Fans of football and sports simulators have received sensational news: cult striker Zlatan Ibrahimović is back in the spotlight—this time in the virtual arena. Although the Swede ended his professional career in 2023, EA Sports developers decided that Ibra’s charisma and legacy deserve a place on the cover of the upcoming EA FC 26 Ultimate Edition.
The Legend Keeps Scoring in the Digital Universe
Ibrahimović has completed his journey on real pitches, but his unmistakable finishing style and trademark acrobatic moves will now live on in the game forever. The studio promises detailed overhead-kick animations, Zlatan-style skill moves, and an exclusive celebration pose that will appear only for owners of the expanded edition.
A New Beacon for the EA Sports FC Brand
Since last autumn’s rebrand, the company has been seeking symbols capable of highlighting the franchise’s identity without the FIFA licence. Choosing a forward who has scored in four of Europe’s top leagues is ideal: he unites generations of players and underlines the project’s global character.
Release Schedule and Early-Access Benefits
The official launch of EA FC 26 is scheduled for 26 September, but Ultimate Edition holders will be able to step onto the virtual pitch as early as 19 September. Buyers of the expanded bundle will also receive a week of early access to Ultimate Team mode, an “Icon Loan” pack for five matches, and 4 000 FC Points to bolster their starter squad.
Fans’ Voice: “You Asked – Zlatan Is Back!”
The series’ social-media channels filled with the hashtag #BringBackZlatan as early as winter, and the marketing team did not let the momentum slip. In a community poll, Ibrahimović outpaced current stars, confirming that the lion’s charisma remains unrivalled even two years after his last appearance on the pitch.
What’s Next?
Insiders anticipate a themed “Ibracadabra” event in the October season of Ultimate Team, featuring a set of challenges and unique versions of the striker’s cards. For now, the task is to ready your gamepads and clear your schedule: the digital show starring Zlatan kicks off this autumn.
