FC 25 Ultimate Edition cover star breaks a 30-year EA streak
The recent announcement of FC 25 Ultimate Edition is set to make waves in the gaming and football communities alike. An official X post revealed the cover featuring a lineup of legends and modern stars - Gianluigi Buffon, Aitana Bonmati, Jude Bellingham, Zinedine Zidane, and David Beckham - generating buzz ahead of its complete reveal on July 17.
However, one star among them is breaking a significant tradition: Gianluigi Buffon. For the first time in nearly 30 years, EA has chosen a goalkeeper to grace the cover of its soccer game, marking Buffon as only the second goalkeeper ever to receive this honor.
FC 25 reveals Gianluigi Buffon to be the second goalkeeper to ever feature on a title cover
Historically, EA's soccer video game covers have always been dominated by forwards and attacking players. Iconic figures of the beautiful game like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo could be frequently seen.
That being said, with Buffon featuring, it is a massive change since the last goalkeeper who did was Erik Thorstvedt on the cover of FIFA Soccer 95. This decision highlights the Italian legend's exceptional career and his possible debut as an Icon in the game.
Also read: EA FC 25 Ultimate Edition cover revealed
Who is Italian goalkeeper legend Gianluigi Buffon?
The career of Gianluigi Buffon has been truly remarkable. He stands in the line of the most successful goalkeepers who have ever played football, and his biggest success was being instrumental in winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup for his country, Italy.
At a club level, Buffon won nine Serie A titles with Juventus, That said, two of those were stripped because of the Calciopoli scandal. His early success with Parma includes winning the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup, and Supercoppa Italiana in 1999.
Internationally, Buffon is the record appearance holder as a goalkeeper, with 176 international caps. Furthermore, he has garnered numerous individual accolades, including the inaugural The Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2017. He returned to Parma in 2021 and retired in 2023.
Also read: EA FC 25 leaks hint at Icons and Heroes in Ultimate Team
Is this Gianluigi Buffon's first appearance on a game cover?
This isn't Buffon's first appearance on a soccer game cover. He previously featured on the Italian version of the PES 2008 cover alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.
The entire virtual football community is quite excited about Buffon gracing this year's FC 25 cover.
The curiosity revolving around his appearance and in-game stats is at its peak.
Serial winners like Zidane and Beckham are among the ones on the cover with him, so his place stamps his legendary status on the upcoming game.