Here are the top 10 Prime Icons you shouldn't miss in EA Sports FIFA 23 Ultimate Team.
Since the introduction of the Icons player item to EA Sports FIFA, fans have no doubt enjoyed their addition to the FIFA Ultimate Team Mode.
Icons arrived the EA Sports franchise in FIFA 16, but were known as ‘legends’.
These Legends were exclusive to only Xbox, which was apparently a big deal at the time, because it forced a larger part of the FIFA community to switch platforms to Microsoft to enjoy these rewards.
However, subsequently, Legends turned to Icons and EA kept adding more names to their roster per seasonal updates.
There is now a total of 100 Icons in FIFA 23 including some of the greatest to ever play the game such as Pele, George Best, Zinedine Zidane and many more.
There’s always some controversy as to what ratings EA decide to award these Prime Icons in the game, but regardless of how opinions differ, there was always going to be a hierarchy in strength.
In this article, we look at the Top 10 Prime Icons you need to have in your FIFA 23 Ultimate Team.
#10 Roberto Carlos - 91
The Brazilian left back possesses everything that a Brazilian wingback should have! Pace, terrific crossing.
He’s one of the most popular and powerful attacking left backs in the history of the game.
Roberto Carlos' privileged left foot delighted at both club and international level Brazilian’s iconic free-kick goals transcended the game itself making him one of the most successful footballers ever.
Carlos is awarded a 91 OVR in Prime Icons with his strongest traits being: Shooting, Pace, Sprint speed, Acceleration, Freekick Accuracy and even Curve.
#9 Cafu - 93
A key cog in some of Brazil and Europe’s greatest sides, Cafu’s attacking play down the right of the defence made him a legend of the game and inspired all his sides to triumph.
Playing in Brazil, he won an incredible 11 domestic titles in just four years.
After a stint in LaLiga, his time at AC Milan from the 2003-2004 season would bring him a Serie A title, and a famous UEFA Champions League title in 2006-07.
There, he forged iconic partnerships with players like Maldini and Costacurta in a feared defensive backline.
Cafu has the honour of being Brazil’s most-capped player with 142 appearances for the Seleção, in addition to being the only player to appear in the final of three FIFA World Cups™ - winning two of them in 1994 and 2002.
A truly unique set of honours, for a truly unique ICON.
Cafu is awarded an OVR of 93 in Prime Icons, his greatest strengths in-game include: Acceleration, Stamina, Sprint Speed, Standing tackle and Interceptions.
#8 Ruud Gullit - 93
Gullit is described by EA as a complete, versatile and dynamic player.
He had the ability to play admirably in multiple attacking positions.
He was also key member of legendary AC Milan and national Dutch teams, Gullit's unmistakable quality and look remain fan favourites.
Gullit is awarded an OVR of 93 in Prime Icons with his key attributes being: Ball Control, Stamina, Heading, Shooting and even Vision. He boasts a four-star skill move and a five-star weak foot.
#7 Paolo Maldini - 94
With five UEFA Champions League winners’ medals and countless other trophies, one-club man Maldini led AC Milan to greatness for 25 decorated seasons.
Versatile enough to play all across the backline, Maldini put on a masterclass in defending every time he stepped onto the pitch.
Maldini has an OVR of 94 in Prime Icons with his strongest traits being his Sliding and Standing tackle, Marking, Heading and even Interceptions.
#6 Johan Cruyff - 94
The Dutch playmaker had a strong career for both club and country, picking up important trophies with Ajax, Barcelona, and the Netherlands.
Known for his incredible technique and creativity, Cruyff created one of the most popular skill moves in the game, the ‘Cruyff Turn’.
His style also became synonymous with the Dutch style of play called “Total Football,” which he helped to pioneer and perfect during his time as a player and coach.
He’s rated 94 in the Prime Icons with EA also acknwoledging just how good Cruyff was with his in-game playing-style.
#5 Lev Yashin - 94
Arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game, the “Black Spider” remains a Dynamo Moscow icon, the club where he spent his entire 20 year career. Estimated to have kept 270 clean sheets and saved over 150 penalties.
Also, Yashin remains the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d'Or.
#4 Ronaldinho - 94
One of the last true bohemians of football, Ronaldinho personifies what Jogo Bonito is all about.
With endless creativity and superb technique, the Brazilian attacking midfielder was equally capable of scoring a beautiful goal or serving the perfect pass for his teammates to shine.
Ronaldinho won the biggest trophies in the world and he did so while playing beautifully and with a smile on his face.
The talented Brazilian was rated 94 in Prime Icons with significant individual strengths in: Ball Control, Dribbling, Acceleration, Finishing, Vision, Passing, Composure and Free kick Accuracy.
As expected, he’s awarded five stars for his Skill Move and four stars for his weaker foot.
#3 Ronaldo - 96
The legendary Brazilian striker's deadly mix of explosive pace, lethal finishing and dazzling skill made him one of the most feared strikers in the world.
A two-time Ballon d'Or winner, Ronaldo Nazário became one of Real Madrid's famed galácticos when he joined the club.
Ronaldo is awarded an incredible 96 OVR in the game with his strongest attributes being: Finishing, Pace, Composure, Shooting and Dribbling.
#2 Zinedine Zidane - 96
One of the most talented players of all time, Zinedine Zidane’s world-class skill and technique made football look unnaturally easy.
His performances on the biggest stage - two goals in the 1998 FIFA World Cup™ Final and one of the greatest volleys of all time in the 2002 UEFA Champions League Final - gave “Zizou” legendary status for both France and Real Madrid.
The former Real Madrid man is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, and for good reason.
Zidane is awarded an OVR of 96 in Prime Icons with his strongest abilities being: Ball Control, Dribbling, Long shots, Reaction, Vision and Passing.
And oh, he’s also awarded a five star for both his Skill moves and Weaker foot - a monster of a player.
#1 Pelé - 98
Pelé was quite simply one of the greatest footballers of all time.
Six Brazilian Championships, three World Cups™ and over 600 competitive goals in a career spanning 21 years justify his status as one of the all-time legends of the game.
The great phenomenon was awarded an OVR of 98 in Prime Icons as expected with his strongest attributes including: Ball Control, Dribbling, Acceleration, Balance, Sprint Speed, Vision, Composure, Heading, Long Shots, Volleys, Penalties….In fact, we could on and on but this man’s stats are just unreal.
He’s also awarded a four star for Weak Foot and five star for Skill Moves.
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