Zinedine Zidane 96 Rated Evolution in Ultimate Team - Player Review

• The Evolution Journey: From Great to Legendary
• Lightning-Fast and Lethal: Zidane’s Surprising Pace
• Power Meets Grace: Zidane’s Physical Game
• Clutch Finisher with Both Feet
• Magician on the Ball
• Defensive Utility Adds Depth
• Is He Worth the Evolution Grind?

When you hear the name Zinedine Zidane, it instantly evokes memories of majestic playmaking, breathtaking goals, and sheer midfield dominance. From that thunderous volley in the 2002 Champions League Final to his effortless elegance on the ball, Zidane is a footballing icon through and through. And in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team, his greatness has been reimagined in one of the most exciting ways possible: a 96-rated Evolution ICON card, unlocked through the exclusive “They Call Me Yaz” path.

This isn’t just a static ICON drop it’s part of the evolving player journey EA is pushing in FC 25. By starting with Zidane’s 90-rated ICON and evolving through various stages (including a now-expired 94-rated free Evolution), players can reach this jaw-dropping 96-rated version. It’s a brilliant fusion of nostalgia and innovation. And with a price tag of 250,000 coins or 1,000 FC Points, this final evolution is both a flex and a weapon for any FUT player who values power, intelligence, and versatility.

The Evolution Journey: From Great to Legendary

The “They Call Me Yaz” Evolution lets you transform Zidane into a truly elite midfielder one capable of playing CAM, CM, or even ST with no compromise in effectiveness. This evolution enhances not just his base stats, but also grants top-tier PlayStyle+ traits like Rapid+, Finesse Shot+, and Shadow Striker++, elevating him from a well-rounded icon to a meta-dominant figure. It’s an evolution path that feels personal, rewarding, and game-breaking all at once.

Throughout the evolution process, Zidane gains boosts across the board particularly in Pace (96), Shooting (94), Passing (93), and Physicality (91). It’s rare to see such balance in a card that also features 5-star Skill Moves and a 5-star Weak Foot. Whether you’re a FUT purist who respects the legends or a competitive player looking for a midfield general, this version of Zidane brings the best of both worlds.

Lightning-Fast and Lethal: Zidane’s Surprising Pace

What makes this Evolution truly shocking is Zidane’s newfound burst of explosiveness. With 97 acceleration and 95 sprint speed, he’s no longer just the cerebral conductor—he’s now the guy bursting through midfield lines and charging at goal. This level of pace redefines how you can use him in your squad. Push him forward into a False 9++ or even an Advanced Forward++ role, and suddenly he’s slicing through defenses like a prime Mbappé with elite intelligence.

Combine that raw speed with Rapid+ and Half Winger++, and Zidane becomes a nightmare to track. His off-ball movement is calculated and aggressive, making him ideal for breaking rigid backlines or catching opponents in transition. His pace feels like a cheat code, especially when used against slower, physical midfielders that can’t keep up with his acceleration out of tight pockets.

Power Meets Grace: Zidane’s Physical Game

Another area where the Evolution shines is Zidane’s Physicality. With 90 physical, 87 strength, and an insane 99 stamina, he’s no longer just the elegant maestro—he’s a midfield enforcer. You’ll find him shrugging off opponents, shielding the ball with ease, and dominating 50/50 battles. And with stamina like that, he’s still sprinting in the 120th minute.

What’s even more impressive is his aerial ability. The 93 jumping and 90 heading accuracy stats make him a real asset during corners or set-pieces, especially in Target Forward++ roles. Zidane can win headers in both boxes, offering defensive reliability and attacking bite. It’s rare for a technically gifted CAM to also be this physically imposing, but that’s the power of the “They Call Me Yaz” evolution.

Clutch Finisher with Both Feet

One area where Zidane really shines in this final version is shooting. With 94 long shots, 92 positioning, and 90 shot power, he can score from anywhere around the box. Combine that with his Finesse Shot+ and Low Driven+ PlayStyles, and you’ve got a player who doesn’t just score, he scores in style. Whether it's curling one from 25 yards or slotting in a near-post driven shot, Zidane rarely misses when you get him in a good spot.

His 5-star weak foot is crucial here—it means defenders can’t force him onto a weaker side, because he doesn’t have one. He can strike with either foot and still deliver top-tier finishing. When positioned at Shadow Striker++ or even just as a central CAM, he’s a walking goal threat who can punish mistakes with clinical ease.

Creative Genius in Every Role

Of course, Zidane wouldn’t be Zidane without playmaking magic. With 93 passing, 92 ball control, and 91 crossing, his ability to dictate tempo and deliver inch-perfect passes remains one of his strongest assets. Short passing, driven ground passes, lofted balls he can do it all. Deploy him in Playmaker++ or Box-to-Box++ roles, and you’ll quickly feel the difference in ball distribution and rhythm.

However, even the greats have their off days. Zidane’s passing can feel slightly inconsistent under pressure, especially in high-latency matches. Sometimes, his through balls don’t hit with enough punch, and lobs can feel a bit off-target. It’s not a major flaw, but worth noting if your system relies heavily on vertical passing or counter-attacks.

Magician on the Ball

Dribbling-wise, this Evolution unlocks peak control. Zidane boasts 92 dribbling, 92 agility, 92 balance, and 90 reactions, all paired with 5-star skills. The result is a player who feels slick, responsive, and incredibly fun to use. He doesn’t just beat defenders he embarrasses them with elegant turns and creative flicks.

Whether you're dancing through tight spaces as a CAM or pulling off advanced combos in a False 9 role, Zidane’s dribbling is as polished as it gets. His large frame might suggest clunkiness, but thanks to unique animations and fluid transitions, he moves like a player 20 pounds lighter. In the right hands, he’s an artist with the ball at his feet.

Defensive Utility Adds Depth

While Zidane is a master creator and scorer, his defensive contribution shouldn’t be overlooked. With strong positioning, high strength, and a large interception radius, he can disrupt build-ups and turn defense into attack in one motion. In formations with a dual pivot, using Zidane as a Box-to-Box++ or Holding+ option gives you more balance without sacrificing offensive output.

His defensive style is more about intelligence than aggression. He picks moments to challenge, uses his body well, and recycles possession effectively. While not a CDM in the classic sense, he still supports defensive phases better than most attack-minded midfielders in FUT.

Is He Worth the Evolution Grind?

Absolutely, if you can afford the time and coins. At 250,000 coins or 1,000 FC Points, and requiring a previous Zidane card to evolve, it’s not the most accessible path. But if you love versatility, finesse, and power in your midfield, this 96-rated Zidane is one of the best rewards Evolution has ever offered.

He’s not without flaws, some minor passing inconsistencies and occasional stiffness in fast-paced meta matchups, but those pale in comparison to his strengths. This is Zidane reborn for the modern meta, and with the “They Call Me Yaz” evolution, you’re getting a version that can genuinely carry your squad across Weekend League, Champs, and beyond.

Final Verdict: 8.9/10

Zidane’s Evolution ICON via "They Call Me Yaz" is a generational card blending old-school finesse with meta-breaking attributes. Whether you're playing him as a creator, goal threat, or midfield engine, he brings consistency, flair, and game-changing moments in every match.

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