All Player Role++ players in FC 25 and roles explained

EA FC 25 completely overhauls the way tactics work in Ultimate Team, and you’ll need to track down cards with a Player Role++ if you want to get the most out of your team.

More so than ever before, the new FC IQ system encourages you to find the players that best suit the system you’re trying to use. Every card has a number of Player Roles that they shine in, but only the absolute elite are awarded a Player Role++.

However, finding these players in-game isn’t easy, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of every Player Role++ in EA FC and the players that have them.

Every Player Role++ player for all positions in FC 25

Goalkeeper

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A traditional goalkeeper who stays on their line and focuses on shot-stopping.

Sweeper Keeper

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A modern goalkeeper who is able to stop attacks and support build-up play as a passing option.

Fullback

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A wide defender that will prioritize protecting their own goal, by staying back, holding the defensive line, and offering a passing option to release pressure.

Falseback

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A modern evolution of the fullback, this player pushes up the field, adopting a central position when their team has the ball.

Wingback

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

This player’s versatility and stamina allows them to push upfield to support attacks before returning to their defensive position.

Attacking Wingback

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

Though technically a defender, this player will be more concerned with getting forward and offering width to their team’s attacks.

Defender

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A no-nonsense Centre Back who excels at the basics of defending, including maintaining the defensive line.

Stopper

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A ball-winning Centre Back who will step forward from the defensive line to make tackles, intercept passes, and lead the press.

Ball-Playing Defender

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A modern Centre Back who is as comfortable playing offside as playing the ball. Capable of moving forward or wider to support build-up play.

Holding

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A pivotal role in modern football, this defence-minded midfielder focuses on guarding their backline during attacks, and covering off against counterattacks, with limited attacking support.

Centre-Half

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A defensive midfielder who will drop between the Centre Backs while their team is in possession to offer protection against the counterattack.

Deep-Lying Playmaker

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

The key cog to building up play from the back, this defensively positioned midfielder will often be the catalyst for attacks.

Box-to-Box

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

This player operates between the two boxes, operating as neither the last line of defence, nor the final part of the attack, but involved in everything in between.

Playmaker

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

This player tends to be the creative fulcrum of a midfield, given license to roam and create space and opportunities for attacks. They are likely to be out of position if the opposition counters.

Half-Winger

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A midfielder who provides width when their team is in possession, moving along the flanks to offer a wide threat. Particularly effective when one of three central midfielders.

Winger

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A wide midfielder who will always stay wide, hugging the touchline, and offering support on the flanks in all phases of play.

Wide Midfielder

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A midfielder who stays wide to facilitate play, providing passing and defensive support, but rarely ventures forward to attack.

Wide Playmaker

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A creative outlet positioned out wide, but able to move inside to help create chances to unpick defences.

Inside Forward

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A wide attacker who begins on the wing, but will regularly cut inside onto their preferred foot to shoot or play the final pass. They tend to run in behind the defence.

Shadow Striker

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

An attack-minded midfielder who plays in the ‘hole’ behind the strikers. Their well-timed runs into the box will result in plenty of goal-scoring opportunities.

Advanced Forward

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

A versatile attacker who usually stays close to the opposition’s defensive line, but opens themselves up for passes in the build-up, and makes runs in behind for scoring chances.

Poacher

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

This player has one objective: to score goals. They stay forward and focus on making runs in behind the defence, hoping to fashion a chance to score.

False 9

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

Positioned in the forward line, this player drops deep to dictate play, in the space in front of a defence. This also allows them to contribute towards defensive phases of the game.

Target Forward

EA SPORTS / Dexerto

An attacking outlet whose physicality allows them to hold up play, shielding the ball from opponents, and bring others into attacks. They feed on crosses as well as passes to feet.

What are Player Roles in EA FC 25?

EA FC 25 Player Roles let you know how well a player is suited to a particular position and instruction. You have the freedom to slot any card you like into your formation, but keeping your eye on how capable they are in each one can improve how your team performs.

Someone with a ‘+’ in a certain Player Role is considered above average, meaning they can play that role better than most of their rivals. But if they have ‘++,’ this means they’re absolutely world class in that position, so you’ll want to make sure you build a squad to fit their strengths.

For example, Kevin de Bruyne is very strong as a regular Playmaker pulling the strings, but he has the Half-Winger Player Role++. So, if you want to get the most out of the Belgian, you’ll need to set up your tactics to allow him to drift out wide and put crosses into the box.

While many players are more than serviceable in multiple roles, you’ll want to fully optimize your team if you plan on taking on the very best, especially in Division Rivals and FUT Champions, where the smallest details can be the difference between winning and losing.