The Top 5 EA FC 26 FUT Cover Athlete Evos Ranked

With the release of EA FC 26, Ultimate Team fans are once again diving deep into the grind - scouring menus, checking stats, and debating which new upgrades are actually worth their hard-earned FC 26 Coins. This year, one of the biggest talking points has been the addition of Cover Athlete Evolutions (or Evos).

On paper, they sound like easy wins: take a mid-tier gold card, complete objectives, and walk away with a boosted version that looks far more competitive. But there's always a catch. At 30,000 coins (or 500 FC Points) per Evo, you need to be smart about where to invest.

Below, we rank the Top 5 EA FC 26 Cover Athlete Evos based on meta value, chemistry usefulness, and real in-game performance.

What Are "Cover Athlete" Evos?

For those new to the system, Evolutions (Evos) are special upgrade paths in Ultimate Team. You take a base card, complete a series of gameplay objectives, and unlock boosted versions of that card. Cover Athlete Evos are themed around the athletes featured on this year's FC 26 cover art, and they generally deliver a +2 overall boost along with upgrades to key stats. Some even include PlayStyle+ additions, which can be game-changers depending on the position.

The catch? You only get one shot per Evo slot, and the steep coin cost makes mistakes expensive. That's why knowing the best Cover Athlete Evo choices is critical if you want to maximize both performance and value.

The Top 5 Cover Athlete Evos Ranked

1. Dominik Szoboszlai (Liverpool, 83 → 85 CAM)

·4 stars Skill Moves / 4 stars Weak Foot

·Significant boosts in passing and dribbling.

·Premier League chemistry makes squad-building easy.

Why he's #1: Szoboszlai is universally regarded as the standout Evo pick. His boosted passing range, creative dribbling, and flexible positioning at CAM make him perfect for players looking to dominate possession or unlock stubborn defenses. His Premier League club link also makes him easy to slot into hybrid builds.

Community Verdict: The consensus online is clear - if you're only completing one Cover Athlete Evo, Szoboszlai is the best bang for your coins.

2. Matheus Cunha (Wolves, 83 → 85 ST/LW/CAM)

·4 stars Skill Moves / 4 stars Weak Foot

·Notable pace upgrade, improving his counter-attack threat.

·Eligible across three positions: ST, LW, and CAM.

Why he's #2: Cunha's biggest selling point is versatility. With three playable positions, he can fill whatever gap your squad has, from central striker to wide creator. His improved pace and dribbling make him ideal for counter-attacking systems, and his Premier League chemistry links add even more value.

Community Verdict: Cunha is one of the most popular early Evos thanks to his flexibility. Many players rate him as just a hair below Szoboszlai in overall utility.

3. Adrien Rabiot (Juventus, 83 → 85 CM/CAM)

·3 stars Skill Moves / 3 stars Weak Foot

·Boosted physical and defensive attributes.

·Large frame ideal for double pivot or holding roles.

Why he's #3: Rabiot isn't flashy, but he's effective. His upgraded stats make him a steady central midfielder who can do a bit of everything - defend, distribute, and transition into attack. While his lack of skill, move, and weak foot upgrades limit his ceiling, he remains an affordable, balanced midfield option.

Community Verdict: Viewed as the "safe pick," Rabiot won't headline highlight reels but can stabilize a squad. Great for those who prefer balance over flair.

4. Lucas Bergvall (Tottenham Hotspur, 81 → 83 CM/CDM)

·Boosted but still moderate stats overall.

·Spurs and Sweden links provide chemistry options.

·Lower ceiling compared to other Evos.

Why he's #4: Bergvall's Evo offers only modest improvements, which limit his appeal in competitive play. While Spurs links may help chemistry for certain squads, his lack of standout stats keeps him more of a collector's item than a must-have.

Community Verdict: Fun for Tottenham or Sweden fans, but meta-focused players are skipping him. Best suited for niche squads or sentimental builds.

5. Hugo Ekitike (West Ham, 83 → 85 ST/CAM)

·4 stars Skill Moves with solid pace and dribbling.

·Weak foot rating still holds him back.

·Inconsistent finishing compared to other Evo strikers.

Why he's #5: Ekitike offers some upside with decent dribbling and skill moves, but his weak foot and inconsistent finishing leave him outclassed. While usable in casual play, most players report frustration when relying on him in Rivals or FUT Champs.

Community Verdict: A fun card for casual squads but not reliable enough for high-stakes competitive matches.

Final Takeaway: Which Evo Is Worth It?

The Cover Athlete Evo program is another example of Ultimate Team's balance between excitement and coin management. At 30,000 coins per upgrade, you can't afford to complete all five unless you're flush with resources or willing to buy EAFC 26 Coins. The smart play is to focus on the Evos that genuinely impact your lineup.

·Best Overall Value: Dominik Szoboszlai - elite passing, linkability, and long-term utility.

·Best Versatility: Matheus Cunha - three positions and pace make him a flexible weapon.

·Best Balance Option: Adrien Rabiot - steady midfield anchor, though limited ceiling.

·For Collectors: Bergvall and Ekitike - fun, but not meta-defining.

If you're chasing early wins in Rivals or Champs, Szoboszlai and Cunha should be your priorities. For everyone else, tread carefully before spending - sometimes the smartest Evo is the one you skip.