The Year of the Fullbacks Evolution is live in FC 26, and it costs nothing to complete. Slot in an eligible left-back or right-back, play a handful of matches, and you walk away with a heavily boosted defender that can also cover center-back.
Quick answer: Pick a fullback you are already planning to chain through more evolutions, since the free defensive stats and the extra CB position stack neatly on top. Strong picks include Theo Hernandez (Glory Hunters), Isaak Touré (FUTTIES), Dorgu (FUTTIES), and Joao Cancelo (Glory Hunters).
Year of the Fullbacks Evolution eligibility requirements
A card must meet every one of these limits to enter the evolution. If a player fails even one, they will not appear in the eligible list.
| Requirement | Limit |
|---|---|
| Overall | Max 95 |
| Total Positions | Max 5 |
| PlayStyle | Max 10 |
| PlayStyle+ | Max 4 |
| Position | LB or RB |
All four upgrade levels and their boosts
The evolution runs across four levels. Each level unlocks a fresh batch of stat boosts, position options, and PlayStyles. The value stacks toward defense, aerial ability, and passing, turning a wide defender into a heavier center-back-capable card.
| Level | Upgrades |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Overall +8 (97), Aggression +20 (97), Jumping +20 (97), Reactions +20 (96), Strength +20 (97), Weak Foot +4 |
| Level 2 | Slide Tackle +20 (97), Stamina +20 (97), Composure +20 (96), adds CB position, PlayStyle+ Intercept, PlayStyle Pinged Pass |
| Level 3 | Heading Acc. +20 (96), Interceptions +20 (96), PlayStyle+ Anticipate |
| Level 4 | Def. Aware +20 (96), Stand Tackle +20 (97), PlayStyle+ Aerial Fortress, PlayStyles Block and Bruiser |
Note: The CB position unlocks at Level 2, so the position switch is only available once you clear the first two stages.
How to complete each level
Every level shares the same task, so the total commitment is four matches with your active evolution card on the pitch.
You know a level is done when the card’s stats update and the next level’s conditions become active. After Level 4, the player carries all the added stats, positions, and PlayStyles permanently.
Best players for the Year of the Fullbacks Evolution
Because the boosts are free and the card gains a CB option, the smartest use is on a fullback you plan to push through additional chains. These cards are strong candidates, with a few requiring more chain work before or after this evolution.
| Player | Card version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Theo Hernandez | Glory Hunters | — |
| Isaak Touré | FUTTIES | — |
| Maldini | Trophy Titans Icon | — |
| Davies | Knockouts Royalty | Requires multiple chains |
| van Ewijk | FUTTIES | — |
| Joao Cancelo | Glory Hunters | — |
| Maldini | TOTY Icon | — |
| Dorgu | FUTTIES | — |
| Oosterwolde | Ultimate Birthday | Requires multiple evolutions |
| Cafu | Trophy Titans Icon | — |
| Thuram | Trophy Titans Icon | — |
| Dumfries | Glory Hunters | — |
| Kounde | TOTY | — |
The upgrade path leans hard into physicality, tackling, aerial duels, and passing, so it pairs best with a defender who already fits a defensive fullback or inverted role. Since the position switch to CB comes built in and the stat gains cost you nothing, running an existing chain player through this evolution gets you the most out of it before continuing their improvements elsewhere.
