A fresh wave of EA Sports FC 27 leaks is generating plenty of excitement among Ultimate Team fans, particularly those who grew up during some of FIFA’s most memorable years.
Several well-known community sources have claimed that a number of former fan favourites are currently being tested for FC 27, with names including Mario Balotelli, Hulk, Hatem Ben Arfa, Alexandre Pato and Adel Taarabt all reportedly under evaluation.
Perhaps even more intriguing is the repeated mention of a potential new player category known as Hall of Fame, a rumoured rarity that could sit alongside Icons and Heroes while celebrating footballers who became legends of the FIFA series itself.
As always, testing does not guarantee a player will eventually appear in the final game. However, such reports often offer an early glimpse into the names being considered during development.
A Hall of Fame Category Could Celebrate FIFA’s Biggest Cult Heroes
While Icons are reserved for some of football’s greatest-ever players and Heroes recognise figures who left a significant mark on specific leagues, the reported Hall of Fame category appears to be targeting something different.
Many of the players linked with the leaks are remembered as much for their popularity in FIFA as for their achievements on the pitch.
You May Also Be Interested In
For years, Ultimate Team has had its own folklore. Certain players became household names among gamers because of their pace, skill moves, physicality or simply because they performed far beyond expectations in-game. A Hall of Fame category would give EA Sports an opportunity to celebrate that unique part of the franchise’s history.
Balotelli, Hulk and Pato Among the Biggest Names Linked With FC 27
Mario Balotelli is one of the standout names mentioned in the latest reports. The former Italy international remains one of football’s most recognisable personalities, and his combination of power, flair and unpredictability made him a popular choice across multiple FIFA generations. If the Hall of Fame concept becomes reality, few players seem a better fit.
Brazilian duo Hulk and Alexandre Pato have also emerged in the leaks. Hulk’s thunderous left foot and remarkable physical attributes made him a favourite among Ultimate Team players for years, while Pato was once regarded as one of the most exciting young forwards in world football. Even today, many long-time FIFA fans remember building squads around their cards.
Ultimate Team Nostalgia Could Be a Major Theme in FC 27
Beyond the headline names, several players associated with classic Ultimate Team eras have also reportedly entered the testing phase.
Hatem Ben Arfa and Adel Taarabt are among the most notable examples. Both were capable of producing moments of brilliance that translated perfectly into the virtual game, where skill moves and creativity often made the difference.
Meanwhile, Aiden McGeady‘s inclusion would undoubtedly spark memories of the famous skill move that bears his name, while former Germany winger André Schürrle remains fondly remembered by players who spent countless hours on FIFA 14. For many fans, these are not just former footballers. They represent specific moments in Ultimate Team history.
Familiar Faces From the Premier League Era Also Reportedly Tested
The leaks do not focus exclusively on attacking players. Former Roma and Greece defender Kostas Manolas has reportedly been tested for FC 27, a development that is already attracting attention among veteran Ultimate Team players. During the mid-2010s, pace among elite centre-backs was far less common than it is today, and Manolas became one of the most sought-after defenders in the game.
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has also been linked with testing, while Marouane Fellaini and Fredy Guarín are among the midfielders reportedly under consideration.
Jakub Błaszczykowski, remembered for his successful years at Borussia Dortmund, is another player said to be associated with the Hall of Fame concept.
Why EA Sports Might Be Exploring a New Card Type
The continued success of nostalgic content in Ultimate Team has made veteran players increasingly valuable from a community perspective.
Special campaigns built around football memories consistently generate engagement, and a Hall of Fame category could allow EA Sports to recognise players who helped define previous FIFA generations without necessarily fitting the traditional criteria for Icon or Hero status.
That distinction could be particularly important for figures such as Ben Arfa, Taarabt or Balotelli, whose impact on the FIFA community often exceeded their achievements at the very highest level of the sport.
Nothing Is Confirmed Yet
Despite the growing excitement surrounding the reports, it is important to emphasise that no official announcement has been made by EA Sports.
Players frequently appear in internal testing phases without ultimately reaching the final game, and the rumoured Hall of Fame category itself has yet to be confirmed.
Still, the volume of names linked with the project has inevitably fuelled speculation. If even a portion of the reported list makes its way into FC 27, Ultimate Team could be set for one of its most nostalgic years in recent memory.
