The Selhurst Samurai Evolution is live in FC 26, and it turns one central midfielder into a box-to-box engine with sharper passing, heavier defensive numbers, and four PlayStyle+ traits. It costs 225,000 coins, upgrades happen across four levels, and each level is unlocked by playing a single eligible match with your active EVO player.
Quick answer: Pick a CM rated 93 or lower, with 10 or fewer PlayStyles and 3 or fewer PlayStyle+, that is not a World Tour Silver Stars card. High-rated special cards like Neymar, Gullit, De Bruyne, Bruno Fernandes, and Pogba give the best finished result, especially when chained with other evolutions first.
Selhurst Samurai Evolution requirements
Only cards that meet every condition below can enter this evolution. If a card is even one point over the overall cap or sits at the wrong position, it will not appear as eligible.
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Overall | Max 93 |
| PlayStyle | Max 10 |
| PlayStyle+ | Max 3 |
| Rarity | Not World Tour Silver Stars |
| Position | CM |
Full stat and PlayStyle upgrades
The evolution is split into four levels. A finished card reaches a 95 overall and picks up upgraded passing, shooting, and defending across the board, plus a weak foot bump and seven new traits. Here is what each level adds.
| Level | Upgrades |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Overall 95, Finishing 95, Long Shots 96, Shot Power 95, Volleys 95, Incisive Pass (PS+), Long Ball Pass (PS) |
| Level 2 | Crossing 95, Curve 95, Long Passing 95, Short Passing 97, Vision 97, Weak Foot +4 |
| Level 3 | Interceptions 95, Def. Awareness 95, Slide Tackle 95, Standing Tackle 96, Tiki Taka (PS+), Intercept (PS) |
| Level 4 | Aggression 95, Jumping 95, Stamina 95, Strength 95, Pinged Pass (PS+), Anticipate (PS) |
Once complete, the card carries Incisive Pass, Tiki Taka, and Pinged Pass as PlayStyle+ traits, alongside Long Ball Pass, Intercept, and Anticipate as standard PlayStyles. Short Passing and Vision both cap at 97, which is what makes this evolution so strong for a deep-lying playmaker.
How to complete each level
All four levels share the same simple objective, so progress is fast if you just keep starting the card. You need to complete the challenge once per level.
Note: The player has to actually be on the pitch during the match for the objective to count. If a level does not progress, check that the correct card is set as the active EVO player before kickoff.
Best players for Selhurst Samurai Evolution
Because the ceiling on most stats is fixed, the smart move is to start with a card that already has strong base numbers, ideally 90 or higher in the areas that matter to you. Cards that can be pushed through a chain of other evolutions first end up even higher once Selhurst Samurai is applied. The traits also lean heavily toward passing and defending, so many CDM-type cards benefit here too.
| Card | Why it works |
|---|---|
| Neymar | Best used with chain evolutions first for the highest final rating |
| Neymar (Festival of Football) | High attacking base that gains defending and traits |
| Gullit (TOTY Icon) | Complete profile that turns into a dominant 95 CAM/CM |
| De Bruyne (Winter Wildcards) | Elite passing that maxes Short Pass and Vision at 97 |
| Marek Hamsik (Prime Hero) | Well-rounded midfielder with strong passing base |
| Bruno Fernandes (TOTW) | Attacking output plus upgraded defensive numbers |
| Casemiro (World Tour) | Physical, defensive core that suits the new traits |
| Pogba (Ultimate Scream) | Balanced box-to-box card with room to grow |
| Petit (TOTY Icon) | Defensive midfield profile that pairs with the tackle boosts |
| Zico (Winter Wildcards) | Technical playmaker that benefits from passing traits |
| Reus (TOTY HM) | Creative option with strong shooting numbers |
| Zielinski (TOTS) | Rounded midfielder with solid all-around stats |
Tip: If you plan to run the finished card as a CDM, prioritize a base with good pace and physical stats, since the evolution already handles interceptions, tackling, and defensive awareness for you.
The completed card slots straight into Division Rivals and Champions squads as a passing hub with real defensive presence. The 225,000-coin price is steep, so the value comes from picking a high base card and, where possible, layering earlier evolutions before spending on this one.
