Top 10 Incredible Players Missing from EA FC 26

Top 10 Incredible Players Missing from EA FC 26 highlights some of the most talented footballers surprisingly absent from this year’s game. EA FC 26 has once again delivered an extensive roster of top players, wonderkids, and legends, but a few standout stars have inexplicably been left out. From rising young talents to established professionals, these omissions leave fans scratching their heads and imagining the unrealized potential in Ultimate Team and Career Mode.

These missing players represent a wide range of skill sets and positions. Some are explosive wingers known for lightning pace and dribbling, while others are midfield maestros or solid defensive anchors. Their absence isn’t just a minor oversight — it impacts squad-building strategies, chemistry links, and gameplay dynamics. Gamers looking to recreate real-life lineups or simulate key matches may find the gaps particularly noticeable, sparking debates among the community about EA’s selection criteria.

Despite not being included, these players continue to impress in real-world football with remarkable performances and consistent impact for their clubs. EA FC fans can only hope that future updates or editions of the game will finally add these stars. Until then, this list serves as a reminder of some of the incredible talents missing from EA FC 26, keeping football gamers aware of who they’re missing out on.

10. Michael Olise – Missing from EA FC 26

Michael Olise, the talented English-French attacking midfielder, has quickly emerged as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects. Known for his vision, dribbling, and precise passing, Olise has impressed at Crystal Palace and previously at Reading, becoming a key figure in the Premier League. His flair and creativity made him a popular choice for gamers building dynamic midfields in EA FC titles, particularly for Career Mode and Ultimate Team.

Despite his rising profile, EA FC 26 will not feature Olise this year. Licensing issues and squad updates have left this promising talent out of the game, denying fans the chance to exploit his playmaking abilities in virtual football. His combination of quick feet, intelligent movement, and long-range shooting made him a versatile option for attacking setups. Without Olise, players lose a technically gifted midfielder capable of unlocking defenses, delivering assists, and adding flair to matches.

Gamers who relied on young, creative midfielders to balance squads will need alternatives in EA FC 26. Olise’s absence underscores how licensing and roster changes can impact even the most talented emerging stars, leaving virtual managers to adapt and find new options to replicate his exciting style on the digital pitch.

9. Takehiro Tomiyasu – Missing from EA FC 26

Takehiro Tomiyasu, a versatile Japanese defender, has impressed at both Bologna and Arsenal for his defensive intelligence, pace, and tactical awareness. Despite his importance in real-life football, EA FC 26 does not feature him due to licensing gaps or delayed roster updates.

His defensive acumen, ability to play multiple positions, and consistent performances made him a favorite for Career Mode and Ultimate Team. Fans missing Tomiyasu will need to find substitutes for a flexible defender who can anchor a backline or provide wide defensive coverage. The omission highlights the challenges of keeping current, versatile players updated in annual sports games.

8. Dries Mertens – Missing from EA FC 26

Dries Mertens, the Belgian forward famed for his pace and agility, has also been removed from EA FC 26. Known as a fan favorite during his time at Napoli, Mertens often provided a budget-friendly alternative to higher-rated forwards in FIFA Ultimate Team. His speed, finishing ability, and versatility in attack made him a reliable option, reaching a peak rating of 87 in FIFA 18.

Following his Napoli exit, Mertens played three years in Turkey before retiring this summer, marking the end of his EA FC journey. Although not every gamer used him at the highest competitive levels, his presence was important for casual players and those building diverse squads. His removal will be felt in both Ultimate Team and Career Mode, especially for those seeking fast, agile forwards capable of stretching defenses. Gamers now must adjust to new attacking options in his absence.

7. Aaron Ramsey – Missing from EA FC 26

Aaron Ramsey has featured in 41 different Ultimate Team cards during his career, offering solid stats across midfield, with passing, shooting, and stamina around the 70s. Following Arsenal, Juventus, Rangers, Nice, and Cardiff, Ramsey kept himself relevant in EA FC titles.

However, his recent move to UNAM Pumas in Mexico removes him from EA FC 26. Gamers will miss his experience, reliable shooting from distance, and midfield versatility. Ramsey was particularly useful in mid-tier squads for Career Mode players seeking a balanced central midfielder. His absence highlights how moves to lesser-covered leagues impact the game, forcing players to look elsewhere for quality midfield options.

6. Raphaël Varane – Missing from EA FC 26

Raphaël Varane, the French World Cup-winning defender, retired after a distinguished career with Manchester United and Real Madrid. Known for his composure, positioning, and aerial ability, Varane was a key figure for gamers building elite defensive units in EA FC.

With his retirement, EA FC 26 no longer includes Varane. His absence is particularly noticeable in Ultimate Team, where defenders with his combination of pace, strength, and reading of the game were scarce. Fans who relied on his leadership and defensive dominance must now seek replacements. Varane’s removal marks the end of an era for one of football’s most accomplished central defenders in the game.

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5. Mats Hummels – Missing from EA FC 26

Mats Hummels, a veteran German defender, has been featured in special cards throughout FIFA and EA FC titles, including TOTW, TOTS, TOTY, and SBC editions. Known for his composure, passing, and defensive intelligence, Hummels provided a reliable defensive option for gamers.

EA FC 25 marked his final card after retiring this summer. His absence leaves a gap for those who valued strong, experienced center-backs capable of dominating aerial duels and organizing defenses. Gamers will need to adjust squad strategies to replace Hummels’ leadership and stability at the back. Despite his retirement, his influence in EA FC series remains noteworthy for fans building historically accurate or veteran-based squads.

4. Roberto Firmino – Missing from EA FC 26

Roberto Firmino, after eight years at Liverpool, moved to Al-Ahli and then across to Al Sadd in Qatar. While Firmino was once a cornerstone of Klopp’s attacking system, EA FC 26 players will no longer be able to enjoy his unique blend of creativity, finishing, and link-up play.

Although his stats and style made him valuable in Ultimate Team and Career Mode, his transfer to a league not covered in the game removes him from the roster. Firmino’s tactical intelligence, pressing, and vision made him essential in breaking down defenses. Fans who enjoyed his clever runs, assists, and goal-scoring ability in past EA FC titles will feel his absence keenly. For years, he was a must-have for Liverpool fans in-game, and now players must adapt to new forwards to replace his dynamic contributions.

3. James Rodriguez – Missing from EA FC 26

James Rodriguez’s EA FC career has been turbulent, with periods outside Ultimate Team due to transfers. After spells at Al-Rayyan, Olympiacos, and São Paulo, he returned to EA FC 25 with a special card featuring five-star skills and weak foot, and high stats across pace, dribbling, passing, and shooting.

This year, his move to Mexican side León means he will not be available in EA FC 26. James’s vision, long-range shooting, and ability to unlock defenses made him a favorite in Career Mode and Ultimate Team. His absence is a loss for gamers who enjoyed using a creative, technically gifted midfielder with flair and scoring ability. EA FC 26 players will need to find alternatives to replicate his unique style.

2. Ivan Rakitic – Missing from EA FC 26

Ivan Rakitic, once a midfield lynchpin at Barcelona, is another high-profile player missing from EA FC 26 this year. After leaving Barca in 2020, Rakitic returned to Sevilla, helping them lift the 2023 Europa League. His experience, vision, and composure made him a reliable presence in midfield, both in real-life football and in FIFA games.

After Sevilla, Rakitic had a short stint in Saudi Arabia with Al-Shabab before returning to Hajduk Split in Croatia. This summer, he retired from professional football, ending his EA FC career. His final in-game card was rated 80, a modest reflection of his legacy but still useful for squad-building. Gamers will miss his exceptional passing, ball control, and ability to dictate tempo. Although Rakitic was not the flashiest player in the game, his intelligence and versatility made him a go-to option for Career Mode enthusiasts and Ultimate Team builders alike.

1. Neymar – Missing from EA FC 26

Neymar Jr. is one of the most famous footballers of the 21st century, and his absence from EA FC 26 feels genuinely surprising. Known for his dazzling five-star skill moves, exceptional pace, and lethal shooting ability, Neymar has been a staple of the FIFA series since FIFA 10. For over a decade, gamers around the world relied on his creativity to dominate matches in Ultimate Team and Career Mode. His peak base card rating reached 92, reflecting his elite quality on the pitch.

This year, however, Neymar will not appear in EA FC 26 because EA Sports does not have licensing rights to the Brazilian league. His move to Santos and subsequent return to Brazilian football ends a long-running presence in the game, leaving a noticeable gap for fans. Beyond the stats, Neymar’s charisma, flair, and unpredictable style made him a favorite for casual and competitive players alike. Without him, EA FC 26 loses one of its most exciting attacking talents, and gamers will have to rely on other forwards to replicate his magic in-game.

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