FC 25: How to Unlock and Use Iconic Legends in Ultimate Team
This guide breaks down how to unlock Icons, which methods are worth your time (and coins), and how to build your squad around these rare and powerful cards.
What Are Icons in EA Sports FC 25?
Icons are special player items that represent legendary retired footballers. They’re some of the highest-rated and most versatile cards in Ultimate Team, and they bring unique chemistry links. Unlike regular players, Icons link perfectly with players from any league or nation — massively boosting squad flexibility.
New in FC 25:
Icons now have Era Variants — specific cards that represent different peaks in a legend’s career.
Some Icons come with unique PlayStyles+ (special abilities), giving them signature moves or stats boosts.
Chemistry is simpler than before: Icons automatically provide league links to any player and match nationality links as usual.
Main Ways to Unlock Icons
In EA Sports FC 25, there are several legitimate paths to add Icons to your club. Here’s how each works and what to prioritize.
Packs
The classic but least reliable method: pulling an Icon from packs. High-rated packs (like Ultimate Packs or Icon-specific packs during special promos) give you a tiny chance to pack one. EA sometimes boosts pack odds during special events like Icon Swaps or Icon Moments Releases — watch for these windows.
Tip: Save big packs from Season Objectives or Squad Battles until Icon events drop to maximize your odds.
Squad Building Challenges (SBCs)
SBCs remain the most popular guaranteed method. EA drops Icon SBCs throughout the year. These might be:
Base Icon SBCs: Random chance at an entry-level Icon.
Prime or Moments Icon SBCs: Better versions, but pricier.
Specific Player SBCs: Complete a set of squads to unlock a specific Icon like Thierry Henry or Andrea Pirlo.
Pro tip:
Use untradeable fodder from Weekend League or Division Rivals rewards to complete SBCs cheaply.
Focus on SBCs for Icons that fit your playstyle — don’t blow your club on an Icon you won’t use.
Icon Swaps
A fan-favorite that returns in FC 25! Icon Swaps is a seasonal event where you complete objectives to earn Swap Tokens. Exchange these tokens for specific Icons or Icon Packs.
Examples of typical objectives:
Win X Squad Battles on Legendary difficulty with a full Silver squad.
Win X Online Friendlies with 11 players from a certain league.
Score in 10 separate matches using Premier League players.
Why it’s great: It costs zero coins — just your time and skill. Plus, you can pick the Icon that fits your squad needs.
Transfer Market
Yes, you can buy an Icon outright if you’re rich enough. Some top-tier Icons can cost millions of coins. If you’re good at trading or flipping the market, buying an Icon directly might be faster than grinding tokens.
How to Choose the Right Icon for Your Playstyle
With dozens of Icons available, picking the right one is key. Consider:
Position Needs – Do you need an unstoppable striker, creative CAM, or rock-solid CB?
PlayStyle Bonuses – Does the Icon’s special PlayStyle+ match your tactics?
Nation Links – Some Icons like Zidane (France) help link French league players too.
Era Variants – Sometimes an older version suits your playstyle better than a Prime version.
Building a Squad Around an Icon
Once unlocked, build your team to maximize your Icon’s impact:
Max Chemistry:
Remember: Icons provide league links to anyone but still need nationality links.
Use same-nation players to boost their chemistry bonuses.
Cover Weaknesses:
Some older Icons may lack stamina or pace — surround them with players who compensate.
Use meta players alongside your Icon to stay competitive in FUT Champs.
Tactics:
Set custom instructions that play to your Icon’s strength — e.g., free roaming for Maradona or target man for Van Basten.
Experiment with formations that give your Icon freedom — like a narrow 4-1-2-1-2 for creative CAMs.
Are Icons Worth It in FC 25?
Absolutely — but be smart. Not every Icon is meta, and some lower-tier ones get outclassed by modern promo cards. Still, the right Icon brings style, unique links, and nostalgia — and some (like Gullit or Eusebio) remain unstoppable in the competitive scene.
Final Tips to Make the Most of Your Icon
Grind Squad Battles and buy FC 25 Coins Friendlies while multitasking objectives — double up rewards.
Watch for EA’s special Icon pack drops during FUT Birthday or Team of the Year.
Be patient: The best Icons usually drop as SBCs later in the cycle when prices are lower.
Don’t sink all your coins into one Icon if it leaves you with a weak supporting squad — balance is key.
Ready to Make History?
Unlocking and using Icons is one of the best parts of Ultimate Team. Whether you’re pulling off bicycle kicks with Ronaldo Nazário or pinging passes with Xavi, these legends let you play your way and build a squad with timeless footballing class.
Good luck — and may your next pack be an Icon!