The much-anticipated player ratings for EA Sports FC 26 have leaked online, nearly two weeks ahead of the official reveal. Among the first names to attract attention were, unsurprisingly, football’s two modern legends — Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Both players have seen their overall ratings fall once again, reflecting the twilight of their incredible careers.According to the early database leak:
Cristiano Ronaldo (40 years old): Overall 85, his lowest rating ever in the EA Sports franchise. This marks a one-point drop from his 86 rating in EA FC 25. Lionel Messi (38 years old): Overall 86, down two points from his 88 in FC 25. If these ratings are confirmed, it would be the first time in over a decade that neither Messi nor Ronaldo has been rated among the very best in the game.
Both players have experienced a gradual decline in ratings over the past five editions of the game: Messi: From 93 in FIFA 20 to 86 in FC 26 (leaked). Ronaldo: From 93 in FIFA 19 to 85 in FC 26 (leaked). While still highly respectable numbers, their fall mirrors the natural aging process as younger stars have overtaken them in both real-life football and virtual representation.For nearly 15 years, Ronaldo and Messi defined EA’s football games: They were often the highest-rated cards, regularly sitting at 92–94 overall. Their in-game versions dominated Ultimate Team and career modes alike. They were synonymous with the franchise, as much a part of the yearly release as the game itself.
Now, their cards are shifting from “must-have superstars” to cult classics — valuable for nostalgia and respect rather than pure in-game dominance.EA FC 26 is expected to be headlined by younger stars such as: Kylian Mbappé (likely 91–92 overall). Erling Haaland (around 91). Jude Bellingham (predicted 89–90). Vinícius Jr. (89–90). Compared to these players, Messi and Ronaldo are no longer in the absolute top tier, but they remain valuable, especially for fans building squads around legends or needing experienced finishers.Their ratings also reflect their current environments: Ronaldo plays in the Saudi Pro League with Al Nassr, where he continues to score regularly but at a lower competitive standard than Europe’s top five leagues.
Messi now stars for Inter Miami in MLS, where his playmaking brilliance remains evident but at a more modest pace. EA has always factored in league competitiveness, meaning both players’ settings naturally contribute to their reduced overall ratings.Early fan discussions have already lit up social media: Some argue the ratings are too harsh, especially given Ronaldo’s goal-scoring record in Saudi Arabia and Messi’s impact in MLS. Others see the numbers as a fair reflection of their current stage, noting the rise of younger, faster players who dominate the game’s mechanics.
Many simply expressed nostalgia, pointing out how surreal it feels to see the once-untouchable giants rated below 90.In EA FC Ultimate Team, Messi and Ronaldo cards are expected to be cheaper than in their peak years, making them more accessible to casual players. However, special versions — such as Icons, Heroes, or promo cards — will likely restore their legendary status in-game, ensuring they remain relevant in one way or another.
While their numbers may have dipped, Messi and Ronaldo’s legacies in EA Sports football games are unshakable: Entire generations of fans grew up building squads around them. They were often the first card searched for in packs or transfer markets. Their rivalry in-game mirrored their real-world dominance. Leaked EA FC 26 ratings reveal Messi at 86 and Ronaldo at 85, continuing their gradual decline as new stars rise.For many, their FC 26 ratings mark not just a decline in stats but the end of an era in gaming culture.
The leaked EA Sports FC 26 ratings show Lionel Messi at 86 and Cristiano Ronaldo at 85 — their lowest yet. While this reflects their late-career stage, it also symbolizes a passing of the torch to a younger generation of stars. Messi and Ronaldo may no longer rule the ratings, but their impact on football, both on the pitch and in the digital world, will remain unmatched. For fans, seeing them slide down the rankings is bittersweet — a reminder that even legends eventually give way to time. In the end, though, whether at 93 or 85, they will always be among the most beloved players in EA Sports’ history.
