FIFA 23 Cover Star Icons explained – latest predictions and leaks

28 July 2023 , 11:26
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FIFA 23: what are Cover Star Icons, predictions and latest leaks (Image: EA SPORTS)
FIFA 23: what are Cover Star Icons, predictions and latest leaks (Image: EA SPORTS)

As we come towards the end of FIFA 23's lifecycle, EA Sports is looking to end FIFA Ultimate Team on a high with the release of Cover Star Icons.

FIFA 23 is the final instalment of EA's popular FIFA series, with the publisher now moving forward and putting all its attention into its new game, EA FC 24. Part of the new EA Sports FC series, EA FC 24 is set to have some big changes made in Career Mode, Pro Clubs and Ultimate Team, and it seems one of the final ever FIFA 23 promos in the latter is going to be one of the best.

EA will honour the FIFA series by releasing Cover Star Icons, a set of upgraded Icon items for the players who have featured on a cover of a FIFA title in the past. And unlike the Futties promo which is currently available in FUT, these items are set to only be released as SBCs and Objectives!

FIFA 23 Cover Star Icons – what are they and who can get one?

When I think of a FIFA cover star, my mind immediately goes to Lionel Messi, who appeared on the cover of the game from FIFA 13 to FIFA 16. But the Argentine will not be able to receive a Cover Star Icon because, like the name suggests, only Icons qualify for the promo.

This means that any FUT 23 Icon that appeared on a FIFA cover between FIFA 93 and FIFA 23 can receive a card, and there are a few who can qualify. Here's a list of every player who could receive a Cover Star Icon:

FIFA 23 TOTW 14 squad confirmed featuring Lautaro Martinez and Dani Olmo eiqrridttiquhinvFIFA 23 TOTW 14 squad confirmed featuring Lautaro Martinez and Dani Olmo
  • Wayne Rooney (FIFA 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12)

  • Ronaldinho (FIFA 04, 06, 07, 08, 09)
  • Thierry Henry FIFA 02, 04)

  • Kaka (FIFA 11)
  • Patrick Viera (FIFA 05)

  • Sol Campbell (FIFA 00)

  • David Beckham (FIFA 97)
  • Roberto Carlos (FIFA 03)

  • Paul Scholes (FIFA 01)

  • Andriy Shevchenko (FIFA 05)
  • Alessandro Del Piero (FIFA 04)
  • Denis Bergkamp (FIFA 98)
  • Frank Lampard FIFA 10)

Wayne Rooney holds the record for most cover appearances, with the Englishman appearing on seven covers, a record I can't see being beaten any time soon. Ronaldinho has been on five covers whilst Thierry Henry has been on two, and 10 Icons have made one appearance on a FIFA cover.

FIFA 23 Cover Star Icons predictions and leaks

With the promo coming into play at the end of FIFA 23's lifecycle, we predict that these could be some of the best FUT items of FIFA 23, with a few 99-rated players expected to be released. We also predict that every player who has featured on a cover will receive a Cover Star Icon.

And, according to reliable leaker @FutSheriff, Roberto Carlos will be included in the promo after appearing on the FIFA 03 cover. EA confirmed the promo will be released in FUT via its @easportsfut Instagram account, posting a photo of the confirmed card design with the following caption.

FIFA 23 Future Stars Swaps token tracker and confirmed FUT rewardsFIFA 23 Future Stars Swaps token tracker and confirmed FUT rewards

"Join us in looking back at some of the most iconic Cover Stars in history -- with the introduction of Cover Star ICONs. Cover Star ICONs will *not* be available in packs and will only be released via Squad Building Challenges or Objectives. Coming soon to Ultimate Team..."

It seems EA has listened to the communities anger regarding Futties only being released in Packs by making it very clear that these will only be released via SBCs and Objectives.

Lewis Barton

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