Together, these Heroes could dramatically improve midfield options for players looking to FC 26 Coins go beyond the usual pace and skill meta.

Defensive Solidity from Serie A

Andrea Barzagli is the only defender in this leak—but he’s a big one. A core part of Juventus' legendary back line alongside Chiellini and Bonucci, Barzagli was known for his positional intelligence, calm decision-making, and consistency.

In Ultimate Team terms, his card could favor users who prefer zonal marking and structured back lines over hyper-aggressive pressing. If given good reactions, composure, and decent pace, Barzagli might become one of the most dependable Serie A CBs early in the FUT 26 cycle.

Koller and Mandžukić: Unconventional Striker Archetypes

Meta forwards in Ultimate Team tend to be fast, agile, and focused on finesse—but Jan Koller and Mario Mandžukić bring something entirely different. They’re tall, strong, and known for making defenders miserable with their physical presence.

Jan Koller, at 6’7”, is the definition of a target man. If EA gives him high strength, jumping, and heading accuracy, he’ll be deadly for those who love crossing and set pieces.

Mandžukić, on the other hand, is more mobile. A workhorse with a knack for scoring in big games, he could be ideal for high-press systems or used as a second striker.

Their inclusion could spark a revival of long-ball tactics, or at the very least, give FUT users new tools to break through stubborn defenses.

Potential League Assignments: What Might Change?

While each Hero is currently listed with a specific league, EA often shifts league assignments to reflect the period that best fits their “Hero moment.” Mandžukić, for instance, has ties to both Serie A (Juventus) and the Bundesliga (Bayern Munich). Fàbregas spent some of his peak years at Barcelona, which could justify a La Liga Hero card instead.

This matters a great deal for squad chemistry. A Premier League designation for Carrick or Silva means better links for hybrid builds. If any of the Heroes shift leagues before launch, players may need to rethink their early FUT 26 strategies.

When Will EA Confirm the New Heroes?

If history is any guide, EA will officially reveal the new Hero cards in August, when they usually begin promoting Ultimate Edition pre-orders. These Heroes are often offered as early bonuses, appearing in packs, SBCs, and exclusive rewards tied to EA FC 26 Coins pre-launch marketing.