Kylian Mbappe has secured his return to the cover of EA Sports FC 27, matching Lionel Messi's record of four appearances on the game's Ultimate Edition. The Real Madrid forward announced the news himself on social media, posting the official cover image with the message "I'm back". The special edition releases in mid-September 2026, marking Mbappe's fourth time fronting EA's flagship football title across its FIFA and FC eras.
The timing of Mbappe's selection comes on the back of a sensational 2026 World Cup campaign. The French striker claimed the Golden Boot with 10 goals, becoming the first player in history to win the award twice at different tournaments. He also surpassed Messi's all-time World Cup scoring record, reaching 22 goals at just 27 years old. While France fell short in the final after Spain eliminated them in the semi-finals, Mbappe's individual brilliance throughout the tournament cemented his status as one of football's elite performers.
The Cover Star Rankings
Mbappe now stands level with Messi on four cover appearances, a significant milestone in EA Sports FC history. England's Wayne Rooney holds the all-time record with six covers, while Brazil's Ronaldinho sits second with five. EA Sports justified the selection by highlighting Mbappe's achievements at both club and international level, describing him as "one of the most prominent players of his generation". His dominance in professional football continues to reshape the landscape of modern football, with his goal-scoring prowess at the World Cup setting a new benchmark for striker excellence.
The news reinforces Mbappe's position as a generational talent who has moved beyond club success to establish himself as a defining figure in international football. With the Real Madrid forward still in his prime years, further World Cup appearances could extend his record further beyond Messi's tally.
