FIFA 23 is finally upon us. The last instalment in EA Sports’ three-decade strong franchise, it truly feels like the end of an era. While the base game will pivot to become EA Sports FC next year, the FIFA name is expected to be licensed to a completely different game going forward.
But in terms of the FIFA we know and love, this year’s edition is the final chapter. So how should you close out your FIFA story? Here are five Career Mode saves that will help you see the iconic FIFA era off in style.
READ MORE:
OGC Nice
There’s a temptation to play a Ligue 1 save with Paris Saint-Germain. I mean who doesn’t want to play with a front line of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar? But for the connoisseur, may I offer a team that has Ross Barkley, Aaron Ramsey, Morgan Schneiderlin and Kasper Schmeichel?
This land of misfit Premier League toys will provide a nice way of easing into a save beyond the English leagues, with plenty of familiar players to choose from. There is also promising talent like ex-Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo and France under-21 star Sofiane Diop to carry you when Barkley and Ramsey’s legs inevitably disintegrate.
Knocking Messi off his perch is one thing. Doing it with 38-year-old Dante at centre back is quite another.
Los Angeles FC
Your challenge is to end the city-wide supremacy of LA Galaxy and conquer the MLS. You are well-stocked to do it, with Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini providing an incredible platform upon which to build. Arsenal fans will recognise Carlos Vela, the former Gunners starlet who is now an MLS elder statesman.
LAFC start with a bumper £33 million budget while the game does not incorporate any of the MLS rules surrounding designated players and salary caps. This means you can build a formidable side around the already-fearsome Bale and Chiellini.
Como 1907
This one’s for the true FIFA-heads. There are those that start with a European giant and then there are those that try to create one of their very own. Como has a lot to recommend it as a save if you’re up for a challenge.
Taking the twice-bankrupt Serie B minnows to Serie A and beyond will make for a great long-term save. Helping you on your mission will be the legendary Cesc Fabregas. Aged 35, you won’t have him for long. Make sure you squeeze every ounce from the former Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona man in your pursuit of top-flight riches.
Galatasaray
A super-charged version of the Nice save, Galatasary were very busy over the course of the summer transfer window. After finishing 13th last season, the Turkish giants went into rebuilding mode. Juan Mata, Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, Yusuf Demir and Lucas Torreira were just some of the new signings that arrived.
Add them to a number of other players familiar to English fans, such as Patrick van Aanholt, Bafetimbi Gomis and Milot Rashica, and you’ve got the makings of a great save. Can you restore ‘Gala’ to the top of Turkish football?
Newcastle United
This one won’t be as easy as you think. While the Magpies are technically the richest club in world football, their spending has been measured so far. With that in mind, FIFA 23 starts you with a budget that is just a shade under £70 million. Can you use it to take Newcastle United to the Premier League title?
Considering their smart business so far, the squad does not need major surgery. The money you do have is enough to add depth and quality to an encouraging base. The financial boon of European qualification should be enough to build on for a real title challenge in year two. A creative and fun challenge that reflects the one real-life boss Eddie Howe is facing at St James’ Park.
