EA FC 26 is bringing a fresh wave of FUT Heroes — the cult-favorite tier that sits below Icons and adds league-driven chemistry to hybrid squads. Here’s the current state of play on who’s coming, how they’ll be released, and what it means for Ultimate Team.

The new Heroes (leaked list and provisional ratings)

Multiple reliable trackers point to eight additions this cycle. Ratings and positions can shift before launch, but the names have been consistent so far:

  • Louisa Nécib (France) — 88 OVR
  • Simone Laudehr (Germany) — 88 OVR
  • Michel Salgado (Spain) — 87 OVR
  • Iván Zamorano (Chile) — 87 OVR
  • Jill Scott (England) — 85 OVR
  • Ricardo Quaresma (Portugal) — 85 OVR
  • Daniele De Rossi (Italy) — 85 OVR
  • Pablo Aimar (Argentina) — 85 OVR

Note: as with any pre‑release data, names and ratings can change before cards hit packs or rewards.

Release timing and how they’ll appear

New Heroes are planned to land through FUT campaigns over the annual cycle, beginning in Season 2. Expect them to surface as time-limited campaign content — historically that has meant promo team inclusions, objectives, SBCs, or Season rewards. One Bayern Munich Hero is also expected to feature via a campaign slot, with three names in the frame: Stefan Effenberg, Claudio Pizarro, or Giovane Élber.

No pre‑order upgrade path for Heroes this year

Unlike last cycle’s Origin/Prime pre‑order perks, base Heroes aren’t set to receive an automatic ratings bump tied to pre‑purchases in FC 26. Icons are the ones getting special pre‑order treatment this time. Heroes should still see upgraded versions arrive during promos across the year, and eligible cards can gain stat boosts via Evolutions.

Why these eight matter in-game

  • Louisa Nécib: Creative hub with high-end ball control and passing; a CAM who fits possession builds.
  • Simone Laudehr: Box-to-box profile with stamina and defensive work rate; flexible in CM/DM roles.
  • Michel Salgado: Old-school right back with aggressive defending and overlap potential; a natural chemistry anchor for LaLiga hybrids.
  • Iván Zamorano: Traditional No. 9 with aerial threat and poacher instincts; suits crossing and quick deliveries.
  • Jill Scott: Physical, aerially strong midfielder who screens the back line and attacks late space.
  • Ricardo Quaresma: A flair winger built around outside‑of‑the‑foot finishing and 1v1 trickery; dangerous on the cut-in.
  • Daniele De Rossi: Deep‑lying destroyer and distributor; stabilizes midfields and initiates longer switches.
  • Pablo Aimar: Agile playmaker with close control and disguise; unlocks low blocks with quick combinations.

How Heroes change squad building

Heroes are valuable because they blend strong, meta‑friendly profiles with unique chemistry boosts that simplify hybrids around a league spine. These eight cover multiple roles — from fullback to double pivot to classic nine — which helps early squads lock chemistry without overpaying for scarce positions. As promos roll out, expect alternate versions with new roles, work rates, or PlayStyles that reshape how they fit your tactics.

Eight new Heroes are slated for FC 26, but they won’t arrive all at once. Plan for a staggered rollout starting in Season 2, no automatic pre‑order upgrades, and room for promo‑driven versions and EVOs to elevate the best fits for your squad.