Summary
This article covers EA FC 26's Ultimate Rewind objectives, which grant free untradeable 98‑rated Summer Stars Mbappé, plus Maradona, Henry and an Evolution consumable. Players must finish three challenge sets before Sunday, with "Wind It Back" already live and two more arriving soon. This powerful striker shakes up the transfer market and helps users build competitive squads. Even with the free card, resources are still needed for team building, and some players buy FC 26 Coins to acquire supporting players and complete SBCs efficiently.
EA Sports FC 26 Ultimate Team players have received exciting news. A free 98-rated Summer Stars Kylian Mbappé is now within reach through a new set of objectives. This high-rated card, previously commanding millions of coins on the transfer market, can be unlocked by completing specific challenges before the deadline.
The announcement has generated significant buzz across the community. Many players who recently purchased expensive versions of Mbappé are now seeing their investments lose value as the free alternative becomes widely available.
What Is the Ultimate Rewind Completionist Objective?
The Ultimate Rewind Completionist objective group sits at the center of this reward. Completing its three challenges grants Summer Stars Kylian Mbappé, Future Stars Diego Maradona, Trophy Titans Thierry Henry, and an Evolution consumable. All rewards are untradeable.
The group features a clear structure. Players must finish "Wind it Back," followed by two upcoming objectives: "Greatest Hits" and "Thanks for the Memories." Early reports indicate the full set can be completed efficiently, often within 10 to 12 matches when planned carefully.
The timer shows roughly six days remaining from the initial drop, giving most players until Sunday to finish the requirements and claim the rewards.
Breaking Down the "Wind It Back" Objective
"Wind It Back" is already live and serves as the first required step. It celebrates past Ultimate Team campaigns by asking players to use special cards from earlier promotions.
The individual challenges include scoring goals with FUT Birthday and Fantasy FC players, keeping clean sheets with Glory Hunters or Ultimate Scream items in the starting lineup, and earning assists with Winter Wildcards players. Completing all six tasks within this group delivers a valuable 5x 89+ Rare Gold Players Pack along with other untradeable rewards.
These tasks encourage players to dig into their clubs and field a mix of promo cards. Squad Battles on Professional or Semi-Pro difficulty offers a reliable way to progress without heavy competition.
Upcoming Challenges: Greatest Hits and Thanks for the Memories
The second objective, "Greatest Hits," is scheduled to arrive on August 22. The third, "Thanks for the Memories," follows on August 23. Exact requirements for these two groups have not been fully detailed yet, but they will continue the Rewind theme of revisiting popular past content.
Players who finish "Wind It Back" early can prepare squads and chemistry styles in advance. Stacking compatible players across multiple challenges will help reduce the total number of matches needed once the later objectives go live.
Why the 98 Summer Stars Mbappé Matters
Kylian Mbappé's 98-rated Summer Stars version stands out as one of the strongest strikers available. Stats include 99 pace, 98 shooting, 91 passing, 99 dribbling, 60 defending, and 84 physical. Combined with five-star skill moves and a four-star weak foot, the card delivers elite attacking threat on both wings and through the middle.
Because the card is untradeable, it cannot be sold. This distinction is important for players focused on long-term squad building rather than market flipping. The accompanying Maradona and Henry cards further strengthen midfield and attacking options, while the Evolution consumable opens customization paths for other favorite players.
Community reactions have been mixed. Some celebrate the accessibility of a meta-level striker. Others note that market prices for tradeable Mbappé versions have already begun to drop, with reports of cards previously bought for around two million coins now sitting closer to 800,000.
Market Impact and the Role of FC 26 Coins
Free high-rated rewards like this often reshape the transfer market. Demand for expensive meta strikers can soften when a strong free alternative enters clubs. At the same time, players still need resources to complete squads, fund SBCs, or acquire chemistry-boosting cards that pair well with the new Mbappé.
This is where FC 26 Coins remain essential. Even with a free 98 striker, building a competitive team requires depth across defense, midfield, and the bench. Smart traders continue to monitor price fluctuations and look for opportunities created by the influx of untradeable high-rated items.
For those who prefer not to grind the market or complete lengthy objectives, the option to buy FC 26 Coins provides a direct path to strengthening the rest of the squad. Coins allow faster progress on Evolution paths, pack openings, or securing complementary icons and heroes that maximize chemistry with the new rewards.
Tips for Completing the Objectives Efficiently
Focus first on finishing "Wind It Back." Use Squad Battles to control the pace and guarantee the required goals, assists, and clean sheets. Include the necessary promo players in the starting eleven and adjust tactics to favor the specific objectives.
Once the later groups appear, reuse players who meet multiple criteria where possible. Keep an eye on the overall timer and prioritize matches that advance several tasks simultaneously.
After claiming the rewards, apply the Evolution consumable thoughtfully. Choose a player who fills a clear gap in your team rather than upgrading a card already near peak performance.
Looking Ahead in EA FC 26 Ultimate Team
The Ultimate Rewind content arrives as the game moves deeper into its cycle. Free access to a 98-rated Mbappé, alongside Maradona and Henry, lowers the barrier for competitive play. It also highlights EA's continued use of objectives to distribute high-value content without requiring pack luck or heavy coin spending.
Players who complete the set by Sunday will add three strong untradeable attackers and an Evolution tool to their clubs. Combined with careful management of FC 26 Coins, these rewards can form the foundation of a formidable Ultimate Team for the weeks and months ahead.
Whether grinding the objectives or supplementing progress by choosing to buy FC 26 Coins, the current window offers a clear opportunity. The free 98 Mbappé is available now-time is limited, so start the challenges while the path remains open.
