Iconic FIFA Cards You May Have Forgotten From the 2010s

For many of us who’ve spent hours building teams in FIFA Ultimate Team, the fondest memories don’t always come from the flashiest Team of the Year or Icon cards. Some of the most unforgettable moments came from base cards that simply played above their rating, dominating rivals and sparking tales on forums and in Weekend League matches. These players became cult heroes because they broke FUT norms and delivered countless goals, saves, or fun moments. This list looks back at ten base cards that football gamers still fondly recall.

Emmanuel Mayuka, FIFA 13

Emmanuel Mayuka’s 72‑rated base card in FIFA 13 became a legendary striker for many gamers thanks to his blistering pace and instinctive finishing. His 90 pace stat felt far higher in-game, and surprisingly, his dribbling felt incredibly smooth, allowing Mayuka to stand out amongst other silver stars, despite the lower rating. The Zambian played for Southampton at the time, giving him some strong links to other Premier League stars. Overall, despite being a silver, his card felt like a cheat code that could compete with other higher-rated alternatives.

Ahmed Musa, FIFA 17

Ahmed Musa’s base cards in FIFA 17 became iconic because of his elite speed and agility. Even at a basic 78 rating, his pace sat in the high 90s, allowing him to sprint past defenders with ease. The Nigerian international’s dribbling and shot attributes meant he was used as both a winger and a striker, terrorising defences week after week and becoming a favourite casual pick in countless FUT teams. He was even provided a special card later in the game’s release, improving his rating to 85 and making an even more dangerous card.

Felipe Santana, FIFA 13

Felipe Santana had one of the best centre-back cards the game has seen in FIFA 13, with physical attributes as well as a unique element of pace. The Brazilian paired perfectly with almost any other defensive cards in the game as a result of the pace and physical nature, strengthening any team’s backline. Many players recall him as an immovable force who could outmuscle fast strikers and win aerial duels consistently, making him a staple in sweaty hybrid squads.

Jack Butland, FIFA 17

Jack Butland’s FIFA 17 base goalkeeper card achieved legendary status because of its uncanny ability to make impossible saves. Despite only being rated 82, the reflexes and handling attributes felt far higher in-game, closer to some of the higher-rated goalkeepers in the game. Many FUT players regarded the card as ‘broken’, especially when paired with Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling. This trio became part of FIFA culture during that cycle, regularly referenced in community discussions, squad builders, and even comparisons to real world football performances where match statistics and live odds shift rapidly depending on form and momentum.

Stephan El Shaarawy, FIFA 12 to 22

Stephan El Shaarawy’s base cards are fondly remembered because his pace and dribbling felt far stronger than his overall rating suggested. The Italian attacker is quick and agile, constantly feeling better than his actual rating. There is not just one card that cemented Shaarawy’s reputation in FIFA, but various special cards and base cards date all the way back to FIFA 12, making him a cult hero of the game series.

Daniel Sturridge, FIFA 13

Daniel Sturridge has had a few notable performances, but FIFA 13 is by far the most memorable for combining accurate finishing with pace that dominated defenders. While he may not have been the highest-rated, he paired brilliantly with other Premier League strikers and became a staple of many teams. FUT players often recall having Sturridge leading their attacks early in the season before big names arrived, making him a nostalgic pick for many veteran accounts. 

Yannick Bolasie, FIFA 15

Yannick Bolasie’s base card in FIFA 15, which was popular on Playstation, became a cult favourite because of his explosive pace and physical strength. Playing most of the left flank, the DR Congo international showed blistering speed and balance, combined with quick feet that would dominate defenders. His FUT card reflected this, which is what made the 75-rated gold card so exciting. As a result of a strong Premier League season, Bolasie was awarded a Team of the Season card, taking him to an even more impressive 84-rated card, which caused players even more problems.

Papiss Cissé, FIFA 15

Papiss Cissé’s base card in FIFA 15 gained nostalgic recall for many FUT gamers due to his combination of speed, strength, and finishing. Featuring in many squads as a cheap and reliable striker, often compared to Luis Suarez in-game, he was a perfect choice for those with a limited budget. The combination of pace, shooting, and agility made him a massive threat up top, which was chosen by many FUT players in order to save coins. Later in the game, he was given a Team of the Week card, which improved what was already an incredible card, but did become more of a premium option.