EA FC 27 Leak: Five New ICONs Include Aguero, Varane, Pepe

The next instalment of EA Sports’ flagship football series is already generating significant buzz, and the latest wave of leaks suggests that the ICON roster for EA FC 27 will receive a major upgrade. According to information emerging from development testing, at least five new ICONs are being evaluated for inclusion in Ultimate Team, with the list featuring some of the most decorated names in modern and historic football. Among the players reportedly being tested are the Premier League’s all-time third-highest scorer, a legendary defensive duo from Real Madrid’s recent dynasty, and two World Cup-winning icons from the golden eras of South American football. While EA Sports has not officially confirmed the additions, the pattern of pre-release testing followed by final implementation in recent editions makes these leaks highly credible. The community is already buzzing about how these new cards will reshape squad-building and competitive play in FUT Champions and beyond.

Summary

Five New ICONs Leaked for EA FC 27: Aguero, Varane, Pepe, Kempes, Rivellino

The primary leak, sourced from internal testing environments, points to a quintet of players being prepared for ICON status in EA FC 27. The full list includes Sergio Aguero, Raphael Varane, Pepe, Mario Kempes, and Roberto Rivellino. Each player represents a distinct era and style of football, offering a diverse set of attributes that will appeal to different tactical preferences. Notably, three of these names — Aguero, Varane, and Pepe — are from the modern Premier League and La Liga eras, while Kempes and Rivellino are legendary figures from the 1970s and 1980s. The inclusion of both modern greats and historical icons aligns with EA Sports’ strategy of bridging generational gaps in Ultimate Team, ensuring that both older and younger players find familiar faces in the ICON pool.

Sergio Aguero: The Premier League’s Prolific Argentine

Sergio Aguero needs little introduction. The Argentine striker is widely regarded as one of the finest forwards of his generation, spending a decade at Manchester City where he scored 260 goals in 390 appearances, making him the club’s all-time leading scorer. His most iconic moment — the 93:20 goal against QPR that clinched City’s first Premier League title in 2012 — is etched into football folklore. Aguero’s move to Barcelona was cut short by a heart condition, but his legacy remains untarnished. In EA FC 27, Aguero is expected to receive a high-rated ICON card, likely in the 91-93 OVR range, with exceptional finishing, dribbling, and positioning. His small, agile build and explosive acceleration will make him a lethal option for players who favour quick, technical attackers. Given his popularity and consistent high performance in previous FIFA titles (as a Team of the Year or Team of the Season card), his ICON version is almost certain to become one of the most sought-after cards in the game.

Raphael Varane: The Elegant Defensive General

Raphael Varane, alongside Pepe, formed the bedrock of Real Madrid’s dominance in the 2010s. The French centre-back won four Champions League titles and three La Liga trophies during his time in Madrid, before later moving to Manchester United. Varane’s style is defined by his composure on the ball, exceptional reading of the game, and recovery pace. He is the archetypal modern defender: tall, quick, and technically proficient. In EA FC 27, his ICON card will likely prioritise defensive awareness, pace, and passing, making him a perfect partner for any aggressive or ball-playing centre-back. His chemistry with Pepe (both played together at Madrid) will be an added bonus for players building themed squads. Varane’s versatility also means he could slot into formations that require a high defensive line, thanks to his acceleration and interception abilities.

Pepe: The Aggressive Pillar of Portugal and Real Madrid

Pepe’s reputation as a no-nonsense, sometimes controversial defender is well documented, but his longevity and consistency are remarkable. The Portuguese centre-back spent ten seasons at Real Madrid, winning three La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues, before later enjoying success at Porto and Besiktas. He also captained Portugal to victory at Euro 2016. Pepe’s game is built on physicality, aggression, and aerial dominance. In EA FC 27, his ICON card will likely boast high strength, jumping, and tackling stats, alongside solid pace for his era. He will be a top-tier option for players who prefer a more traditional, imposing centre-back. The combination of Varane’s elegance and Pepe’s brutality in a back line will be a dream for many Ultimate Team builders, reviving the iconic Real Madrid defensive partnership of the mid-2010s.

Mario Kempes: Argentina’s World Cup Hero

Mario Kempes is a name that resonates deeply with Argentine football history. The forward was the star of the 1978 World Cup, scoring six goals including two in the final against the Netherlands, leading Argentina to their first world title. Kempes played primarily as a striker or attacking midfielder, known for his powerful shot, excellent dribbling in tight spaces, and tireless work rate. His club career included successful stints at Rosario Central, Valencia, and River Plate. In EA FC 27, Kempes will likely be a versatile attacker with strong shooting and dribbling, possibly in the 89-91 OVR range. His inclusion adds a touch of World Cup nostalgia and provides an alternative to the more recent South American ICONs like Ronaldo Nazario or Ronaldinho. For players building a historic Argentina or South America squad, Kempes will be a highly desirable asset.

Roberto Rivellino: Brazil’s Flamboyant Midfield Maestro

Roberto Rivellino completes the list of leaked ICONs. The Brazilian attacking midfielder was a key member of the legendary 1970 World Cup-winning team, playing alongside Pelé, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto. Rivellino was renowned for his extraordinary dribbling, powerful left foot, and the invention of the “elastico” move, which later became a staple of Brazilian football. His vision and passing were exceptional, and he scored memorable long-range goals. In EA FC 27, Rivellino will likely be a high-end playmaker with elite dribbling, passing, and curve stats, possibly in the 90-92 OVR range. He will be a perfect fit for players who enjoy building attacks through midfield creativity. His card will be especially valuable in formations that utilise a central attacking midfielder or as a wide playmaker. The combination of Rivellino and other Brazilian ICONs like Pelé, Garrincha, and Ronaldo will undoubtedly excite fans of the Seleção.

No New Heroes Leaked Yet, But More Details Are Expected

While the ICON leak has dominated headlines, there has been no corresponding information regarding new Heroes for EA FC 27. The Hero card category, introduced in FIFA 22, has become a fan favourite for celebrating cult heroes and underrated legends from various leagues. It is highly likely that EA Sports will add new Heroes to FC 27, but as of now, the testing pipeline appears to be focused solely on ICONs. Past releases have seen Heroes added close to launch or even post-launch via seasonal updates. The absence of leaks does not mean Heroes are off the table; rather, they may be further along in development or simply better protected from leaks. Players should expect official announcements later in the pre-season cycle, likely in the summer or early autumn of 2025.

Beyond ICONs: EA FC 27’s Other Rumoured Features

The ICON leaks are part of a broader picture for EA FC 27. Earlier reports indicated that EA Sports is testing offline PvE tournaments, a potential new game mode designed to give solo players a structured competitive experience without the pressure of online play. This could be a significant move to attract casual and offline-focused gamers. Additionally, a new holographic card rarity is being tested, hinting at an even more exclusive tier of special cards, possibly with dynamic visual effects or unique in-game stat boosts. These features, combined with the new ICONs, suggest that EA FC 27 will aim to refresh the Ultimate Team formula without overhauling the core mechanics that have made it a global phenomenon. The holographic rarity could be tied to specific promotions or events, offering a new layer of collectability.

How These New ICONs Will Impact the Ultimate Team Meta

The addition of Aguero, Varane, Pepe, Kempes, and Rivellino is likely to reshape the early-game and mid-cycle meta in FUT. Aguero, in particular, will compete directly with ICONs like Luis Suárez, Thierry Henry, and Wayne Rooney for the attacking slots. His Premier League links will make him an excellent choice for hybrid squads, especially when paired with other City or Argentine players. The Varane-Pepe duo will be a formidable defensive pairing for players who can afford both, offering a chemistry-rich combination that will dominate aerially and in duels. Kempes and Rivellino provide South American alternatives that could help players build teams around league-specific objectives or themed tournaments. The diversity in positions — two centre-backs, one striker, two attacking midfielders/forwards — means the new ICONs will not oversaturate one area of the pitch but instead offer balanced options for squad-building across multiple formations.

Community Reaction and Speculation

Early reactions from the Ultimate Team community have been overwhelmingly positive. Aguero’s inclusion has been widely celebrated, especially by fans who recall his dominant TOTS and FUT Birthday cards in previous editions. Varane and Pepe are expected to be polarising: Varane’s elegance will appeal to meta-chasers, while Pepe’s aggressive style may divide opinions. However, their combined history at Real Madrid ensures a strong narrative hook. Kempes and Rivellino, while less familiar to younger players, represent a commitment to football history that many appreciate. The lack of a modern superstar like a Zlatan Ibrahimović or a Wayne Rooney (already an ICON) has raised some questions, but the current selection covers multiple eras and positions well. Speculation is already rife about which other players might be in the testing pipeline — names like John Terry, Michael Carrick, and Francesco Totti have been suggested by the community, though none have been substantiated.

What to Expect in the Coming Months

As EA Sports prepares for the official announcement of EA FC 27, likely in July 2025, more leaks and teasers will surface. The ICON list presented here is almost certainly not the final set; additional players may be tested and later cut, or kept under wraps until launch day. The absence of any female ICONs is notable, though EA has continued to expand women’s football content in recent years. It is possible that future leaks or announcements will include female legends such as Mia Hamm, Homare Sawa, or Marta. With the game’s release window still several months away, the rumour mill will continue turning. For now, the community has plenty to discuss: Aguero’s finishing, Varane’s pace, Pepe’s aggression, Kempes’s power, and Rivellino’s flair. EA FC 27 is shaping up to be an exciting edition for Ultimate Team enthusiasts, with these five ICONs acting as a powerful first glimpse of what’s to come.