The release of EA Sports FC 25 is bringing a new wave of excitement to the FIFA gaming community, and the introduction of the Grassroot Greats promotion is set to take things to the next level. Slated to launch on February 14, 2025, the Grassroot Greats event will replace the Future Stars promotion, which has been dominating the scene up until that point. However, the real focus of attention lies in the legendary players who will be brought back into the spotlight. These are players who, while perhaps not always the biggest stars in the football world, have etched their names into the history of Ultimate Team with their remarkable cost-effectiveness and gameplay strength.

The Grassroot Greats promotion is designed to honor these icons from the past, bringing them back with enhanced cards and special PlayStyles+ abilities, all in the spirit of nostalgia. Let’s dive deep into what this event has to offer, from the leaked players to the potential card designs, and how you can get your hands on these legends to boost your squad.

The Grassroot Greats Concept: A Tribute to the Past

In a world where new talents and young superstars like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé dominate football discussions, EA Sports FC 25 is taking a different approach with the Grassroot Greats. Instead of focusing solely on the freshest talents or the most marketable names, this event looks to the past, celebrating players who became fan favorites in the Ultimate Team community due to their incredible in-game attributes.

These are players who might not have been top-tier superstars in their real-life careers but became legends in the virtual world. Their cards, often boosted with rare stats or unique abilities, were often affordable and incredibly effective, making them a must-have for many Ultimate Team squads.

The idea behind this event is simple: to offer both nostalgic value for veteran players and an opportunity for newer users to experience the magic of past Ultimate Team stars. The retro-style card design will reflect the era in which these players were at their peak, and some of the cards will be equipped with exclusive PlayStyles+, enhancing their skills in a way that matches their iconic moments from the past.

The Leaked List of Players: Who Will Make the Cut?

As with any major EA Sports promotion, leaks are already making their rounds, and fans are eager to find out which legends will be making a return in the Grassroot Greats event. While EA has yet to confirm the full roster, multiple leaks have already surfaced, offering a tantalizing preview of what to expect. Among the names that have been leaked, several stand out as clear favorites based on their iconic status in the Ultimate Team community.

Diego Maradona

The return of Diego Maradona is one of the most highly anticipated moments of the Grassroot Greats event. Maradona, who was previously removed from FIFA 22 due to licensing issues, will finally make his long-awaited comeback. His card is expected to be a 96 OVR Icon, with a special Trickster+ PlayStyle that reflects his dribbling genius and legendary footwork. Maradona's inclusion in this event is significant not only for nostalgia but also because it marks a reconciliation between EA and Maradona's estate after the legal battles that led to his removal from previous editions of the game.

Seydou Doumbia (94 OVR)

A legend of FIFA 15, Seydou Doumbia was known for his blistering pace and deadly finishing. Often considered one of the most cost-effective strikers in the game, Doumbia could terrorize defenses at an affordable price. His return to the game as a Grassroot Great is likely to excite long-time players who remember his dominance in FUT.

Gervinho (93 OVR)

Gervinho was another fan-favorite during the FIFA 15 era, known for his blistering pace and ability to run past defenders with ease. His 93 OVR card will undoubtedly feature incredible pace and dribbling stats, making him a terror on the wing for players who like to counter-attack quickly.

Victor Ibarbo (92 OVR)

A powerhouse on the field, Victor Ibarbo was a physical specimen who could dominate defenders with his strength and speed. His 92-rated card was beloved by players who appreciated his combination of pace and power, and his return as part of the Grassroot Greats event will undoubtedly draw plenty of attention.

Franck Ribéry (96 OVR Icon)

The French winger Franck Ribéry is another Icon set to make an appearance, with his card likely to feature enhanced dribbling and passing attributes. A legendary player for Bayern Munich and one of the best wingers of his generation, Ribéry’s inclusion as a Grassroot Great will bring back memories of his dazzling runs down the flank.

Didier Drogba (96 OVR Icon)

Didier Drogba was a striker known for his strength, aerial prowess, and clutch performances in big moments. His 96 OVR card will likely feature an Aerial+ PlayStyle, further emphasizing his heading ability and physical presence in the box. Drogba was a fan-favorite due to his reliability as a target man, and his return is sure to excite Chelsea fans and players who value a traditional, powerhouse striker.

Roberto Baggio (96 OVR Icon)

The Divine Ponytail, Roberto Baggio, was a magician with the ball at his feet and a master of free kicks. His 96 OVR card is expected to highlight his incredible ball control and set-piece abilities, making him a perfect player for those who like to dictate play and execute precise free kicks.

Bruno Fernandes (92 OVR)

The current Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is expected to feature in the Grassroot Greats event with a 92 OVR card. Known for his playmaking abilities, sharp shooting, and skill moves, Fernandes could be a great addition to any midfield, offering creativity and an eye for goal.

Alexis Mac Allister (92 OVR)

Alexis Mac Allister is another modern-day player expected to make the cut. The Argentine midfielder has proven himself as an all-around player with solid defensive and offensive abilities, making him a versatile option for players who prefer a balanced approach in the midfield.

Juninho (Icon)

Juninho Pernambucano, the Brazilian free-kick specialist, is another name floating around the leaks. Known for his incredible ability to score from dead-ball situations, Juninho’s card would likely feature enhanced free-kick stats, making him the go-to player for players who love to score from set pieces.

Ian Wright (Icon)

Ian Wright, the legendary Arsenal striker, is expected to make a return as a Grassroot Great. Known for his clinical finishing and movement off the ball, Wright’s card will likely focus on his goal-scoring attributes, making him a reliable option for players in need of a sharp finisher.

Jaap Stam (Icon)

Jaap Stam, one of the most formidable center-backs of his generation, could be included as a defensive powerhouse with high strength and defensive stats. His 96 OVR card would likely be a must-have for players who prioritize a solid defensive line.

Card Design and PlayStyles+

In keeping with the theme of nostalgia, the Grassroot Greats cards will feature retro designs that pay homage to the players’ peak seasons. For instance, Maradona’s card may incorporate imagery from the 1986 World Cup, showcasing his unforgettable performances.

Additionally, each player will come with special PlayStyles+ abilities. These abilities are designed to enhance certain aspects of a player’s game, reflecting their real-world strengths. For example:

Maradona might feature Trickster+ to emphasize his dribbling magic.

Drogba could have Aerial+, boosting his heading and aerial dominance.

Ribéry might have Dribbler+, enhancing his ability to glide past defenders.

These enhancements will make these legends even more formidable in EA Sports FC 25, giving them an edge over other players in Ultimate Team.

How to Obtain Grassroot Greats Players

As with most major FUT promotions, players will need to rely on a combination of FIFA 25 Coins, FIFA Points, and reward packs to unlock these legendary cards. High-rated Icon cards, such as those belonging to Maradona, Drogba, and Baggio, will likely require significant coin investment. Players who want to add these stars to their squad will need to grind through modes like Squad Battles or FUT Champions to accumulate coins and unlock packs.

Additionally, some of the more affordable Grassroot Greats players may become popular on the transfer market, and players who do not wish to use EA FC 25 Coins on packs can look to the marketplace for potential bargains.

Conclusion

The Grassroot Greats event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting promotions in EA Sports FC 25. With a mix of legendary players, retro card designs, and enhanced PlayStyles+, this event promises to offer both nostalgia for long-time players and new opportunities for younger users to experience the magic of classic Ultimate Team legends. Whether you’re after the skillful finesse of Maradona, the powerful heading ability of Drogba, or the iconic dribbling of Gervinho, the Grassroot Greats event will have something for every player.

With the launch of this event, EA Sports FC 25 continues to honor the rich history of Ultimate Team while giving fans new ways to engage with the game. So, gather your coins and get ready to relive the glory days of Ultimate Team, as some of the most iconic players of the past return to the virtual pitch.

搜