Kylian Mbappe has been named the cover star of EA Sports FC 27’s Ultimate Edition, just days after becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and the first player ever to win the Golden Boot twice.
The French forward, who recently joined Real Madrid, returns to the front of EA’s flagship football game four years after his last appearance. The new title is scheduled for release in mid-September 2026.
This will be the fourth time Mbappe has graced the cover of EA’s leading football franchise, formerly known as EA Sports FIFA.
Mbappe confirms ‘I’m back’ on social media
EA Sports announced that Mbappe will front the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 27, restoring him to the premier spot in the global gaming series.
The 27-year-old confirmed the news himself by sharing the official cover on social media with a short message: “I’m back”.
His latest appearance puts him level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who has also featured on the game’s cover four times. England’s Wayne Rooney still holds the record with six covers, followed by Brazil legend Ronaldinho with five.
Geoff Charm, an EA Sports representative, said the company’s choice reflected Mbappe’s standing in the modern game.
“انجازات كيليان مع ناديه ومنتخب بلاده رسخته كاحد ابرز اللاعبين في جيله”، قال جيف شارم، ممثل EA Sports، تعليقا على اختيار النجم الفرنسي.
(“انجازات كيليان مع ناديه ومنتخب بلاده رسخته كاحد ابرز اللاعبين في جيله” – Geoff Charm, EA Sports representative.)
World Cup heroics underpin EA selection
The decision to bring Mbappe back to the cover follows his outstanding performances at the 2026 World Cup, where he led France to the semi-finals before they were knocked out by Spain. Spain went on to win the tournament, defeating Argentina in the final.
Despite France falling short of the final, Mbappe left an indelible mark on the competition. He claimed the Golden Boot after scoring 10 goals, becoming the first player in football history to finish as top scorer at the World Cup on two separate occasions.
The tournament also saw Mbappe rewrite one of the most prestigious records in international football. By adding to his tally in 2026, the Real Madrid striker moved to 22 World Cup goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s 21 to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
New benchmark at just 27
Mbappe’s total of 22 World Cup goals, achieved at the age of 27, sets a formidable benchmark for future generations. With the possibility of at least one more World Cup ahead of him if he maintains his international career, his record could yet be extended further.
His combination of club success, international achievements and global marketability has made him one of the game’s most recognisable figures, both on and off the pitch.
For EA Sports, his return to the Ultimate Edition cover comes at a moment when his status in the sport has never been higher – a player breaking records at World Cups while fronting one of the world’s most popular football video games.
