Electronic Arts has confirmed the official Men’s Team of the Year for EA SPORTS FC, alongside the introduction of TOTY Captains, a new designation intended to highlight leadership as well as performance. The selections are based on votes submitted by millions of players from the EA SPORTS FC community, continuing the franchise’s long-running model of fan-driven recognition.
For the 2025 cycle, Kylian Mbappé has been named the first Men’s TOTY Captain, following a year that combined individual output with high-profile performances at club and international level. On the women’s side, Lucy Bronzereceived the same designation, reflecting her role and consistency during the season. The introduction of captains signals a slight evolution in how the annual team is framed, moving beyond statistics alone to acknowledge influence and leadership.
The Men’s Team of the Year includes a mix of established veterans and players whose 2025 campaigns stood out across domestic leagues and European competition. In goal and defense, the final selections are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Virgil van Dijk, and Nuno Mendes. The midfield features Pedri, Declan Rice, and Vitinha, while the forward line consists of Ousmane Dembélé, Erling Haaland, and Mbappé.
Liverpool defender van Dijk, appearing in the Team of the Year for the seventh time, noted that fan voting remains a meaningful part of the recognition, underscoring the role the community continues to play in shaping the annual lineup.
All Team of the Year items are now available across EA SPORTS FC 26 on console, PC, the Companion App, and EA SPORTS FC Mobile. As in previous years, the rollout follows a staggered schedule, with attackers, midfielders, and defenders released in phases before the full XI becomes available. TOTY Icons and Honourable Mentions also return, offering in-game items tied to legendary players and those who narrowly missed the final team.
Voting for the 12th Player opens on January 17 and closes on January 20, allowing fans to select one additional standout from 2025. On mobile, the TOTY program extends into February with weekly updates, culminating in the Ultimate Team of the Year event. While the format remains familiar, the addition of captains reflects a subtle shift toward broader recognition of influence within the game’s annual showcase.
