Early FC 26 Ultimate Team beta ratings are already getting players talking. Real Madrid’s squad shows Kylian Mbappé at 90, a drop from his FC 25 rating despite a season that included another Champions League push and strong performances for club and country. Vinícius Júnior matches him at 90, although many argue his output didn’t match Mbappé’s consistency. Jude Bellingham also lands at 90, rewarded for his influence in big matches. Thibaut Courtois sits at 89, while Federico Valverde and Antonio Rüdiger both keep high ratings that some feel are generous.
Rodrygo could see changes if a transfer materialises before release. Dani Carvajal holds steady at 86 despite an injury-hit year. Éder Militão remains at 85, while Ferland Mendy continues to be a sought-after card no matter his base rating thanks to his in-game performance profile.
Messi, Ronaldo, and Premier League Transfers
Lionel Messi drops from 88 to 87 in the beta, sparking familiar comparisons with Cristiano Ronaldo, who also sees a downgrade. Messi’s dominance in MLS and Ronaldo’s golden boot in the Saudi Pro League haven’t prevented the ratings slide, with both now outside the top five leagues.
Predictions for new or notable Premier League strikers vary widely. Victor Gyökeres appears in leaks and predictions from 86 to an eyebrow-raising 91 after leading global scoring charts last season. Matheus Cunha’s heroics for Wolves could merit 85, especially following his move to Manchester United. Bryan Mbeumo, Mohammed Kudus, and Jérémy Doku see differing projections, while João Pedro could deserve more than his predicted 81 after a strong campaign. Other moves, such as Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool, Martín Zubimendi to Arsenal, and Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City, add intrigue to rating adjustments.
Wingers, Position Changes, and Rising Stars
Projected winger rankings put Mohamed Salah at 91, potentially joint-highest in the game. Ousmane Dembélé is close behind at 90. Bukayo Saka could climb to 88 or 89 after another key season for Arsenal. Lamine Yamal, potentially Ballon d’Or runner-up at just 18, may deserve closer to a 90 than his current projections.
Some players could shift positions. Jeremie Frimpong might move from right back to right mid in Liverpool’s setup, though a hybrid option is more likely. Raphinha, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and Rafael Leão see moderate boosts, while Michael Olise is predicted to jump from 82 to 86 after a breakout year.
Arsenal, Manchester Clubs, and Defensive Leaders
Arsenal’s projections include deserved upgrades for Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães, with Martin Ødegaard receiving a minor downgrade and Declan Rice moving up. Goalkeeper David Raya should rise after winning the Premier League Golden Glove.
Manchester United’s current outlook has only Bruno Fernandes above 83, with Cunha’s arrival expected to lift their attacking options. Manchester City could keep Rodri and Kevin De Bruyne at 91 in some predictions, though Rodri’s injury spell might lower him to 90. Rúben Dias and Ederson may see slight downgrades, while Jonathan Tah gets a boost after joining Bayern Munich.
At centre-back, Virgil van Dijk is expected to lead ratings, closely followed by Saliba and Alessandro Bastoni. Wendie Renard and Millie Bright maintain top spots in the women’s rankings. Among left backs, Selma Bacha and Nuno Mendes remain elite, with Theo Hernández slightly up.
