FIFA Ultimate Team is considered to be one of FIFA’s most popular game modes. Every year FIFA makes it a point to add legendary footballers to the roster in an attempt to reconnect with the stars. Termed as FUT Legends, the game mode was an Xbox One exclusive and involves a combination of fantasy football, simulations and card games.
However, earlier this week EA surprised everyone by announcing that FUT Legend would be replaced by a multi-platform feature called FIFA Icons, a game mode which will introduce various retired players into FIFA Ultimate Team. EA has also announced that the Brazilian superstar Ronaldo Nazario will be the first Icon in the game and will be the cover star for the Icon Edition of FIFA 18.
Given that the former Real Madrid player has made the cut, we can’t help but wonder who else would be joining him in this elite crew. Here are a few legendary footballers who we would like to see as an Icon in the upcoming game.
5. Jurgen Klinsmann
Klinsmann was a wonderful striker. The German player has managed to score 108 for his national team and even went on to coach the national side. Klinsmann also had a great sense of humour and he never held back. He has even made fun of himself after scoring a goal by celebrating it with a ‘dive’. Strong and quick, he could easily find chemistry with other players and to have him in FIFA 18 would be great.
4.Steven Gerrard
Before his slip cost Liverpool a title win, "Stevie G" Gerrard was considered to be an iconic player. Despite the fact that he did not have an extraordinary rating, FIFA fans find themselves building teams around the midfielder.
He even led the club to a famous Champions League final victory in 2005 and ended the season by winning the title of PFA Player of the Year. He also helped Liverpool win the FA Cup twice and the League Cup three times. The maestro has always been loyal to his club and was Liverpool’s longest-ever serving captain before he joined LA Galaxy in 2015.
With his amazing shot power, long goals and passes, Gerrard is a footballer that gamers would love to have in their squad. If he is not added as an Icon, it’ll be the first FIFA game without Stevie G.
3. Ronaldinho
Ronaldinho is very popular among fans. When he wasn’t scoring goals, you could see him having fun on the field with his charismatic and skilful footwork, trying to trick his opponents. It, however, seems like EA has completely forgotten about the star. Despite being the face of five FIFA games, Ronaldinho was not even a part of the last two games. He made his last appearance in the franchise when FIFA 15 came out and EA did not even consider him worthy enough to be a part of FIFA’s Classic XI or even an FUT Legend.
The 2005 Ballon d’Or winner has scored 70 goals for Barcelona alone and it is slightly disappointing that EA ignored him completely. Having him as an Icon in FIFA 18 would be a good way to remember his contribution to both football and the franchise.
2. Kenny Dalglish
Many remember Kenny Dalglish as a terrible Liverpool manager who eventually got sacked. But there was a time when Dalglish was a frighteningly talented footballer. Known as King Kenny, Dalglish has scored around 230 goals during his club career, 118 for Liverpool and 112 for Celtic.
His skills were rightfully acknowledged by fans and FIFA officials, and he went on to win the PFA Player of the year in 1983 and his name was added to both the Scottish and English Football Hall of Fame.
He is very popular among Liverpool fans and one of the stands in Anfield is being renamed to honour King Kenny. His presence in FIFA Icon would be the ideal way for EA to acknowledge the Scotsman’s contribution to the sport.
1. Eric Cantona
From one King to another, it wouldn't be a surprise if Eric Cantona was to be included as an Icon. The French maestro was extremely passionate about football and is responsible for some of the most incredible footballing moments of all time.
There is a reason why his fans call him the King. Cantona had moved to Manchester United during the 1992-93 season, a time when the Red Devils were struggling to keep up with other teams. Scoring one goal after another, Cantona was able to revive the club and became a star in the process. Or to put in Sir Alex Ferguson's words, “He [Cantona] illuminated Old Trafford. The place was a frenzy every time he touched the ball.”
It was quite strange that EA had not included him in FUT Legends. EA had added him to FIFA Classic XI team but refused to add him as a Legend. Cantona is clearly one of the true legends of the game and having him as an Icon should make up for EA ignoring him all this time.
