EA FC 25: Mastering the Return of a Football Icon

The return of Diego Maradona to EA Sports FC 25 is more than just a nostalgic nod to football history—it's a game-changer. After a brief hiatus due to licensing issues, the Argentine maestro is back and more electrifying than ever. Maradona’s reintroduction into Ultimate Team and FC 25 Coins Career Mode brings a unique blend of technical brilliance, creativity, and flair that can tilt the balance of any match.

In this guide, we'll explore how to unlock Maradona, break down his in-game attributes, offer tactical advice on how to make the most of him, and show how his style complements modern gameplay mechanics.

Who Is Diego Maradona in FC 25?

Diego Maradona is one of football’s all-time greats. Known for his incredible dribbling, vision, close control, and moments of genius, Maradona embodies the spirit of football artistry. In FC 25, he returns as a highly rated ICON, available across all three traditional tiers: Base, Mid, and Prime, with rumors of a FUT Birthday or Endgame card later in the cycle.

How to Unlock or Obtain Maradona in Ultimate Team

1. ICON Packs and SBCs

Maradona can be pulled from ICON-specific packs, Ultimate packs, or Prime ICON Moments.

EA may release Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) tied to Maradona’s historical matches or career milestones.

2. Market Purchase

He is tradable (if pulled from packs) and typically listed at a premium price on the Transfer Market, often 2M–6M coins, depending on version and console.

3. Free Evolution or Loan Version

Occasionally, EA offers a loan version of Maradona through seasonal objectives or as part of promos like “Icon Moments.”

A special Evolution Path may unlock Maradona with boosted traits, though availability is usually time-limited.

Maradona’s Stats Breakdown

Here’s a general outline of Maradona's in-game stats (Prime ICON version):

Attribute and Rating

Pace 91

Dribbling 97

Passing 92

Shooting 90

Physical 72

Defending 38

Skill Moves ★★★★★

Weak Foot ★★★★

Preferred Foot Left

Work Rates High/Medium

Key Traits:

Flair

Finesse Shot

Outside Foot Shot

Technical Dribbler

Playmaker

Team Player

Tip: Maradona is one of the few players who genuinely feels different on the ball due to his low center of gravity and 97+ balance.

Best Positions and Formations

While versatile, Maradona thrives in certain roles more than others.

Best Roles:

CAM (Central Attacking Midfielder) – Ideal for threading passes and curling finesse shots.

CF (Center Forward) – Perfect for combining with a striker in a two-up-top formation.

LAM/RAM (Wide Attacking Midfielder) – Can exploit isolated defenders with his close control.

Recommended Formations:

4-2-3-1 (Wide) – Maradona as central CAM with wingers stretching play.

4-1-2-1-2 (Narrow) – Tight midfield control; he excels in the diamond as a free creator.

3-4-2-1 – Deploy as one of the CAMs behind the striker for maximum involvement.

Gameplay Tips: How to Use Maradona Effectively

1. Dribbling Maestro

Maradona has nearly maxed-out agility, balance, and dribbling. Use:

Left stick dribbling to wiggle through defenders.

Ball Roll + Scoop Turn to bait tackles and shift direction instantly.

La Croqueta or Elastico to beat one-on-one defenders with style.

2. Creative Passing

With 92+ passing, he’s lethal in setting up runners:

Use Through Balls (△/Y) or Lofted Passes (L1+Triangle) to break lines.

Activate Player Lock (L3 + R3) to set up manual runs with supporting players.

3. Finesse Specialist

His finesse shot trait means he scores screamers from 20+ yards. Look to:

Curl in shots from the top left/right of the box.

Use Timed Finishing (L1 + Shoot) for greater precision on long shots.

4. Stay Central or Roam?

Set him to:

“Stay Central” + “Free Roam” in custom tactics to maximize creativity.

Adjust stamina usage with a Stay Forward instruction in late-game scenarios.

Defending and Physical Limitations

While Maradona is a magician in attack, he is:

Weak defensively—don’t rely on him to win duels.

Light on stamina in later stages—sub out in the 80th minute if playing a high-press system.

Pair him with:

A defensively solid CM/CDM like Kanté, Vieira, or Yaya Touré to cover defensive gaps.

Best Chemistry Styles

Chemistry Style Effect

Hunter Boosts pace and shooting to elite levels

Engine Enhances dribbling, pace, and passing

Maestro Adds finesse to passing and long shots

Best Overall: Engine – Maximizes his natural traits and boosts sprint speed subtly.

Career Mode Integration

In Career Mode, Maradona can be:

Signed as a Legendary Free Agent in custom scenarios

Included in Historical Squads if you enable “Classic Players” before starting

Used in Player Career Mode via editing or download mods (on PC)

His leadership and star power also boost team morale, shirt sales, and fan engagement stats in club management.

Maradona vs. Other Icons

Player            Strengths                                Weaknesses

Maradona           Unmatched dribbling & finesse Light stamina & weak defense

Pelé            All-rounder, faster, more clinical Slightly less flair

Zinedine Zidane  Taller, stronger, great passer Slower, bulkier dribbler

Cruyff            Agile, versatile, 5-star everything Slightly less passing than Maradona

Final Verdict: Is Maradona Worth It?

Absolutely. Whether you’re playing Ultimate Team or diving into Career Mode, Maradona adds an elite layer of skill, creativity, and unpredictability to your squad. His dribbling alone makes him a terror for defenders, and in the right hands, he’s a match-winner.

Best for players who love flair, short-passing playstyles, and FC 25 Coins for sale precise finishing.

Not recommended if you rely heavily on physical midfielders or press-heavy tactics.