FUT 21 New Icons Revealed

Ashley Cole

After being a part of the record-breaking Invincibles, Ashley Cole moved across the river to continue his legendary career. Known for bombing forward and contributing to the attack in his early days, later on he became more diligent and tactical. Cole excelled at both sides of the game, which is why he played 107 times for England - becoming the most capped full-back in English history, earning himself a claim to being the nation’s greatest ever left back.

 

Samuel Eto'o

Widely regarded as one of the greatest African players of all-time, Samuel Eto’o was a titan. Devastating finishing, coupled with pace, trickery and a grafty tactical nous, Eto’o preceded his own reputation. Goals wherever he went vaulted his teams to UEFA Champions League glory on three occasions, with Eto’o scoring in two finals. A marksman on the pitch and an arrow for humanitarian causes off it, Eto’o was more than just a striker. He was a creator, facilitator and leader. A legend, in the truest sense.

Fernando Torres

Fernando Torres stands as one of the most feared strikers of his generation. Bursting onto the scene at Atlético de Madrid scoring 82 goals in 214 apps, it was at Liverpool where El Niño set the game alight. Fusing strength, skill and killer instinct, Torres terrorised defences for club and country. Scoring in two UEFA European Championship finals in addition to a vital goal for Chelsea on their way to winning the UEFA Champions League, Torres was a striker of the ages, for big occasions.

Philip Lahm

A consistent, technically complete footballer, Phillip Lahm’s name is associated with excellence. His tactical versatility, whether deployed in his native role of full-back, or pushed further into midfield, Lahm’s diligence, grit and grace made him a competitor who led by example. Over 20 career titles including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Champions League make Lahm a player who will be studied for years to come.

Ferenc Puskas

There are few players who stand as tall as Ferenc Puskás in football history, let alone Real Madrid’s near-fictional club lineage. Widely recognised as one of the greatest forwards ever, Puskás drove Madrid to three European Cups, with his dribbling ability, movement and perfect timing contributing to some of Real Madrid’s most glorious moments. He also carried Hungary to a FIFA World Cup final - amassing 84 goals in 85 appearances for his nation. The FIFA ‘’Puskás’’ Award is given to the scorer of the best goal each year. You can only imagine what the man it’s named after’s goals were like.

Sebastian Schweinsteiger

A vital cog of Germany’s golden generation, Schweinsteiger’s solidity, technique and craft created a new template for German midfielders. Initially a winger, after moving into the centre of midfield his ingenuity and drive earned him eight Bundesliga titles and one UEFA Champions League trophy as captain - as well as the honour of leading Germany to the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

Nemanja Vidic

Nemanja Vidić took his time to settle in the Premier League, but once he had, he became one of the most feared defensive combatants the league has ever seen. A typical ‘’front-foot’’ defender who liked to get ahead of the attacker - employing a combination of grit, guile and tactical balance to ensnare any threats. Forming a legendary partnership with fellow ICON Rio Ferdinand, Vidic’s commitment to the team, warriors spirit and sound technique led to more than 15 honours in a glittering career.

Croatia produces many stars, but Davor Šuker might be the most iconic of them all. After pulling up trees at Sevilla, he moved to Real Madrid and firmly planted himself as one of his generation’s best strikers. Firing the Blaugrana to a league and UEFA Champions League double in the 1997-1998 season. Šuker also fired Croatia to the FIFA World Cup semi-finals in 1998, winning the Golden Boot with six goals in seven games. He remains Croatia’s all-time top scorer with 45 goals. Šuker inspired a nation.