FIFA 23 is so nearly upon us now, and Icon ratings are now beginning to circulate! We have three new Icon ratings revealed to us by EA - check them out below.
Icons have been a massive part of FIFA Ultimate Team since they were introduced to the franchise in FIFA 16, going by the name of 'Legends'. EA decided to change the name when they decided to introduce the former players for both consoles, whereas in FIFA 16 'Legends' were exclusive to Xbox players.
Over the years EA have added and taken away Icons from the game, but we've had some phenomenal names featuring on our screens. The likes of Pele, Ruud Gullit, Zinedine Zidane, George Best and many more have all been featured, so when a new title rolls around - FIFA fans are always excited to see who may be introduced into the latest instalment.
With the game edging ever closer, EA have finally revealed three new Icon cards that are set to be introduced into FIFA 23. You can find these all out below.
Gerd Muller Icon in FIFA 23
The first of the new Icons in FIFA 23 is legendary German striker - Gerd Muller. His Icon profile, taken from the official EA website, says the following:
"A truly prolific striker, Gerd Müller had an astonishing record in front of goal that more than earns him ICON status.
"The German striker broke Bundesliga records for fun: most career goals, most hat tricks, most top scorer crowns, and most goals in a season to name just a few. He did it on the international stage too, with an incredible 68 goals in just 62 games for West Germany that included the Golden Boot after 10 goals at the FIFA World Cup 1970 in Mexico.
"That was followed four years later by the winning goal in the final at his home stadium in Munich that saw him become the highest FIFA World Cup scorer of all time, a title he held for 32 years before being surpassed by Ronaldo Nazário in 2006. An all-time great of the game, Müller’s legacy and legend live on through his records that only a handful of players have ever come close to touching."
Jairzinho Icon in FIFA 23
Next up - a wizard of a winger in the form of Jairzinho. His Icon profile, taken from the official EA website, says the following:
"Brazil’s FIFA World Cup 1970 squad is widely considered one of the best international teams ever to set foot on a football pitch. At that tournament, Jairzinho did something no player had ever done before and has never done since - scoring in every FIFA World Cup finals match from the group stage to the final as Brazil lifted the Jules Rimet trophy for the third time.
"The Hurricane, as he was called, was a proven goalscorer from the wing with pace to burn and a frightening mix of strength and dribbling ability that took him past defenders with ease, followed by pinpoint finishing that goalkeepers couldn't do much to stop.
"His second goal against Czechoslovakia in 1970 shows all that makes Jairzinho the ICON that he is: combining power and speed to drive past three defenders before rounding things off with a precise finish into the bottom corner. In a nation known for its skilful wingers, Jairzinho is undoubtedly one of the Seleção’s finest."
Xabi Alonso Icon in FIFA 23
Last but not least, we have Xabi Alonso - who is another new Icon for FIFA 23! His Icon profile, taken from the official EA website, says the following:
"Midfielders don’t come much more elegant than Xabi Alonso. The Spaniard’s remarkable technique and ability to pick out his teammates led to his hallmark - a raking, pinpoint long pass from deep that put the ball on a plate for the attacker.
"It was a talent he used on multiple occasions to send the ball over the keeper’s head and into the goal from behind the halfway line. Alonso was the midfield heartbeat of some of the biggest teams in Europe and picked up the trophies to match. At Liverpool, he scored the equalising goal in the legendary 2005 UEFA Champions League Final, then won another at Real Madrid.
"That’s not to mention an FA Cup, two Copa del Reys, a La Liga title, three Bundesligas, and a decisive role in winning Spain’s first-ever FIFA World Cup trophy. The work of a true ICON."
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