EA hands Mbappé the keys to FC 27 launch

EA Sports has named Kylian Mbappé as the cover athlete for the Ultimate Edition of EA Sports FC 27, placing one of football’s most marketable players at the centre of the game’s global launch campaign.The Real Madrid and France forward will also front EA Sports FC Mobile. It is his first appearance on an EA Sports FC-branded cover and his return to the wider franchise after four years.Mbappé said: “To be featured on the cover of an EA Sports FC title for the first time is a very special moment for me. It’s an honour to continue my long-term relationship with the franchise in its latest chapter, alongside the players who have shaped its history.“I can’t wait for everyone to experience FC 27.”Mbappé previously appeared on the covers of FIFA 21, FIFA 22 and FIFA 23 before EA ended its naming agreement with FIFA and relaunched the series under the EA Sports FC identity.His return gives EA a familiar ambassador during the fourth annual release under its independent football brand, while connecting the title with Real Madrid and the French national team.Jeff Sharma, vice-president of franchise strategy and marketing at EA Sports FC, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Kylian back to the franchise as the cover star of EA Sports FC 27.“Kylian’s achievements for both club and country have established him as one of the defining players of his generation. He embodies the ambition, creativity and global appeal that defines EA Sports FC today, and we’re proud to continue our partnership with him.”EA highlighted Mbappé’s performances since joining Real Madrid in 2024 as part of the announcement. He has finished as LaLiga’s leading scorer in both of his seasons in Spain and won the 2025-26 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot with 15 goals.The forward also finished as the leading scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, strengthening the timing of a campaign designed to convert tournament exposure into interest in EA’s next annual release.The cover artwork was photographed by Gabriel Moses and depicts Mbappé in Real Madrid colours, aligning the publisher with one of the most commercially prominent clubs and players in world football.Cover athletes remain an important part of EA’s annual marketing strategy, providing a recognisable figure for retail packaging, digital storefronts, advertising and social campaigns across international markets.EA has not yet confirmed the Standard Edition cover athlete. The publisher is scheduled to provide a fuller FC 27 reveal, including its first gameplay presentation, on July 23.