<p>The latest edition of EA Sports FC 25 is set for its worldwide release on September 27, and gaming fans are already buzzing with excitement. This year’s edition of the popular soccer game marks the second installment since EA Sports parted ways with FIFA. Despite the rebranding, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/why-inter-and-ac-milan-arent-featured-in-eafc-25/">EA Sports FC 25</a> promises to deliver the same excitement and depth that fans have come to expect. New features, game modes, and a revamped interface have been teased through a series of deep dives. For many gamers, it’s the player ratings that steal the spotlight.</p>



<p>As always, the release of player ratings is one of the most eagerly anticipated events each year. It offers a glimpse into which players will dominate in the virtual world. This year, a new era is dawning, with Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo no longer commanding the highest ratings.</p>



<p>Leading the rankings for EA Sports FC 25 are <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/al-khelaifis-life-after-mbappe-new-era-and-better-psg-than-ever/">Kylian Mbappe</a>, Erling Haaland, and Rodri. Each boasts <a href="https://x.com/EASPORTSFC/status/1833158620768252051" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">an impressive rating of 91</a>. Mbappe and Haaland are the future of soccer. Both players consistently deliver jaw-dropping performances for their clubs. Rodri, meanwhile, had a standout Euro 2024 campaign. He helped Spain secure a major victory and solidified his place among the world’s best.</p>



<p>The midfielder’s jump to the top comes as a surprise to many. He had an 89 rating last year. His contributions to Manchester City and Spain have earned him a significant upgrade. They pushed him into the 91-rated bracket alongside Mbappe and Haaland.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20240911_WST_528354_Rodri-Haaland-1200x675_e8826b2c.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-528390" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2024/09/Rodri-Haaland.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure></figure>



<h2>What are Ronaldo and Messi’s ratings in EA FC 25?</h2>



<p>For years, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/lionel-messi-ventures-into-esports-as-co-owner-with-kun-aguero-20231108-WST-468193.html">Lionel Messi</a> and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-in-talks-with-2k-to-help-create-new-soccer-video-game-20240213-WST-489326.html">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> have been the faces of the EA Sports franchise. They dominated the ratings with unmatched skill and longevity. However, the 2024 edition marks the end of an era. Lionel Messi, once rated as high as 94, has dropped to an 88 rating, marking his lowest score since 2008. He now sits at the 16th spot in the rankings, behind seven Premier League players.</p>



<p>Despite his legendary status, Messi’s move to Inter Miami and his lower involvement in top-tier European competitions likely contributed to the downgrade. He now shares the same rating as players like Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Atletico Madrid’s Antoine Griezmann, and Robert Lewandowski, the veteran striker of Barcelona.</p>



<p>Cristiano Ronaldo, meanwhile, finds himself even further down the list, not even cracking the top 25 players in the game. Ronaldo has picked up a rating of <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-13830565/Lionel-Messi-LOWEST-rating-16-years-EA-Sports-FC-25.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">86</a>. It’s a significant drop that reflects his Saudi Arabia move and his reduced role in major European competitions. For years, the two GOATs have competed for the top spot. The game is increasingly reflecting the shifting dynamics of global soccer, however.</p>



<h2>Rising stars and major upgrades</h2>



<p>While Messi and Ronaldo face downgrades, several players have seen their ratings soar. One of the biggest risers is England’s Jude Bellingham. He earned a 90 rating after a stellar debut season at Real Madrid. His performances have impressed fans and critics alike, earning him a place among the best in the game.</p>



<p>Not only does Bellingham have a 90 rating, but so do Vinicius, Kevin De Bruyne, and Harry Kane, among others. This year’s ratings also showcase the Premier League’s strength, with stars like Kane, De Bruyne, and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah all securing top spots.</p>



<p>The goalkeeping department is also strong. Alisson, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Thibaut Courtois and Marc-Andre ter Stegen all received ratings of 90 or above. These players have consistently proven their value between the posts and will be key figures in EA Sports FC 25’s Ultimate Team mode.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>

New EA FC 25 ratings revealed: Where are Messi and Ronaldo?

The latest edition of EA Sports FC 25 is set for its worldwide release on September 27, and gaming fans are already buzzing for the ratings.


<p>Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that they will include <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/category/euro-2024/">UEFA Euro 2024</a> as a free in-game update to EAFC 24. The game’s release will coincide with the real tournament set to the played in Germany this summer. Euro 2024 will kick off on June 14th and run for a full month. EA is including the update just before the tournament’s start.</p>



<p>The move to release the free in-game tournament to EAFC 24 further strengthens the video game company’s partnership with UEFA. The two sides previously began an official partnership in the fall of 2018. EA Sports added the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/champions-league-tv-schedule/">UEFA Champions League</a> to their FIFA 19 game.</p>



<p>“We’re delighted to announce that one of next summer’s biggest football tournaments will be fully integrated across EA SPORTS FC titles,” <a href="https://news.ea.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2023/UEFA-EURO-2024-Comes-to-EA-SPORTS-FC-24-EA-SPORTS-FC-Mobile-and-EA-SPORTS-FC-Online-in-Summer-2024/default.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">proclaimed</a> David Jackson, EA Sports FC’s Vice President of Brand. </p>



<p>“Alongside our fantastic partners at UEFA, this exclusive Euros content will enable EA SPORTS to continue delivering the most authentic and innovative football experiences for our fans.”</p>



<h2>EAFC update to include other Euro 2024 features</h2>



<p>Along with including Euro 2024 in their game, EA will also allow gamers to simulate the tournament from their console. The company is also ready to gift gamers who play the game before Jan. 16 an exclusive player card. These Euro 2024-themed players will be from one of the national teams competing in the actual summer tournament.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1200" height="675" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20231128_WST_473329_Lahm-Euro-2024-1200x675.webp&amp;width=1200&amp;height=675" alt="" class="wp-image-473371" srcset="https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Lahm-Euro-2024-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Lahm-Euro-2024-300x169.jpg 300w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Lahm-Euro-2024-768x432.jpg 768w, https://worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2023/11/Lahm-Euro-2024.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px"></figure><figcaption>Germany is hosting Euro 2024, which means all of the stadiums for the tournament are already in EAFC 24.</figcaption></figure>



<p>The player card can then be used in EAFC 24’s Ultimate Team game mode. The list of potential player cards includes Ousmane Dembele (France), Jack Grealish (England), Virgil Van Dijk (Netherlands), Federico Chiesa (Italy), Florian Wirtz (Germany), and Álvaro Morata (Spain).</p>



<p>EAFC 2024 is also home to the new eEURO Esports competition. The tournament, which will climax with a live final, plays out in the summer of 2024.</p>



<p>“We are delighted to further expand our partnership with EA SPORTS, with UEFA EURO 2024 becoming a part of the EA SPORTS FC™ game,” <a href="https://news.ea.com/press-releases/press-releases-details/2023/UEFA-EURO-2024-Comes-to-EA-SPORTS-FC-24-EA-SPORTS-FC-Mobile-and-EA-SPORTS-FC-Online-in-Summer-2024/default.aspx">continued</a> UEFA marketing director Guy-Laurent Epstein.</p>



<p>“UEFA EURO 2024 is one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting football tournaments, and we’re thrilled that the huge EA SPORTS FC 24 community across the globe will get the chance to engage with the tournament in such an authentic gaming environment. We also look forward, in coming weeks, to unveiling further details around the eEURO competitive gaming tournament.”</p>



<h2>Video game does not have rights to FIFA World Cup</h2>



<p>EA’s continued partnership comes as the company released its latest game without an agreement with FIFA. The two sides previously combined to make the most iconic and recognizable soccer video games ever. However, they eventually split in 2022. As a result, EA now does not have rights to the FIFA World Cup.</p>



<p>FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hinted that the governing body will eventually make their own video game. “The new FIFA game – FIFA 25, 26, 27 and so on – will always be the best egame for any girl or boy,” Infantino <a href="https://www.nme.com/news/gaming-news/gianni-infantino-says-fifa-25-will-be-the-best-e-game-despite-ea-rivalry-3414723" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">claimed</a> back in March. The executive also added that the organization will “have news on this very soon.” Nevertheless, little information has since surfaced regarding the potential game.</p>



<p>EAFC 24 is available now for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC.</p>



<p><em>PHOTOS: IMAGO</em>.</p>


EAFC 24 gamers to get Euro 2024 update for free

Electronic Arts has announced that they will include a Euro 2024 update for EAFC 24 gamers ahead of the tournament next summer.


<p>EA Sports released its trailer for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">the World Cup</a> game mode coming to FIFA 23. With the tournament scheduled to take place starting this month, <a href="https:\/\/www.ea.com/games/fifa/fifa-23/world-cup" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the game mode</a> brings more excitement to the occasion. Plus, there are ways EA Sports incorporated the tournament into its existing online game modes.</p>



<p>FIFA included a World Cup game mode in FIFA 18 for Russia 2018. However, that package came during the offseason of European club soccer. With this year’s World Cup taking place in the midst of the main club scene, there are certain considerations regarding the effects on regular game play.</p>



<p>Avid FIFA gamers have no need to fear any significant disruptions. Instead, FIFA plans to use the World Cup to bring in a whole season of content. That includes the popular Ultimate Team game mode for online players.</p>



<p><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/09/28/fifa-23-needs-to-be-focusing-on-these-things-instead-of-ted-lasso/">FIFA 23</a> adds a whole World Cup section for free to all users who own the game. The game modes include single-player tournaments where you can pick any of the 32 qualified teams. Give any country, whether it be a strong contender like France, Brazil or England a chance to fulfill their destiny. Or, pick a minnow on the international scene to shock the world. </p>



<p>Users can also follow along in the video game as the tournament unfolds. FIFA World Cup Live connects players to the tournament itself. Updates allow users to play each of that day’s fixtures, or past matchups, with authentic lineups, group standings and scenarios. You can also play past matches to impact the future of the tournament had something else happened in real life. This is available for both single player and multiplayer, both online and local.</p>



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<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FIFA 23 | Official FIFA World Cup Deep Dive Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https:\/\/www.youtube.com/embed/k8m9plRwMgk?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
</div></figure>



<h2>FIFA 23 adding World Cup 2022</h2>



<p>The World Cup in <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/news/fifa-23-to-include-womens-champions-league-20221019-WST-404997.html">FIFA 23</a> goes beyond gameplay, too. There are cinematics, designated commentary and stadiums specific to the 2022 World Cup coming to the video game.</p>



<p>Notably, some of that includes fans in and around stadiums. In the scenes in the trailer, that includes fans walking through the streets sporting clothes and face paint of specific nations. </p>



<p>However, perhaps your nation did not qualify to the World Cup. No worries, FIFA added the possibility for 15 teams to replace certain nations in the tournament so you can have more options at the World Cup. For example, this includes countries like Ukraine, Ireland, Romania and Hungary.</p>



<p>The World Cup addition to FIFA 23 becomes available on Nov. 9. Of course, the ability to follow along with results and statistics from the tournament does not kick in until the World Cup starts later this month. </p>


<div style="background:#f9e4ea;padding:10px;">
<h3>Guide to World Cup 2022</h3>
<div style="padding:10px;">
Here are some resources to help you get the most out of the biggest event in soccer!
</div>
<div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/"><strong>TV Schedule:</strong></a> All the info on <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-tv-schedule/">where and when to watch</a> every game
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/"><strong>The Groups:</strong></a> We <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/04/analysis-of-world-cup-groups/">breakdown each group</a> and all the teams
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/"><strong>The Kits:</strong></a> Check out <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/world-cup-jerseys-for-qatar-2022/">what every team will be wearing</a> on the field this fall
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/"><strong>Predictor:</strong></a> Play out every scenario with our <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/predictor/">World Cup Predictor</a>
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/"><strong>World Cup Bracket:</strong></a> Map out the <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/2022/04/05/world-cup-bracket-free-download/">entire tournament</a>, from the groups to the final
</div><div style="padding:10px;">
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/"><strong>World Cup Hub:</strong></a> Your one stop for <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.com/category/world-cup-2022/">everything Qatar 2022</a>
</div>
</div>

FIFA 23 is bringing the World Cup to virtual life. Players can follow along in the tournament, or make their own storylines and destinies.

EA Sports brings World Cup to FIFA 23 - World Soccer Talk

EA Sports brings World Cup to FIFA 23

<div><figure class="image"></figure></div>
<p><a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/09/19/how-ted-lasso-became-a-hit-with-soccer-moms-and-futbol-fans/">Ted Lasso</a> and the rest of the AFC Richmond crew are playable as a team in the upcoming FIFA 23.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2021/12/16/ted-lassos-christmas-short-bringing-quirky-charisma-to-holidays/">loveable squad</a> had rumors circulating regarding their existence in the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/05/11/ea-sports-to-end-fifa-video-game-partnership-after-three-decades/">latest EA release</a>. Previously, certain data leaks showed AFC Richmond, a fictional side on the Ted Lasso Apple TV+ show, appearing on menus. However, the official Ted Lasso Twitter account released a photo of lead actor Jason Sudeikis in front of cameras. Consequently, the EA Sports FIFA account replied with an emoji of excitement.</p>
<p>As stated, AFC Richmond is not a real team, nor is Ted Lasso a real manager, as much as fans want him to be. However, the side’s fictional run in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/2022/08/06/ted-lasso-nbc-premier-league-coverage/">the English pyramid</a> is theoretically accurate, albeit sometimes hard to believe with Lasso’s play-calling. With a newly announced deal with Nike as the shirt sponsor for <a href="https://twitter.com/worldsoccertalk/status/1410219354793328653?lang=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Richmond and Premier League</a> licensing for teams to appear in the show, the addition into FIFA is yet another piece of the Ted Lasso story seeming more real.</p>
<div class="ck-youtube"><iframe loading="lazy" title="FIFA 23 | Official Ted Lasso Trailer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TUamiLX6gp4?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>
<h3>Ted Lasso in FIFA 23</h3>
<p>In terms of gameplay, there is limited information available on the possibilities with AFC Richmond. As all the players, from Jamie Tartt to <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/is-ted-lasso-character-roy-kent-based-on-roy-keane/blt768b14848b92e1d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Roy Kent</a>, are fictional, it is a challenge to come up with the intricate stats for each player.</p>
<p>That being said, the preview video for Ted Lasso in FIFA 23 showed many of the familiar players, as well as Lasso and his assistant Coach Beard.</p>
<p>
</p><table class="table5" style="border: 5px solid red;">
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<center><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?at=1010l35s4&amp;ct=tedlasso" target="blank" rel="noopener"><div><figure class="image"><img src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/full/WST_20220921_CMS_401269_aTVPlusRVO-1.webp&amp;width=200&amp;height=100" alt="Apple TV+" width="200" height="100"></figure></div></a></center></td><td>
<center><h4>Watch Ted Lasso for free</h4>
7-day trial to Apple TV+</center>
</td>
</tr>
<tr><td><center><a class="button" style="background-color:red" href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.4000?at=1010l35s4&amp;ct=tedlasso" target="blank" rel="noopener"><span style="color: white;"><strong>Watch Now</strong></span></a></center></td></tr>
</tbody>
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<p></p>
&nbsp;
<p>In addition to seeing Roy Kent’s flying challenge or Jamie Tartt curling one into the far post, AFC Richmond’s stadium will also be in the game. Same goes for the fictional dating service that is on the front of the AFC Richmond kit, ‘bantr.’</p>
<p>Perhaps the best part of that official trailer is the appearance of real-life soccer icons. Manchester City’s Jack Grealish featured as a cameo before his in-game self got horrifically tackled by Roy Kent. Current D.C. United manager Wayne Rooney commented on Ted Lasso’s coaching ability, as did former Arsenal striker Ian Wright.</p>
<p>FIFA 23 has an initial release date set for Sep. 26 (<a href="https://amzn.to/3dvrldj" target="_blank" rel="noopener">now available for pre-order</a>). That is exclusively for the ultimate edition. General access begins on Sep. 30. At either point, users can play as AFC Richmond and take the role of Ted Lasso managing the team to glory.</p>


Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond playable in FIFA 23

Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond are joining FIFA 23 as a playable team, with recognizable names, kits and stadium coming to the game.

Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond playable in FIFA 23 - World Soccer Talk

<div id="attachment_375952" style="width: 1210px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div><p id="caption-attachment-375952" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo by Luke Walker – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)</p></div>
<p>FIFA and esports represent a growing industry surrounding professional video game players. The potential of video games is seemingly boundless. Accredit much of that to the fact that it is relatively new, but it also opens a variety of doors for potential.</p>
<p>For example, take what the FIFA video game series provides fans of the sport. Ruud Gullit performs ball rolls, Pele scores volleys, and Edwin Van der Sar saves shots all on the same field. This is a taste of what one of the world’s most popular video game franchises can do.</p>
<p>Unsurprisingly, this pulls in viewers from across the world, just like the standard soccer each weekend. In front of an ecstatic 30,000 viewers, two of the world’s best gamers duke it out for a gigantic prize pool.</p>
<p>FIFA is at the pinnacle of breaking down barriers and connecting traditional sports with video games. As it gets the thumbs-up from several continental confederations, the elite soccer game could reach hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of viewers soon.</p>
<h3>FIFA and esports over the years</h3>
<h5>FIFA EVOLVES</h5>
<p>Before FIFA was the seamless, enjoyable video game that it is now, it was a glitchy, 2D soccer simulator exclusive to the Sega Genesis decades earlier. Its limited gameplay did not come close to <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2021/09/22/fifa-22-aims-to-bring-innovation-to-each-game-mode/">the product EA pushes out now</a>.</p>
<p>A few years later, it expanded to include club competitions, 3D graphics and national teams. Its 90s editions garnered positive reviews and cemented itself as a vanguard for sports video games. Years later, it created a tactical side to the game, online servers, recognizable faces, and a growing esports scene.</p>
<p>In December 2004, Thiago Carrico De Azevedo won the first FIFA eWorld Cup. It did not draw many eyes, but it would be vital to how FIFA handles esports.</p>
<h5>FIFA video game competitions</h5>
<p>The competition is still alive, fourteen editions later. Not only did it draw the eyes of millions of viewers worldwide, but it also spawned numerous competitions that are taking center stage online. Some include the eChampions League, eLibertadores, and the highly-competitive eMLS.</p>
<p>A broadcast of the eChampions League is drawing the eyes of tens of thousands of viewers, far more than anyone imagined. As viewership increases, so does the prize pool. The winner of the eWorld Cup will take home $200,000 in prize money. Its graphics and gameplay are a far cry from its 2D predecessors. “It is pretty realistic to the actual game in position and playmaking,” an elite esports player noted.</p>
<p>It is also lapping many of its competitors in sales and recognizability. Its counterpart, PES, has more glitches and worse graphics than FIFA boasts. The critically acclaimed Football Manager franchise does not have the diverse modes FIFA has. That, and more, led to FIFA noticing the ever-popular video game franchise.</p>
<p>Years of primitive graphics and limited gameplay would become an enjoyable, multifaceted video game that draws millions of views. Yet FIFA and EA Sports will not rest on their success. It still has a long way to go in the esports world. <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/JDenman9">FIFA and esports content creator JDenman9</a> says support from established organizations sheds more light on the industry as a whole.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“As support increases from organizations, football clubs, and sponsors, exposure will increase on FIFA esports,”</em> he said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Now, with the spotlight focused squarely on them, they will look to make the most of it.</p>
<h5>FIFA AND EA ALIGN</h5>
<p>Ask <a href="https:\/\/twitter.com/KingCJ0">DC United-affiliated Mohamed Alioune Diop</a> about his experience with the sports federations behind the professional tournaments, and he will say nothing but positive words.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“I think they are heavily involved. They got the federations involved which only help professionalize the scene in the long run.” </em></p></blockquote>
<p>Diop, also known as KingCJ0, said. It is a testament to the significance of organizations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and CONMEBOL. Additionally, it represents a sign of esports’ promise.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“They see the potential of gaming and have a very good approach to it,”</em> the veteran gamer said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Now, with the thumbs-up to stage online versions of the Champions League, MLS, and even the World Cup, FIFA can go places that few have gone before.</p>
<p>It opens a new world, where esports could potentially jockey with professional soccer leagues for television deals. The official FIFA broadcast on Twitch, boosted by the promise of in-game rewards, pulled over 30,000 viewers to its live broadcast. Although it is a long way from competing with ESPN-sponsored shows, with entertaining competitions by FIFA’s side, there are unlimited possibilities for the avant-garde video game.</p>
<h5>YOUTUBE, TWITCH, AND TWITTER</h5>
<p>JDenman9 understands that building up the FIFA and esports scene comes with hard work and sacrifices, mainly being time. He references the abaility to create content in FIFA.</p>
<p>It is a very influential video game. So, naturally, there will be thousands of streamers to broadcast their matches.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“Creating content is not hard,”</em> he says. <em>“As long as you are having fun and creating a safe environment for people to watch you, you are on the right path.”</em></p></blockquote>
<p>Numerous websites made it easier for streamers to become recognized pillars of the FIFA community. You can easily upload on YouTube, go live on Twitch, or tweet with the press of a button.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“I think social media is important because creating content and telling people where they can find and interact with you is key to growing as a player and brand,”</em> Diop said.</p>
<p><em>“Being able to tell them that you are live streaming somewhere or posting a new video is crucial for our personal growth as professional players. The content side is important for our sustainability in the scene and diversifying our portfolio per se.” </em></p></blockquote>
<p>KingCJ0 is right. If you are not showing your latest snippets and highlights, it limits your progress as a recognizable face in FIFA and esports.</p>
<p>That is why thousands of streamers flock to Twitch to show their advancement in FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) Division Rivals. This is the principal competition to determine who the best players are. Players assemble their ‘ultimate team’ of players past and present to go head-to-head.</p>
<p>On any given day, you can expect dozens of thousands of viewers to watch streams and videos. The money made off of social media is vital to players’ careers.</p>
<h5>THE STEPS TO THE BIGGEST STAGES</h5>
<p>There are a lot of steps to compete in FIFA’s most prestigious tournaments that extend beyond just popularity. After registering, FUT Division Rivals will prove vital for many competitions. Depending on where you live, some perks come with finishing in the top 1% in FUT Division Rivals.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“This year’s competitive format revolves around FUT Division Rivals, as that decides who gets to play in the FIFA Global Series Online qualifiers,”</em> KingCJ0 explained.</p></blockquote>
<p>Competitions like the FIFA eWorld Cup, eLibertadores, eChampions League, and more rely on the FUT Division Rivals to weed out the competition.</p>
<p>For others, including the eMLS Cup and the Team of the Season Cup, players must sign with a team. Manchester City, RB Leipzig, AS Roma, and Ajax all field FIFA squads that compete in online competitions. Along with traditional esports organizations like FaZe Clan and Fnatic, they help grow a fostering FIFA scene.</p>
<p>But, as Diop describes, the path to getting signed is a tough one.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“You need to perform in tournaments and scouting events. EA has a competitive circuit that allows you to get your name out there among the competitors. If you perform there, more and more teams will have an eye on you. You could hopefully get picked up due to your results.</em></p>
<p><em>“When I arrived in the U.S., I was still signed with the first African team to have an esports team, Orlando Pirates. Getting signed here in the US was a big challenge. I had to show that not only I am from a region that is not considered one of the best. But, that I am good enough to compete against the top players in North America.”</em></p></blockquote>
<h5>FIFA’S DRAWBACKS</h5>
<p>In a sense, FIFA has a mind-boggling amount of unfulfilled potential. It has an unconventional structure, compared to traditional video games like Dota, League of Legends, and even Fortnite.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“From my experience in speaking to pros and causal gamers, top-level players say there is a severe lack of a consistent skill gap. In turn, it results in a lack of respect for the esport,”</em> Futwiz-affiliated JDenman9 said.</p></blockquote>
<p>Glitches, randomness, and laggy connections mean FIFA is less respected as an esport. Moreover, the ‘pay-to-win’ argument for FIFA, stemming from using real life money to acquire in-game players, hampers many players.</p>
<blockquote><p><em>“I think accessibility is the most important thing. People need to feel that they can reach the top level by not being forced to spend to get a team good enough to compete,”</em> KingCJ0 contends.</p></blockquote>
<p>The need to spend hundreds of dollars to compete with others is arguably the biggest problem with FIFA.</p>
<p>His sentiments are a popular point among FIFA players. But how EA will fix the players’ complaints is unknown to most.</p>
<h5>SKY IS THE LIMIT</h5>
<p>Many soccer clubs and esports franchises recognize that FIFA has a lot of opportunities. The fun, formulaic video game has something for everybody: but its esports franchise is likely where EA Sports can improve.</p>
<p>Sure, there are creative tournaments like the FIFA eClub World Cup, FIFA eWorld Cup, and Team of the Season Cup, but there is a feeling that FIFA could be huge. It could even gain TV deals, but its drawbacks are holding it back.</p>
<p>Professional gamers and FIFA enthusiasts will continue to play FIFA because that is all they can do. All they can do is contact EA Sports. They cannot lessen the impact of microtransactions on Ultimate Team and fortify the strength of their servers. Those decisions are all made in EA Sports’ headquarters. The ratings, tournaments, all the ideas are approved by EA Sports. For now, FIFA players will hope that EA can make the right decisions and make their esport franchise even more popular.</p>
<h3>TOURNAMENTS TO WATCH</h3>
<h5>eMLS Cup 2022 – March 13</h5>
<p>KingCJ0, who provided insights throughout this story, competed in one of the major FIFA esports events recently. The 2022 eMLS Cup featured players representing 27 MLS clubs.</p>
<p>Representing DC United, KingCJ0 finished third out of 27 in the overall standings. Then, in <a href="https:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/emls/tournaments/2022/emls-cup/bracket">the knockout portion</a>, he reached the final.</p>
<p>Eventually, Diop fell to PauloNeto999 in the championship, 2-0. He pocketed a cool <a href="https:\/\/www.mlssoccer.com/emls/eml-competition-rules">$7,000</a> for his performance in the competition.</p>
<h5>eLibertadores – March 19 and 20</h5>
<p>South America’s premier FIFA tournament will be in its most exciting phase come March 19 and March 20. The top eight South American players, after numerous qualifying rounds, will duke it out for a big prize pool.</p>
<h5>eChampions League 2022 Knockout Round – April 23 and 24</h5>
<p>After an exciting group stage that drew the eyes of thousands of viewers, the eChampions League will return for the knockout round in around two months. 32 of the best European FIFA players will face each other in these April contests. Sampdoria, Werder Bremen, and Alaves representatives will participate.</p>


The growing FIFA and esports scene garners hundreds of thousands players and fans representing a new wave of sporting entertainment.

FIFA and esports: A new age of competition - World Soccer Talk

FIFA and esports: A new age of competition

<p></p><div><figure class="image"></figure></div>Electronic Arts, makers of the FIFA video game series, have announced they will release a free PC game called FIFA Online in June 2010.<p></p>
<p>The game is currently in closed beta mode which allows players to test the game and provide feedback to the developers. It will change to open beta mode in June 2010 and be widely available.</p>
<p>The developers of the game are looking to create game that casual gamers could pick up and play without the need for a console. You can register to be in the beta testing of the game at the official website <a href="http:\/\/fifa-online.easports.com/web/beta/welcome" target="_blank">here</a>. Not everyone is accepted into the beta program and EA Sports will e-mail you with the information if you are selected. You do have to provide some basic information such as where you’re from, how often you play video games, and how often you watch soccer on television.</p>
<p>Below are more details on the game including some quotes from one of the developers (from an EA Sports press release).</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>Quote from Executive Producer</strong></p>
<p>“Listening to and engaging soccer fans has been one of the driving forces behind the success of our FIFA franchise and now we are inviting European football fans–in mass numbers and earlier than we ever have before–to help us develop a new soccer game,” said Executive Producer Kaz Makita. “Fans will determine the features that matter most, and at the end of this process, our goal is to deliver a game for fans looking for a quick soccer fix at home or at work.”</p>
<p>“There are a large number of soccer fans who do not want a console gaming experience due to time and other priorities in their personal lives but they still want to be able to play a top-quality soccer videogame,” explained Makita.  “FIFA Online will be designed specifically for them.”</p>
<p><strong>Details on the game’s release</strong></p>
<p>EA SPORTS FIFA Online will be released around the world in stages. The English language version will be available to all soccer fans in June, 2010. Over the next 12 to 24 months FIFA Online will launch in other languages across Europe and then in North America. Non-English speaking soccer fans will also be able to participate in the development process of these games.</p>
<p>EA SPORTS FIFA Online will offer an authentic soccer experience with 30 licensed leagues, 500 clubs and more than 15,000 players. During the first closed beta stage beginning February 3, the game will feature a 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa tournament mode and a control system that uses the mouse only. At the second stage of closed beta, the game will feature a League Mode that enables fans to manage and compete as their favorite soccer club, and the ability to play online matches. FIFA Online will enable soccer fans and gamers to build their favorite club into their dream team by developing or acquiring players, upgrading skills, and getting unique apparel by earning in-game currency to acquire items or through micro-transactions. Additional content will be designed for the game based on feedback by fans.</p>
<p><em>Jonathon Feyerherm is creator/editor of <a href="http:\/\/www.the90thminute.com" target="_blank">The 90th Minute Soccer Blog</a>, <a href="http:\/\/www.freesocerhighlights.com" target="_blank">Free Soccer Highlights</a>, and <a href="http:\/\/www.freelivesportstv.com" target="_blank">Free Live Sports TV</a></em></p>

EA Sports Announces Release of FIFA Online for the PC - World Soccer Talk

EA Sports Announces Release of FIFA Online for the PC

<p><em>Australia’s 5 time FIWC champion, Stephen Coorey, was lucky enough to play the latest Fifa 10 build at EA headquarters today. Here are his impressions of the new game…</em></p>
<p><em></em></p><div><figure class="image"><em></em></figure></div><em><br>
</em><p></p>
<p>Today was the day I have been waiting for since the FIWC final in Barcelona in May – my first look at Fifa 10. I’d read about all the new features and improvements, but you never really know until you try it out yourself. A note before I start – the build I played today is 3 builds newer than the demo which hits the Xbox Live Marketplace and PS3 Store tonight, and I was told there are a lot of improvements in it, compared to the demo which has a few keeper bugs in there still.</p>
<p>Ok, let’s get straight into some heavily hyped new features…are they as good as the reviewers say?</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>360 dribbing</strong></p>
<p>First game I chose Arsenal and kicked off, passed back to Fabregas and started moving. What followed immediately was the first of many OMG’s. Personally, before today, I was skeptical about 360 dribbing, as far as I could tell in Fifa 09, I could move in any direction I wanted to, not just 8 ways. The first few steps Fabregas took blew that out of the water – he actually moved his body for every little amount of pressure I put on the left thumbstick, whatever angle I moved it. I know that is probably hard to picture, but the point is, even the most basic of movements makes this new feature evident – it affects every aspect of the game . No longer do you just push the left thumbstick left and run straight at goal, numerous times I thought I was doing that but found myself running at a 10 degree angle towards the corner flag because I wasnt angling it exactly enough. Then I thought to myself, “how can I use this to rape the defense?” and started dancing back and forth, trying to dribble through the whole opposing team. No good though, the defenders can move EXACTLY where they want too, and if you collide with an opposing player – you really collide. I gave away a lot more free kicks than usual, but they were realistic, because I was leaving my foot or shoulder in the tackle to hurt the attacker and stop his momentum. Watching my player raise his hand and admit to doing something dirty was highly amusing.</p>
<p><strong>Quick Free Kicks</strong></p>
<p>That reminds me, if you are given a free kick and are near the ball, your player will put his hand on the ball, while the action continues around him, and if you want, you can &nbsp;quickly get on with play and catch your opponent napping. I know this has been in PES for a while, but seeing it used in Fifa was a dream come true for someone that has always detested free kicks and wanting to get on with the game quickly without giving the ball away.</p>
<p><strong>1 v 1 &nbsp;/ &nbsp;Goalkeeping</strong></p>
<p>I cant finish 1v1’s anymore. I played all the guys at EA who have been playing it for months, and they couldnt finish them either. The goalkeepers are now AWESOME. I tried casually walking up to the keeper and chipping as he dived at my feet – no good. I tried running diagonal across him and finessing it to the far corner – no good, he will save it or you will MISS (even with top players). I tried blasting it – no good (still miss). You really need to unlock the defense to such an extent that you have someone unmarked to pass to as you draw the keeper. If you are successful at chipping the keeper, and he gets a hand to it, with the ball bouncing in front of goal – the keeper will “accidently” take your striker out as you race towards the ball, leaving you both on the ground as the defense rushes back to clean up. &nbsp;This will make attacking teams angry, &nbsp;but after all, a scramble is a scramble.</p>
<p><strong>Cross whoring</strong></p>
<p>So if you’ve played me in Fifa09, you know that I perfected a really dirty cross to the back post which 7 times out of 10 would result in a goal. Of course this was going to be one of the first things I tried on Fifa 10 – the SCOOREY cross. It didnt work. Not only did it not work, the keeper caught it – similar to the anti-corner glitch that became popular in the last few months of Fifa09 where the keeper would catch the corners if people tried to go back post. This time, the defender doesnt need to do anything &nbsp;– the keeper just catches it by himself if you try the glitch. Well done EA on that one. So I tried out a few other crosses. Normal crosses look way cool on Fifa 10. You can make them swerve and dip with the left thumbstick, and the strikers make intelligent runs to both posts much more often than in 09 when I had to practically force them. Heading is a little more difficult, but I did score a few nice ones, and alternatively you can chest it down and then go BANG, but this takes some luck as usually you will be challenged by a defender while trying this.</p>
<p><strong>Chip Through ball</strong></p>
<p>This was the most widely abused glitch on Fifa 09, run to the defense, and time a little chip through ball over the top, letting go when your striker was level with them, and watch the defense stop and look up like stunned mullets while CRonaldo or Rooney powers through on goal. All the talk was that this was no longer possible, but I was still able to do it the same way. The difference now is though, when you are past the defense it takes time and skill to control the ball, and while you are controlling it, the defense comes back or the keeper rushes up and there is nothing you can do before he smothers you. &nbsp; The defenders no longer stand still watching the ball, so it is a genuine contest, but if the striker is faster/stronger, he will still get to the ball first. What happens after that though is much more random.</p>
<p><strong>Tackle from behind</strong></p>
<p>As mentioned earlier, there are a lot of unexpected fouls, as the collision detection is much more realistic. You can no longer body check someone who is running full speed at your goal and expect to get away with it. Your player will put his hand up and admit the foul and cop a yellow card – even if you didnt press slide tackle. But just when I &nbsp;thought my &nbsp;defenders were &nbsp;being picked on, I lost the ball a couple of times and pressed tackle (slide or normal) straight away to see my player move his legs AROUND OR THROUGH the opponent, not touching him, but just the ball and winning it back straight away. I know it has been claimed for 2 years now that the ball was no longer attached to the person in possession, but this is the first time I’ve really believed it. You can make a play at the ball from anywhere and if you hit it cleanly, the ball bounces out of the attacker’s possession and where it goes is anyone’s business from then onwards!</p>
<p><strong>Long &nbsp;Range Cracks</strong></p>
<p>The return of long range cracks aye? I think after the long range finesse shot glitches of 07 and 08, people were happy when 09 made it almost impossible to score from outside of the box (regularly). Who better to try out this new feature than Stevie Gerrard. I picked up the ball around 40 yards out on the right side of the field, cut in and BLASTED…no finesse, just blast, and into the top corner it sailed, diagonally past the outstretched arm of the diving keeper. Long range cracks are back baby!</p>
<p><strong>Little things</strong></p>
<p>Imagine the ball bouncing between two players, one on each team. Neither player has possession. On Fifa09, they would run into each other, chest to chest, and whichever player was stronger would magically come out of the contest with the ball, with the other guy left behind like a piece of trash. Now imagine the ball bouncing and the defender thowing himself at the ball with a karate kick because it is too high for a normal kick, but too low for a header. THAT IS WHAT HAPPENS IN FIFA 10. The animations are amazing. There are so many new ones. Your player wont go to the ball in 09? In 10 he slides at the ball to clear it desperately, or slides at it to knock a pass on to someone else.</p>
<p>Through balls look real! It is not just hit and hope, it calculates the correct angle and puts the player who makes the intelligent run in behind the defense and ready to play the assist. Unlocking defenses is now not just a challenge, but it makes you say out loud ‘good ball’ because it is exactly what you envisaged (and sometimes surprisingly better).</p>
<p>There are lots of little things like this which you only notice after playing a few games – and I am sure there are many that I missed in my 3 or so hours that I was playing everyone in the EA office (Thanks EA for letting me stay longer than the original hour that was planned 🙂 ) Anyway, as you can probably tell, just like everyone else who has played this masterpiece, I cant go back to playing Fifa09 anymore. So while I wait for the demo, here are all the player ratings that I can remember. (Note that these might not be final, it was just before the transfer window shut, Dunne was still in Man City, but Madrid had all their Galacticos).</p>
<p><strong>Barca</strong></p>
<p>Messi 90, Ibra 89, Titi 85, Iniesta 88, Xavi 87, Yaya 82, Puyol 88</p>
<p><strong>Real</strong></p>
<p>Cronaldo 87 (89 if move him to striker), Kaka 88 (striker by default), Benzema 86, L.Diarra 84, Xabi 83, Pepe 84, Ramos 84</p>
<p><strong>Man Utd</strong></p>
<p>Rooney 87, Berba 85, Vidic 88, Rio 87, Hargreaves not fast anymore</p>
<p><strong>Chelsea</strong></p>
<p>Drogba 85, Anelka 85, Lampard 87, Ballack 85, Essien 85</p>
<p><strong>Arsenal</strong></p>
<p>RVP 84, Eduardo 83, Arshavin 87, Fabregas 87, Nasri 82, Rosicky 83, Walcott 82</p>
<p><strong>Liverpool</strong></p>
<p>Aquilani 83 (and very fast and skillful), Gerrard 88, Torres 88, Kuyt 84, Carragher 85</p>
<p><strong>Man City</strong></p>
<p>Adebayor 84, Robinho 83, Bellamy 80, Wright P 81, Ireland 78, Tevez 82, De Jong 77, Toure 87</p>
<p><strong>Inter</strong></p>
<p>Eto’o 87, Milito 85, Cambiasso 86, Mancini 81, Queresma 83, Motta 85, Maicon 84, Lucio 85, Samuel 85, Zanetti 82</p>
<p>Follow me on twitter: &nbsp;<a title="@scoorey" href="http:\/\/www.twitter.com/scoorey" target="_blank">http:\/\/www.twitter.com/scoorey</a></p>

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