EA Sports FC 27 Cover Star Revealed: Kylian Mbappé Makes Historic Return

EA says Mbappé will also feature as the new cover athlete for EA SPORTS FC Mobile. According to the publisher, this is his return to the franchise cover for the first time in four years, having last fronted a FIFA cover.

EA Sports has officially unveiled French superstar Kylian Mbappé as the official cover athlete for EA Sports FC 27. While Mbappé previously headlined multiple titles during the FIFA franchise era, this marks his first-ever appearance on the cover under the rebranded EA Sports FC banner.

Kylian Mbappé on Returning as the Cover Athlete for FC 27

Official statement from Kylian Mbappé following EA's announcement:

"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 honor 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."

The choice leans on Mbappé's recent club form. EA notes that since his move to Real Madrid in 2024, he has finished as LALIGA EA SPORTS' top scorer in each of his two seasons in Spain and claimed the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Golden Boot after scoring 15 goals in the competition. The publisher also credited his summer performances for France as part of the rationale for the pick.

 Kylian Mbappé is no stranger to football gaming covers. He previously graced the cover of FIFA 21 and later shared the FIFA 23 cover with Sam Kerr. When EA's decades-long partnership with FIFA ended, Erling Haaland became the inaugural cover star for the rebranded EA SPORTS FC series. With this latest announcement, Mbappé makes history as the first player to feature on an EA SPORTS FC cover after previously headlining FIFA-era titles.

Mbappé is no stranger to the cover, having previously fronted FIFA 21 and later shared the FIFA 23 cover with Sam Kerr, as EA confirmed in its own announcements at the time. When EA's partnership with FIFA ended, Erling Haaland became the first EA SPORTS FC cover star. Mbappé's selection makes him the first player to headline an EA SPORTS FC cover after appearing on FIFA covers.

The official announcement follows months of intense speculation surrounding who would front EA SPORTS FC 27. Prior to the reveal, early rumors and social media leaks suggested several alternative candidates. However, Russian sports outlets Sports.ru and Championat were among the first to break the news, correctly identifying Real Madrid and France forward Kylian Mbappé as the official cover star.

For the Middle East audience, the timing is worth marking: the reveal kicks off a week of EA SPORTS FC 27 announcements, headlined by a gameplay trailer that goes live on YouTube at 7PM KSA time on Thursday, July 23. Championat similarly reported the reveal window for the trailer.

While EA SPORTS has not yet detailed specific platforms or regional availability as part of this initial cover reveal, more information is right around the corner. Fans should tune in for the official EA SPORTS FC 27 gameplay trailer premiere on July 23 for a deeper look at new features, gameplay mechanics, and release details.