Yamal, Raphinha and Kane miss out on EA FC Team of the Year

January 16 – EA Sports has confirmed its EA FC Team of the Year, unveiling the 11 players judged to have defined the past 12 months across the men’s game.

The final selection features Gianluigi Donnarumma in goal, with a back line of Nuno Mendes, Virgil van Dijk, William Saliba and Jules Koundé.

A surprise entry in Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice anchors the middle alongside Vitinha and Pedri, while the forward line is made up of Kylian Mbappé – who captains the team – joined by Erling Haaland and Ousmane Dembélé.

As ever, the omissions have generated as much discussion as the inclusions. Mohamed Salah, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Harry Kane, Achraf Hakimi and Jude Bellingham all miss out despite strong individual seasons.

Raphinha’s snub is particularly sore for the Brazilian, who missed out on the FIFA TOTY and Ballon d’Or despite being Barcelona’s leading player last season, and taking home the UEFA Champions League golden boot.

Lamine Yamal and Salah were expected to battle for the right side of the team as well, but were each dropped in favour of Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele – who was expected to play up front in the team.

There is a 12th man vote coming up – giving fans the opportunity to select a final member of the team they feel is particularly deserving.

The Team of the Year items will be released into packs on Friday evening at 6pm, traditionally one of the most volatile points of the EA FC cycle. With 22 of the highest-rated cards in the game becoming available simultaneously – including the women’s team – significant movement across the in-game transfer market is expected as supply and demand reset.

Beyond the casual player base, the release is also likely to have a knock-on effect on EA’s esports ecosystem. Team of the Year cards historically become staples in professional line-ups, influencing squad-building strategies and competitive balance across the circuit in the weeks that follow.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1768573841labto1768573841ofdlr1768573841owedi1768573841sni@g1768573841niwe.1768573841yrrah1768573841