 93
Beckenbauer’s expected rating positions him as one of the most complete defenders in Ultimate Team. We expect around 92 Pace and 95 Defending, meaning he has both the speed recovery meta demands and the defensive intelligence needed to win clean tackles consistently. Beckenbauer historically plays like a hybrid CB-CDM, and these predicted stats support that flexible role.
His expected passing control and press-resistance could make him a standout for possession-based formations. Those who run high-tempo buildup with emphasis on positional rotation could find him invaluable — especially if he receives Pinged Pass or Long Ball Pass playstyles, helping break lines immediately after winning possession.
Franck Ribéry — 89
Ribéry’s card feels built for the flair enjoyers of FC 26. We expect around 90 Pace and 88 Dribbling, giving him the agility and responsiveness required for advanced skill-move setups. His body type has historically felt silky on the ball, and in a game favoring technical unlocks, Ribéry could become one of the most enjoyable players in the promo.
With expected passing in the mid-80s and controlled finishing traits, he becomes more than just a skiller; he becomes a creator. Ribéry’s projected playstyles like Technical, Flair, Trickster, Rapid could make him a nightmare to defend and perfect for players who rely on tight dribbling and layered combination play.
Dennis Bergkamp — 93
Bergkamp brings a more elegant attacking style into the promo. We expect around 90 Dribbling, 92 Passing, and 92 Shooting, making him deadly around the penalty area. Bergkamp cards traditionally rely on intelligent movement rather than raw pace, and with FC 26 making first-touch animation quality crucial, he could be incredibly effective.
His projected ability to control tempo, glide through tight pockets, and create final-third precision moments makes him ideal for players who prefer technical, structured chance creation. With the right playstyles, Bergkamp may become the rare CF archetype that feels both responsive and clinical.
Birgit Prinz — 91
Prinz enters the promo as a complete physical attacker with strong finishing and ball control projections. We expect around 88 Pace, 90 Shooting, and 88 Physical, which structure her as a striker who can outmuscle defenders while still turning sharply in the box.
Her predicted dribbling and passing give her a versatile role able to finish chances, hold up play, or distribute to a faster partner. Prinz may be one of the most underrated long-term cards depending on how upgrades and playstyles land.
Alexia Putellas — 93
Putellas brings a technically gifted build into Thunderstruck. We expect around 91 Passing, 92 Dribbling, and strong possession-style ball control traits. Her predicted balance of creativity, midfield intelligence, and quick directional touches gives her an elite CAM/CM hybrid feel.
With gameplay currently rewarding float passes, threaded assists, and timing-based driven shots, she could become one of the most reliable high-IQ midfield playmakers in Ultimate Team once her stats are finalized.
Rodri — 91
Rodri embodies structure, shielding, and control and we expect around 88 Defending and 90 Physical to emphasize his elite defensive command. His role isn’t about explosiveness, it’s about control, spacing, and rhythm, making him one of the strongest CDMs in tactical systems.
With expected passing in the 85–90 range, Rodri could become the backbone of possession-based teams balancing stability and calm buildup. If he receives Bruiser or Intercept+, competitive players will use him heavily.
Other Confirmed Thunderstruck Names
The remaining squad includes:Gabri Veiga, Pedro Neto, Terem Moffi, Aubameyang, Dumfries, Theo Hernández, Oblak, Enzo Fernández, Jamal Musiala, Rafael Leão and more unannounced names giving Thunderstruck impressive depth.
Some of these cards may start as mid-tier options but could become meta-defining depending on confirmed playstyles, upgrades, or evolution compatibility.
Upcoming Content — More Promos Coming
Thunderstruck isn’t the end EA is lining up additional promos, including rumored Joga Bonito, focused on flair football and Brazilian playstyle identity. Combined with Best-of packs, repeatable upgrades, large evolutions, SBCs, and season rewards, the next few weeks are shaping up to be the biggest upgrade period so far in FC 26.
With predictive ratings, massive names, and upcoming supporting content, Thunderstruck is set to reshape the Ultimate Team meta. Whether you’re planning investments, squad upgrades, or saving packs, this promo marks the true acceleration point of FC 26.
We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.
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