Rejoice football fans - it's nearly time for the latest version of EA Sports' football simulation FC 25.
After a successful game in 2024 without the 'FIFA' branding for the first time, FC 25 will return with a host of new features.
The Sporting News explains when you can buy FC 25 and get bragging rights over your mates.
MORE: FC 25 cover athlete: Why Jude Bellingham was chosen by EA Sports for 2024 video game
EA Sports FC 25 release date: When does FC 25 come out?
EA Sports FC 25 standard version will be released worldwide to the general public on September 27.
This is around about the usual date the game is released annually since its inception.
It is possible to play the game early but conditions need to be met (see below).
EA Sports FC 25 early access: Can I play the game pre-release date?
It is possible to get your hands on EA Sports FC 25 prior to the September 27 general public release.
If you purchase the FC 25 Ultimate Edition, you can play the game on September 20 - seven days before the standard game is available.
However, the Ultimate Edition costs significantly more than the standard edition.
EA Play members will also be granted a free trial of the game 10 hours before the standard edition is released.
What platforms will EA Sports FC be available on?
EA Sports FC 25 will be available to buy on six platforms - PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.
Why is it called EA Sports FC 25?
EA Sports produced the famous annual FIFA video game for 30 years, from its inception in 1993 all the way through the final edition of the game in 2023.
However, eventually the lengthy partnership became strained, and the two parties split last year, with EA Sports creating its own game independent of FIFA, calling it FC 24.
Thus, this game FC 25 is the second iteration of EA Sports' new franchise.
FIFA stated they would be shopping around its own licensing to find a new partner for continuing the FIFA video game brand, hoping to produce a competitor for the EA Sports product, but so far has yet to announce anything concrete since the split.
FC 25 cover athlete: Jude Bellingham
The next edition of FC will feature Real Madrid and England supernova Jude Bellingham on its cover, EA Sports revealed on Wednesday.
Bellingham is coming off a sensational season for club and country which has him firmly in the mix to win the upcoming Ballon d'Or.
Having only just turned 21 years old in late June, Bellingham was world-class in his first season in the Spanish capital. After joining from Borussia Dortmund in the summer on a €103 million which could rise as high as €133 million with add-ons, Bellingham was a smash hit in his first season at the Bernabeu.
The England star scored 19 goals and assisted six more in just La Liga action alone, tacking on another four goals and seven assists between the Champions League and other domestic Cup competitions.
Bellingham also helped England reach the final of Euro 2024, including a sensational last-gasp bicycle kick equalizer against Slovakia in the Round of 16 which saw the Three Lions progress after extra-time. Overall, through seven games at the UEFA international tournament, Bellingham scored two goals plus an assist in the final, which ended in defeat to Spain.
