As we roll into 2026, the frantic race to keep up with EA FC 25's relentless power curve continues, and let me tell you, my coin purse has seen better days. Every new promo feels like a gentle nudge from EA saying, "Spend more, my friend." But amidst the chaos of meta-chasing and pack-opening despair, the Winter Wildcards promo from the 2024 holiday season left behind some absolute gems that are still, surprisingly, relevant and attainable for us mere mortals who aren't sitting on a mountain of FIFA points. I've been grinding, saving, and occasionally screaming at my screen, all to find those players who deliver maximum fun without requiring a second mortgage. So, let's dive into the frosty wonders that can still elevate your squad.

7. Xavi – The Midfield Maestro

Remember that free loan objective? That was EA's way of giving us a taste of pure footballing heaven. Xavi might not be the flashiest name on the list now, but oh boy, does he make your team tick. 4-star weak foot, 4-star skills – solid, dependable. But the real magic? He comes packing two of the top five PlayStyles in the entire game. If your playstyle involves more than just holding down the sprint button and hoping, Xavi is your man. He's like a ghost in midfield, wriggling out of pressure and delivering passes so crisp you could eat them. For a possession-based player, he's pure, unadulterated joy.

Why he's still great in 2026: In a meta that still values control, a midfielder who can truly orchestrate is priceless.

6. Erling Haaland – The Double-Edged Sword

Haaland got the special treatment with two Wildcards. Talk about being spoiled! You've got the classic striker version, a bulldozer with a 4/4 combo. But the real head-turner? The Center Back card. I know, I laughed too. But hear me out. In the long run, that CB option might be the smarter pick. Why? Because EA FC 25 (and let's be real, FC 26 is probably around the corner) is absolutely drowning in cracked attacking options. A Haaland-bodied defender with those PlayStyles? That's a rarity. Both cards are units, but one solves a problem fewer players can.

My take: Need a goal-scoring monster? Striker Haaland. Want to terrify your opponent's forwards with a Norse god in defense? CB Haaland. You can't lose.

5. Frenkie De Jong – The Barcelona Engine

Unlike Haaland's dilemma, Frenkie's choice is clear as day. Forget the other version; you want the CM with Tiki Taka and Incisive Pass Plus. It's like they took Xavi's playbook and gave it to a player with more physical presence. 99 Passing is just the cherry on top; those PlayStyles are the whole cake. He's the metronome, the link-up king, the player who makes your entire team feel smoother. If you're running any semblance of a Barcelona or La Liga past-and-present squad, this card isn't just an option; it's a mandatory centerpiece.

Pro Tip: Pair him with Xavi for midfield dominance that would make Pep Guardiola weep with joy.

4. Caroline Graham Hansen – The Electric Dream

Let's talk about pure, unbridled fun. Five-star weak foot. Five-star skills. Caroline Graham Hansen isn't just a card; she's an experience. Yes, her PlayStyles might not be "meta-defining," but who cares when you're gliding past defenders like they're training cones? She has that magical "plays above her stats" quality. Chemistry can be a headache without Icons or Barca teammates, but trust me—reshuffle your entire team if you have to. Slot her at RW or RM, give her the ball, and watch the magic happen. You'll struggle to find another player who replicates her combination of elegance and explosiveness.

3. Carlos Alberto – The Versatile Virtuoso

Ah, the luxury of choice. Carlos Alberto is so good he got two fantastic versions, which is almost a problem. Both can play CB brilliantly. However, the CDM version gets the slight edge for me. Why? Long Ball Pass Plus and Anticipate Plus** combined with that extra positional flexibility? It's a game-changer. You start him at CDM, but by halftime, you might have him covering at full-back or slotting into a back three.凑 He's the ultimate defensive Swiss Army knife. Picking between them is like choosing your favorite child, but if you want the one with more tools, go CDM.

2. Vini Jr. – The Animated Assassin

![Vini Jr. Winter Wildcard](https://static1.thegamerimages.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/wm/2024/12/ea-fc-5-