As the Ultimate Team mode in EA FC 25 continues to evolve, one annual celebration remains a cornerstone of the community's calendar: the FUT Birthday promo. Returning in 2026, this iconic event commemorates the game mode's origins dating back to 2009, delivering the special cards, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and Icon inclusions that players eagerly anticipate each season. While new events are introduced yearly to refresh the experience, promos like Team of the Year, Road to the Final, and FUT Birthday have become beloved traditions, consistently drawing players back with their unique offerings and celebratory atmosphere.

The FUT Birthday promo in EA FC 25 is a massive celebration, featuring an extensive roster of special player items. These cards often receive significant stat boosts, unique in-game styles, and sometimes even position changes, making them highly sought-after assets for any Ultimate Team squad. The player list is a mix of global superstars, rising talents, and club legends, ensuring there's a card for every type of team builder.

Here is a look at some of the standout players featured in the promo:

Attackers & Forwards:

• Erling Haaland (Manchester City)

• Sam Kerr (Chelsea)

• Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

• Rafael Leão (AC Milan)

• Antoine Griezmann (Atlético Madrid)

• Selma Bacha (Lyon)

• Aitana Bonmatí (Barcelona)

• Salma Paralluelo (Barcelona)

Midfielders & Playmakers:

• Jamal Musiala (Bayern Munich)

• Gavi (Barcelona)

• Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

• Isco (Real Betis)

• Yui Hasegawa (Manchester City)

• Lena Oberdorf (Wolfsburg)

Defenders & Guardians:

• Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

• Rúben Dias (Manchester City)

• Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)

• David Alaba (Real Madrid)

• Lotte Wubben-Moy (Arsenal)

• António Silva (Benfica)

Goalkeepers:

• Steve Mandanda (Rennes)

• Pepe Reina (Villarreal)

A major highlight of any FUT Birthday is the return of fan-favorite Icons and Heroes, often with boosted versions that capture them at their peak. This year's selection is no different, bringing legendary names back into the fray. Icons like David Beckham, Ronaldinho, Patrick Vieira, and Marco van Basten receive special cards that allow newer generations of players to experience their magic. Meanwhile, Heroes such as Jay-Jay Okocha, Claudio Marchisio, and Ramires offer unique links and nostalgic gameplay for those building past-and-present squads. The inclusion of trailblazers like Marinette Pichon also highlights the promo's commitment to celebrating football's rich history across all levels of the game.

Beyond just the player cards, the FUT Birthday experience is enriched by a variety of engaging content. Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) and Objectives provide avenues for players to earn special cards, packs, and other rewards without spending coins. These challenges often encourage creative team-building around specific leagues, nations, or ratings. The promo also typically features limited-time modes and themed packs in the store, adding to the festive feeling. For players looking to integrate their new FUT Birthday stars, experimenting with the latest Fantasy FC upgrades and exploring the best formations and tactics in Ultimate Team can be key to maximizing their impact on the pitch.

The 2026 iteration of FUT Birthday successfully blends nostalgia with the present. It honors the mode's 17-year legacy while pushing it forward with current stars like Julian Alvarez, Gabriel Martinelli, and Nico Williams. The promo's broad appeal lies in this mix; it caters to veterans who remember using cards like Seydou Doumbia or Victor Ibarbo in past FIFA titles, while also exciting new players with boosted versions of modern phenoms like Kai Havertz or Chloe Kelly. Ultimately, FUT Birthday is more than just a card release—it's a community event that celebrates the shared history and ongoing passion for EA FC's Ultimate Team mode.