Jamie Vardy - The end of an era SBC: Player review

The release of Jamie Vardy’s End of an Era Squad Building Challenge (SBC) card in EA FC 25 Ultimate Team is a nostalgic nod to one of English football’s most electrifying and storied strikers. Known for his rags-to-riches rise and pivotal role in Leicester City’s historic Premier League title win, Vardy's legacy is now immortalized in a high-end Ultimate Team card. EA Sports rarely hands out End of an Era items without reason, and Vardy’s resume more than justifies this elite farewell. The card reflects the explosive attributes that defined his peak years: blistering pace, lethal finishing, tireless pressing, and an unshakable will to compete.

At first glance, this 95-rated version of Vardy is a statistical powerhouse. With jaw-dropping metrics across pace (99 acceleration and sprint speed), shooting (95 overall with 96 shot power), and physicality (90), this card seems tailor-made for players seeking a relentless striker who can lead the line solo or pair with a creative partner. But is it truly worth the staggering 1M coins SBC price tag? The community has been torn, with some praising its elite-level production and others criticizing the value. Let’s dig into the attributes that make (or break) this End of an Era card.

Market Price

Pace

Vardy’s End of an Era card boasts perfect 99-rated acceleration and sprint speed, making him a nightmare for defenders in behind. Whether you’re running a counter-attacking system or looking to stretch backlines in possession-based play, Vardy’s raw speed ensures he stays one step ahead. With the added Quick Step PlayStyle+, his initial burst is even more dangerous, allowing him to explode past defenders in the opening stride. It’s a luxury few strikers offer at this level, especially when facing meta-heavy squads packed with pacey center-backs.

That said, his pace doesn’t just serve solo sprints. Vardy becomes a genuine outlet for through balls and long passes, always available to break lines and press high. In Weekend League, his speed can consistently bail you out in tight games, catching opponents off-guard in transition. His movement off the ball, enhanced by an eye-popping 97 attacking positioning, means he’s not just fast but smart fast. That combo is lethal.

Physicality

Physicality has often been an underrated part of Vardy’s game, but EA gave him the recognition he deserves here. With a 90 physicality rating, 85 strength, and 90 stamina, this version of Vardy can scrap with the toughest defenders without backing down. He’s not a traditional target man, but if you need someone who won’t fold under pressure or fatigue late in matches, Vardy delivers in spades. His pressing ability and constant movement are backed by the stamina to execute them all game long.

Moreover, Vardy’s strength stat is surprisingly impactful in shoulder-to-shoulder duels. He can fend off center-backs just long enough to get a shot off or lay the ball off to a teammate. It’s especially noticeable when you're in high-stakes situations, he doesn’t get bullied off the ball like some lightweight speedsters. If you value aggression and physical presence in your striker, this card doesn’t disappoint.

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Shooting Prowess

Shooting is where this card becomes outright frightening. A 95 overall shooting rating, combined with 97 attacking positioning, 96 shot power, 87 long shots, and a 5-star weak foot, makes Vardy a clinical finisher from almost anywhere inside the box. His finishing feels automatic—you give him a clean look, and he usually buries it. His Power Shot PlayStyle+ only amplifies that, sending rockets past keepers who barely have time to react.

Whether you’re finesse-curving from the edge of the box or smashing near-post shots, this version of Vardy delivers consistent, high-percentage outcomes. The best part? His finishing doesn’t drop off on his weaker foot. You can shoot left or right with equal confidence, making him unpredictable and devastating to defend. He plays like a player who always knows where the net is.

Playmaking Abilities

While Vardy has never been considered a traditional playmaker, his 87 passing stat on this card brings more versatility than expected. He can drop deep, play quick give-and-go passes, and even thread a decent through ball to an onrushing winger. His 88 crossing means if you find yourself wide with Vardy, you can whip in a dangerous ball with confidence. This makes him a viable option in systems that rely on striker interplay or wide overloads.

Though he doesn’t have elite playmaking vision or the flair of a classic No. 10, his intelligence and accuracy allow him to link play effectively. You’ll especially notice this in False 9 setups, where his ability to combine with midfielders and recycle possession becomes a sneaky strength. It’s not flashy, but it’s very functional—and that counts in a sweaty Weekend League match.

Basic Info

Aerial Attributes

Few expected Vardy to be an aerial menace, but this card says otherwise. With 99 jumping and 99 heading accuracy, he becomes a genuine threat on set pieces and crosses. His timing is elite, often rising above even the tallest defenders thanks to his vertical leap and positional awareness. If you favor a crossing game or just want a Plan B late in matches, Vardy offers more than just pace on the ground he brings a legitimate air game.

This newfound aerial dominance adds another layer of danger, especially when paired with wingers who can deliver high balls into the box. Whether it's a near-post dart or a back-post looper, Vardy gets on the end of chances with intent. It’s a surprising but welcome addition to his toolkit, making him a complete package up top.

Dribbling Attribute

Dribbling is another area where Vardy impresses. With 91 dribbling, 91 ball control, 88 agility, and 88 balance, he feels silky smooth on the ball for a player known more for grit than grace. He changes direction effortlessly and doesn’t get easily knocked off the ball, especially when weaving through tight defensive lines. The 4-star skill moves may not satisfy hardcore skillers, but they’re more than enough to open space and create opportunities.

His 92 reactions ensure he’s always first to loose balls or rebounds, a crucial trait for any top-tier striker. You’ll find that Vardy not only initiates attacking sequences but often ends them as well, reacting quickly and efficiently in high-pressure moments. Whether you're looking to beat a man one-on-one or glide past defenders with controlled bursts, this card delivers.

Roles

Roles and Playstyles

Vardy excels in multiple forward roles. As a traditional poacher or advanced forward, he thrives on positioning, movement, and clinical finishing. Slot him in as a False 9, and he adapts with decent link-up play and surprising hold-up strength. Even in a Target Forward setup, he competes physically and has the jumping and heading stats to win duels.

What elevates him further are his PlayStyle+ traits. Power Shot+, Quick Step+, and Low Driven Shot+ form a trifecta of danger. Whether he’s charging through the middle or firing off a quick shot with little backlift, these abilities add real-time advantages that can change a match. It’s these playstyles that bridge the gap between stats and in-game feel, making Vardy a unique, adaptable weapon in attack.

Cons

Despite all the fanfare, the biggest drawback of this card is its price. At 977,850 coins to complete, the Vardy SBC is among the most expensive non-icon/non-TOTY strikers in the game. Many in the community have questioned the value, especially when compared to similarly rated tradable options on the market. You’re locking in nearly a million coins for an untradeable card and that’s a decision not to be taken lightly.

Additionally, while Vardy is well-rounded, he’s not immune to flaws. His playmaking, while improved, still isn’t elite. If you rely on your striker to be the creative hub, he may fall short against the likes of Benzema or Harry Kane-style attackers. Moreover, the 4-star skill moves, while serviceable, limit your ceiling in skill-heavy metas. And with so many good attackers in Ultimate Team, some may find better value elsewhere.

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Conclusion

Jamie Vardy’s End of an Era card is a celebration of a legendary career and a throwback to one of the Premier League’s most thrilling underdog stories. In-game offers a high-octane striker with electric pace, thunderous shooting, and a surprising aerial threat. Whether you're playing him as a pure finisher or a hybrid forward, Vardy delivers consistent performances with moments of brilliance, especially thanks to his elite playstyles and five-star weak foot.

But the price tag is hard to ignore. For nearly a million coins, you’re banking on nostalgia and loyalty as much as meta impact. Still, for those who grew up watching Vardy tear up the league or just want a fun, deadly striker to lead their line, this card delivers a thrilling farewell. We give this SBC a 7 out of 10 rating. An end of an era, indeed, but one that could still define your Ultimate Team season.

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