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0FC 26 Journey of Nations Icons Revealed: Maradona Headlines Stunning New Legendary Squad
Logan Rogers
The Journey of Nations event continues to generate excitement across the FC 26 community, and the latest reveal may be one of the most exciting yet. A brand-new collection of legendary Icons has been unveiled, featuring some of the greatest footballers to ever play the game. Headlined by an incredible 97-rated Diego Maradona card, this group of football icons celebrates players who left a lasting impact on international football and club competition alike.
What makes this release particularly interesting is the combination of elite ratings, modernized attributes, and powerful PlayStyles designed to make these legends feel competitive in the current FC 26 meta. Whether you're looking for a creative playmaker, a clinical striker, or a versatile defender, this Journey of Nations Icon squad appears to offer something for every Ultimate Team manager. Let's take a closer look at each confirmed card and explore why these footballing legends could become some of the most sought-after players in FC 26.
Diego Maradona (97 CAM) – The Crown Jewel of Journey of Nations
Leading the squad is none other than Diego Maradona, who receives a spectacular 97-rated CAM card. His stats are exactly what fans would expect from one of football's greatest-ever dribblers, featuring 97 pace, 93 shooting, 94 passing, 98 dribbling, 45 defending, and 86 physicality. These numbers create an attacking midfielder capable of controlling matches from virtually anywhere on the pitch.
In-game, Maradona looks like the definition of an endgame playmaker. His combination of elite pace and near-perfect dribbling should make him almost impossible to dispossess, while his 94 passing ensures he can create chances with ease. The biggest talking point, however, is the reported five PlayStyle+ combination attached to the card. If confirmed, this would make Maradona one of the most complete and dangerous attacking players available in Ultimate Team, capable of influencing every attacking sequence.
Carlos Alberto (95 RB) – The Ultimate Attacking Full-Back
Brazilian legend Carlos Alberto receives a fantastic 95-rated right-back item that perfectly reflects his attacking influence during his playing days. The card boasts 94 pace, 85 shooting, 87 passing, 90 dribbling, 95 defending, and 92 physicality, creating one of the most balanced full-back cards in FC 26.
Modern Ultimate Team players demand full-backs who can contribute both offensively and defensively, and Carlos Alberto appears to tick every box. His defensive statistics make him a reliable one-versus-one defender, while his pace, passing, and dribbling allow him to join attacks effectively. For players who enjoy overlapping runs and aggressive wing play, this card could quickly become one of the most desirable defenders in the game.
Gerd Müller (95 ST) – Pure Finishing Excellence
Germany's legendary striker Gerd Müller earns a 95-rated striker card featuring 95 pace, 96 shooting, 86 passing, 92 dribbling, 50 defending, and an impressive 99 physicality. The standout attributes immediately jump off the screen, particularly his elite finishing and incredible physical presence.
Müller has always been known as one of football's greatest goalscorers, and this card captures that reputation perfectly. The combination of explosive pace, clinical shooting, and maximum-level physicality should allow him to dominate central defenders throughout FUT Champions and Division Rivals. While he may not offer the flashy skill moves of modern attackers, his ability to consistently find the back of the net could make him one of the most effective strikers available.
Jay-Jay Okocha (95 CAM) – The Skiller's Dream
Few players in football history entertained crowds quite like Jay-Jay Okocha, and his new 95-rated CAM card reflects exactly that. Featuring 94 pace, 93 shooting, 92 passing, 97 dribbling, 52 defending, and 80 physicality, Okocha looks built for players who love creativity and flair.
The highlight of this card is undoubtedly the 97 dribbling rating. Combined with excellent pace and technical ability, Okocha should feel incredibly smooth on the ball. His passing and shooting numbers also make him a genuine goal threat, allowing him to contribute both as a creator and a finisher. For skillers and attacking-minded players, Okocha could become one of the most enjoyable Icons to use in FC 26.
Al Owairan (95 RW) – Speed Returns to the Meta
Saudi Arabian fan favorite Al Owairan returns with another eye-catching card, this time as a 95-rated right winger. His statistics include a breathtaking 99 pace, alongside 93 shooting, 93 passing, 93 dribbling, 51 defending, and 93 physicality. These numbers instantly position him among the fastest and most explosive attackers in the game.
Al Owairan's previous Ultimate Team cards have always been known for their game-changing speed, and this version appears even more dangerous. The difference now is that he combines that elite pace with improved shooting, passing, and physicality. Rather than being a one-dimensional speed merchant, this card looks capable of carrying an attack on his own while remaining a nightmare matchup for opposing defenders.
Hugo Sánchez (95 ST) – A Complete Goal-Scoring Machine
Mexico's greatest football icon receives a stunning 95-rated striker item featuring 95 pace, 94 shooting, 90 passing, 94 dribbling, 51 defending, and 87 physicality. These attributes create one of the most complete attacking cards within the Journey of Nations Icon team.
Sánchez offers an outstanding balance between technical quality and finishing ability. His strong pace allows him to attack defensive lines effectively, while his 94 shooting should ensure consistent finishing inside and outside the penalty area. Add in excellent dribbling and respectable physicality, and you have a striker capable of fitting almost any tactical setup in FC 26.
Why These Journey of Nations Icons Could Shape the Meta
What makes this collection particularly exciting is the balance between nostalgia and competitiveness. EA has not simply released legendary names with average statistics. Instead, each Icon has received attributes that allow them to compete directly with the best promo cards currently available in Ultimate Team.
From Maradona's elite creativity and Al Owairan's devastating pace to Müller's finishing prowess and Carlos Alberto's complete defensive package, every card fills a unique role. This diversity ensures players will have meaningful choices rather than gravitating toward a single standout option. As the Journey of Nations event continues to unfold, these Icons could become some of the defining cards of the FC 26 Ultimate Team cycle.
Conclusion
The Journey of Nations Icon release is shaping up to be one of the strongest legendary squads we've seen all year. With Diego Maradona leading the way as a 97-rated superstar and several 95-rated Icons providing elite options across the pitch, Ultimate Team managers have plenty to be excited about.
Whether you're building a dream squad around Maradona's brilliance, looking for a lethal finisher like Müller or Sánchez, or wanting the pace and power of Al Owairan, this Icon collection offers exceptional quality from top to bottom. If these cards perform in-game as well as their stats suggest, they could quickly become some of the most influential players in FC 26 Ultimate Team.
We will share more updates on FC 26 in separate articles. If you found this information helpful or would like to learn more, please explore the other articles on our site.
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