EA Sports FC 25: Max. 87 Rated Icon Upgrade SBC
The Max. 87 Rated Icon Upgrade SBC is one of the first major Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) in EA Sports FC 25 Ultimate Team, offering an exciting opportunity to unlock an Icon. While the rating is capped at 87, some of these cards can still have a significant impact on your squad—especially in the early game. Here's a complete breakdown of the SBC requirements, strategies to complete it, and the best Icons you can expect from this upgrade.
How to Complete the Max. 87 Rated Icon Upgrade SBC
This SBC consists of three separate squads to complete, with two of them sharing similar requirements.
SBC Requirements:
Squad 1:
Minimum Team Rating: 85
Requirement: 1 Team of the Week (TOTW) Player
Cost Estimate: ~60,000-70,000 coins
Squad 2:
Minimum Team Rating: 86
Requirement: At least 1 player rated 87 or higher
Cost Estimate: ~90,000-100,000 coins
Squad 3:
Minimum Team Rating: 86
Requirement: At least 1 player rated 87 or higher
Cost Estimate: ~90,000-100,000 coins
Tips to Complete the SBC Efficiently:
Use Untradeable Cards: Search your club for TOTW players or high-rated cards you don't use. This will reduce the coin cost dramatically.
Invest in Cheapest 87+ Players: Use players like Toni Kroos, Rodri, or Keylor Navas, who tend to be affordable and meet the 87+ requirement.
Monitor Player Prices: SBC releases can cause player prices to fluctuate. Check the market for price drops during peak hours.
Save Your TOTW Cards: Team of the Week cards can become expensive during these challenges, so plan ahead if you expect to do multiple SBCs.
Best Icons from the Max. 87 Rated Icon SBC
While you won't find legendary names like Pele or Ronaldinho in this upgrade, there are still strong Icons that can elevate your squad. Below is a list of the top five Icons from this SBC, followed by some honorable mentions.
Top 5 Icons to Target
Gianfranco Zola (87 CAM/CF)
Why He's Great: Zola is perfect for early-game Ultimate Team with his excellent agility, balance, and finishing. His playstyle fits well with quick attacks and tight dribbling.
Laurent Blanc (86 CB/CDM)
Why He's Great: Blanc offers strong physicality and defensive awareness. His ability to play both as a CB or CDM makes him a versatile choice.
Hernán Crespo (87 ST)
Why He's Great: Crespo's combination of heading, finishing, and physical presence makes him an early-game monster, especially for crossing-heavy tactics.
Michael Essien (86 CDM)
Why He's Great: Essien brings tough tackling and stamina to your midfield, making him one of the best defensive midfielders you can get.
Gianluca Zambrotta (86 RB/LB)
Why He's Great: Zambrotta offers excellent defensive attributes along with speed. His ability to play on either side of the defense adds flexibility to your squad.
Honorable Mentions
Robert Pirès (86 LW/CAM) - A creative winger with solid dribbling and passing stats.
Emmanuel Petit (86 CDM/LB) - Reliable as a holding midfielder or as a backup left-back.
John Barnes (86 LW) - A strong, versatile winger with good dribbling and strength.
Frank Rijkaard (87 CB) - A calm, composed defender with excellent passing skills for building from the back.
Which Icons to Avoid
While most of the Icons available in this SBC are usable, a few may not fit the meta of EA FC 25:
Ryan Giggs (86 LM) - His lack of versatility and weak shooting make him underwhelming.
Javier Zanetti (87 CDM) - A decent player, but lacks the physicality needed to dominate the midfield in this year's game.
Juan Sebastián Verón (87 CM) - Solid passing, but too slow for the fast-paced Ultimate Team meta.
If you see the Wales or Argentina flag, expect one of the lower-tier Icons from the SBC.
It is the Max. 87 Rated Icon Upgrade SBC Worth It?
While some of the Icons available may not be game-changers, completing the SBC can still be worth it if you:
Have plenty of untradeable cards sitting in your club.
Want to try your luck at getting a versatile or meta Icon (like Zola or Essien)?
Are you looking for early-game players to boost your squad without spending FC 25 coins on the transfer market?
Given the relatively affordable requirements, the SBC can offer good value, especially if you land one of the top-tier Icons.
Conclusion
The Max. 87 Rated Icon Upgrade SBC in EA Sports FC 25 is a great way to try out some of the game's more accessible Icons without breaking the bank. While you won't land a Ronaldo or Ronaldinho, there are plenty of strong Icons like Zola, Essien, and Blanc that can elevate your squad during the early stages of Ultimate Team. Just make sure to plan your squads efficiently and use untradeable items to keep your costs down.