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Kylian Mbappe returns as EA SPORTS FC 27 cover star – Real Madrid and France ace marks comeback to iconic football gaming franchise after four years
Deepa Krishnaswamy | July 22, 2026 8:33 AM CST

Real Madrid sensation Kylian Mbappe has officially been announced as the cover star for EA SPORTS FC 27, marking a triumphant return to the forefront of the world’s leading football gaming franchise. The French national team captain’s move to Santiago Bernabeu has elevated his global status, re-establishing him as one of football’s most marketable athletes and ending a four-year absence from the game’s iconic cover art.

Mbappe makes a grand comeback as the face of EA SPORTS FC

Mbappe, aged 27, has been confirmed as the main cover athlete for EA Sports’ flagship title, FC 27. The French skipper, who recently captivated fans worldwide with a magnificent 10-goal performance at the FIFA World Cup, will feature prominently on both the Ultimate Edition and EA Sports FC Mobile versions of the game.

The official reveal showcases Mbappe proudly wearing Real Madrid’s legendary white jersey, symbolising a major milestone for both the player and the club’s global brand presence.

Jeff Sharma, Vice President of Franchise Strategy and Marketing at EA SPORTS, praised the decision to feature Mbappe, saying: “Kylian’s achievements for both club and country have cemented his legacy as one of the defining players of his generation.”

A proud moment for the Real Madrid forward

This marks Mbappe’s first solo appearance as the cover athlete since the franchise’s rebranding to EA Sports FC. The forward had previously headlined three consecutive editions of the historic series during his time at Paris Saint-Germain. Now, with his move to Real Madrid, the French superstar is once again at the centre of the franchise’s global marketing.

Sharing his excitement, Mbappe said that being featured on the cover while representing Los Blancos was an unforgettable moment in his career. He stated: “To be featured on the cover of an EA Sports FC title for the first time is a very special moment for me.”

Real Madrid’s legacy continues in gaming history

Mbappe’s inclusion continues the longstanding partnership between Electronic Arts and Real Madrid. The French forward follows in the footsteps of his teammate Jude Bellingham, who graced the standard edition covers in earlier instalments. Since joining Real Madrid in 2024, Mbappe has consistently proven his excellence at the highest level of world football.

By taking centre stage on the FC 27 cover, Mbappe joins an illustrious list of Real Madrid legends who have fronted the franchise in previous years. Cristiano Ronaldo was the global face of FIFA 18 during his record-breaking spell at Madrid, while Eden Hazard represented FIFA 20 following his arrival at the club.

EA SPORTS FC 27 kicks off a week of excitement for fans

The announcement reinforces EA SPORTS’ ongoing commitment to showcasing football’s biggest stars. In the past, global icons such as Kaka featured as the international cover star for FIFA 11, while Roberto Carlos was the face of FIFA Football 2003, highlighting the long-standing connection between Real Madrid icons and the EA football series.

The unveiling of Mbappe as the EA SPORTS FC 27 cover star marks the beginning of a major week of reveals for the franchise. Fans can look forward to more updates soon, with the official gameplay trailer scheduled to premiere on YouTube at 17:00 BST on Thursday, July 23.


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