Projecting a footballer’s rating two years ahead can feel like reading tea leaves, but with someone like Lamine Yamal, the signs are a lot less cryptic. His rise from La Masia’s academy halls to becoming a genuine weapon for both Barcelona and Spain has been so quick that it’s hard not to imagine what’s next. EA Sports FC 26 is still a fair distance away, but for those already plotting their Ultimate Team lineups, setting aside FC 26 Coins for him could be one of those “you’ll thank yourself later” moves.
First comes the FC 25 jump. After the 2023-24 season, where he didn’t just play but rewrote records for youngest appearances and impact, it’s almost certain his card will leap from a silver to a solid gold. We’re talking somewhere around the 81–83 range, which would match his role as a regular starter at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. Expect his dribbling to feel sharper, pace to be blistering, and passing to have that extra zip — the kind of upgrades that make a card suddenly feel dangerous in-game.
The real make-or-break stretch will be 2024-25. If Yamal keeps starting and starts stacking up goals and assists, especially in Champions League nights and after Euro 2024 with Spain, EA’s stat team will take notice. Those high-pressure performances carry weight in their system. I’ve seen players skip right past the low 80s into mid-80s territory in one season when they hit that sweet spot of consistency and big moments — think of how quickly Vinícius Jr. went from “promising” to “terrifying” in-game.
If he stays healthy and keeps trending upward, an 86–88 overall in FC 26 wouldn’t just be hype — it’d be realistic. That rating would put him shoulder to shoulder with some of the best wingers available. And it’s not just about the number; it’s about two full seasons of proving himself as Barcelona’s go-to wide threat. It’s the same kind of curve we saw with Mbappé’s early years — rapid, but earned.
Now, imagine an 87-rated Yamal in FC 26. Dribbling over 90, pace that feels unfair, agility and balance that make defenders overcommit. Shooting and passing climbing into the low-to-mid 80s, making him more than just a dribble merchant. Add in PlayStyles+ like Technical, Whipped Pass, and Rapid, and suddenly he’s not just good — he’s meta-defining. In competitive Ultimate Team play, that’s the kind of card people build squads around.
Career Mode players will probably get even more excited. His starting overall will already be high, but the potential? Likely in the 93–95 range, which is the territory reserved for generational talents. That means signing him early could be one of those moves you feel smug about for multiple seasons. He’d be the kind of player you’d refuse to sell, no matter how big the offer — because you know he’s only going to get better.
Of course, all this depends on him keeping his trajectory. The talent’s there, the stage is set, and the next two seasons will decide if he joins the elite tier in both real life and in-game. If he does, expect demand for his card to be through the roof — and plenty of FC 26 Coins for sale flying around from players trying to get him into their squads as soon as possible.
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