Fans have noticed something missing from the EA Sports FC cover

The cover for the new EA Sports FC game has been revealed but fans have noticed something missing.

In May 2022, it was confirmed that FIFA 23 would be the last game under its current iteration as EA's 30-year partnership with FIFA came to an end.

Instead, the new game will be known as EA Sports FC and comes with a new logo and vibe - though licenses for players and teams remain.

The cover for the Ultimate Edition of the game has just been revealed and sees a change in approach from EA.

Instead of having a primary cover star front and centre, the artwork features a total of 31 different players in their virtual form.

Erling Haaland, Virgil van Dijk, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Marcus Rashford, David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Pele, Andrea Pirlo, Didier Drogba, Heung-Min Son, Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Enzo Fernandez, Leah Williamson and Sam Kerr are just some of big stars from "The World's Game".

However, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, the sport's two biggest names and arguably the best to ever do it, are nowhere to be seen.

That is despite both featuring as FIFA cover stars over the years. Kylian Mbappe, another former FIFA cover star, is also omitted.

One fan said: "No Messi No Ronaldo no party."

A second said: "Might be the worst cover of all-time."

A third added: "Messi and Ronaldo are playing golf."

A fourth asked: "Where is Messi and Ronaldo?"

Another had the same question, writing: "How've they left the two GOATs off?"

A sixth said: "Looks sick but where are the goats?"

Haaland is widely expected to be the main cover star for the standard edition when the game is released worldwide in September.

Cam Weber – the EVP, Group GM EA SPORTS & Racing - has already shed light on some details for EA Sports FC and the new direction it is taking.

"We’re incredibly excited to build the future of global football with all of you, and will be happy to share more info on EA SPORTS FC in Summer 2023.

"The future of the sport is very big and bright, and football fandom is reaching across every corner of the world. Global football has been part of EA SPORTS for nearly thirty years - and today, we’re ensuring that it will be for decades to come."

Featured Image Credit: EA Sports & Getty

Topics: EA Sports, Erling Haaland, FIFA 23, Gaming, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, Fan Reactions

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

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