The incredibly popular Ultimate Team mode in the 'FIFA' video game series generates hundreds of millions in revenue annually for publisher EA Sports and with the upcoming 'FIFA 18' they are implementing legends of the sport through a new feature called "FUT Icons." This will be the first time that consumers on PlayStation 4 will get to use legends in Ultimate Team - previously they were exclusive to Microsoft's Xbox One as part of a marketing deal. They'll also be found in the PC and Nintendo Switch versions of the game.
Each FUT Icon will receive three different card versions which can be obtained in Ultimate Team, with each featuring ratings that represent different points from their respective careers.
RONALDO NAZÁRIO
The legendary Brazilian striker’s deadly mix of explosive pace, lethal finishing and dazzling skill made him one of the most feared strikers in the world. A two-time Ballon d’Or winner, Ronaldo Nazário became one of Real Madrid’s famed galácticos when he joined the club.
RONALDINHO
One of the last true bohemians of football, Ronaldinho personifies what Jogo Bonito is all about. With endless creativity and superb technique, the Brazilian-attacking midfielder was equally capable to score a beautiful goal or to serve the perfect pass for his teammates to shine. Ronaldinho won the biggest trophies in the world and he did so while playing beautifully and with a smile on his face.
PETER SCHMEICHEL
A tremendous physical presence in the box, Peter Schmeichel is regarded as one the greatest goalkeepers to ever play the game. A two-time winner of the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper, Schmeichel became a revered ManU icon. With 24 trophies and 11 goals to his name, many consider the Danish keeper to be the best of all-time.
DIEGO MARADONA
One of the most gifted footballers of all-time, Maradona was a fearsome dribbler who could make any defender look lost. He lit up the 1986 World Cup with an astonishing run and finish against England, dribbling around almost half of the opposition, earning him FIFA’s Goal of the Century award.
THIERRY HENRY
One of the Premier League’s all-time great strikers, Henry’s incredibly elegant yet unbelievably deadly finishing won him the Golden Boot four times in his eight years at the club. A World Cup winner on home turf in 1998, the Frenchman remains the country’s top scorer having amassed 51 goals in 123 appearances.
LEV YASHIN
Another player who can be argued the greatest goalkeeper in the history of the game, the “Black Spider” remains a Dynamo Moscow icon, the club where he spent his entire 20 year career. Estimated to have kept 270 clean sheets and saved over 150 penalties, Yashin remains the only keeper to ever win the Ballon d’Or.
RUUD GULLIT
A complete, versatile and dynamic player, Ruud Gullit had the ability to play admirably in multiple attacking positions. A key member of legendary AC Milan and national Dutch teams, Gullit’s unmistakable quality and look remain fan favorites.
ROBERTO CARLOS
One of the best attacking left backs in the history of the game, Roberto Carlos’ privileged left foot delighted at both club and international levels. The Brazilian’s iconic free-kick goals transcended the game itself, making him one of the most successful footballers ever.
JAY-JAY OKOCHA
Considered one the best African players to ever step onto a football pitch, Jay-Jay Okocha was a powerful and skilled attacking midfielder. With enviable technique, speed, dribbling and power, Okocha excited fans around the world for almost three decades.
PELÉ
The only player to score more goals for Brazil than Ronaldo Nazário, Pelé was quite simply one of the greatest footballers of all time. Six Brazilian Championships, three World Cups and over 600 competitive goals in a career spanning 21 years justify his status as one of the all-time legends of the game.
PATRICK VIEIRA
With a powerful and tenacious style of play, Patrick Vieira was able to control a football match from the midfield with few equals. The combination of his physicality, athleticism and technique allowed Vieira to become one of the most complete midfielders of the modern era.
CARLES PUYOL
Sobering defending and long curly locks were Carles Puyol staples throughout his career. A hard-nosed defender, Puyol’s grit, determination, and leadership inspired those playing around him and earned him the respect of his rivals. Puyol was a key cog in teams that won the biggest trophies in the world. With ample success at club and international levels, the Catalonia native will go down in the history books as one of the best defenders of his generation.
ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO
Regarded as one of the best Italians to ever play the game, Alessandro Del Piero enamored football fans around the world for over two decades with his flawless technique, lethal finishing, and accurate free-kicks. A 2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Del Piero will be remembered as a prolific scorer who was able to convert in every tournament he participated.
MICHAEL OWEN
One of the most prolific English goal-scorers, his rise to stardom came at a very young age during the 1998 World Cup. Blinding speed, intelligent movement, accurate passing and lethal finishing were some of the attributes that made Owen a goal-scoring machine.
DECO
With a mix of creativity, tactical awareness, impeccable technique, and relentless industry, Deco was a well-rounded midfielder. His accurate passing and potent mid-range shooting gave opponents nightmares and allowed Deco to shine at both the club and international level.
RIO FERDINAND
Considered by many as one of the best English defenders of all time, Rio Ferdinand combined relentless, hard-nosed defending with unique elegance, technical ability and precise ball distribution. Ferdinand’s leadership and excellent vision helped him win numerous trophies with ManU and become a staple of the England national team for more than a decade.
Other new features for Ultimate Team this year include Squad Battles, a single-player mode taking on clubs put together by other people incorporating leaderboards and both daily and weekly objectives to complete.
FIFA 18 will release on Tuesday, Sept. 26 for those who purchase the $80 or $100 special editions and Sept. 29 for the regular edition. Cristiano Ronaldo is featured on the cover of the game which will also feature a second season of the popular story mode known as 'The Journey.' EA Access subscribers on Xbox One will get to start playing a 10-hour trial on Sept. 21.
Bryan Wiedey posts sports gaming news and analysis daily at Pastapadre.com, is co-founder of the sports gaming site HitThePass.com, hosts the "Press Row Podcast" and can be reached on Twitter@Pastapadre.