Summary
This article compares FC 26 and FC 27 player cards, covering major rating downgrades for Salah, Son Heung-min, Lewandowski and Araujo. It details their adjusted overall scores, stat shifts, position and club database changes, triggering mixed community feedback. These nerfs reshape the early-game meta and force players to rethink squad construction. To test new line-ups on the transfer market, gamers need ample currency, and they can buy FC 26 Coins to get well-prepared for FC 27's upcoming promos.
The latest official ratings for EA Sports FC 27 have dropped, and the Ultimate Team community is buzzing with strong reactions. Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min, Robert Lewandowski, and Ronald Araujo all received noticeable overall rating drops, along with changes in key attributes and even club affiliations in some cases.
These updates reflect real-world form, age, and transfer situations heading into the new cycle. Fans are already analyzing the cards closely, debating fairness, and planning their squads. For players looking to build competitive teams early, understanding these shifts is essential. Many will need plenty of FC 26 Coins to experiment with new meta options while waiting for further upgrades or special cards.
Mohamed Salah: From 91 to 87 - A Steep Fall for the Egyptian King
Salah's FC 26 gold card stood at an impressive 91 overall as a right midfielder. His stats were elite: 89 pace, 88 shooting, 86 passing, 90 dribbling, 45 defending, and 76 physical. Playing for Liverpool in the Premier League, he remained one of the most complete attackers in the game.
In FC 27, that rating tumbles to 87 overall. Pace falls to 84, shooting to 83, passing to 83, dribbling to 86, defending stays at 45, and physical drops to 72. The card also shows a new club badge, suggesting a possible move away from Anfield in the game's database.
The four-point overall drop is substantial for a player of Salah's stature. Pace and physical reductions will make him feel slower and less robust in tight spaces. While still a strong option on paper, the downgrade may push him out of the absolute top tier of right-sided attackers. Community reactions have been mixed, with some calling it harsh given his consistent performances.
Son Heung-min: Dropped to 81 and Position Shifted
Son's FC 26 version was an 85-rated left winger with solid all-around numbers: 84 pace, 84 shooting, 81 passing, 83 dribbling, 42 defending, and 73 physical. Representing LAFC in MLS, he offered reliable left-wing play with good finishing and movement.
FC 27 sees him fall to 81 overall and switch to a striker role. Pace dips to 81, shooting to 81, passing to 79, dribbling to 80, defending to 41, and physical rises slightly to 74. The MLS club remains the same.
A four-point drop combined with the position change alters how players will use him. The reduced pace and dribbling make him less explosive on the wing, while the modest physical boost helps slightly as a central striker. Many fans feel EA has treated the Korean star harshly, especially after solid contributions in previous seasons. The card still holds value for certain squads, but it is no longer the standout option it once was.
Robert Lewandowski: Age Catches Up in the Ratings
Lewandowski's FC 26 card was an 88-rated striker with classic poacher attributes: 74 pace, 89 shooting, 79 passing, 85 dribbling, 44 defending, and 84 physical. At Barcelona in La Liga, he remained a clinical finisher despite advancing years.
In FC 27 the overall falls to 84. Pace drops sharply to 67, shooting to 85, passing stays at 79, dribbling falls to 80, defending holds at 44, and physical declines to 80. The club badge now points to an MLS side, reflecting a possible real-world transition.
The seven-point pace reduction is the most eye-catching change. Combined with lower shooting and physical stats, the Polish legend becomes a pure target man rather than a mobile forward. Fans have criticized the scale of the downgrade, noting his continued goal-scoring output. Still, the card retains high shooting that can punish defenses in the right system.
Ronald Araujo: Liverpool Move Comes with a Rating Hit
Araujo's FC 26 version was an 83-rated center-back for Barcelona: 80 pace, 53 shooting, 63 passing, 61 dribbling, 81 defending, and 83 physical. He offered strong aerial presence and recovery pace for a defender.
FC 27 rates him at 80 overall while placing him at Liverpool. Pace edges down to 79, shooting rises slightly to 54, passing to 64, dribbling falls to 59, defending to 78, and physical to 81.
The three-point overall drop and small defensive reduction are noticeable but not catastrophic. The move to the Premier League in the game database adds appeal for Liverpool fans building theme teams. Some supporters worry about potential loss of playstyles, though the base numbers still make him a usable high-level center-back.
Side-by-Side Card Comparison and What It Means
Looking at the numbers together reveals a clear pattern. All four players lost overall rating points, with the biggest hits landing on pace and physical attributes for the attackers. Salah and Son each dropped four overall points, Lewandowski four, and Araujo three. Pace reductions of five points for Salah, three for Son, seven for Lewandowski, and one for Araujo will change in-game feel significantly.
Shooting also declined across the attackers, while defensive stats for Araujo took a modest hit. Club changes for Salah, Lewandowski, and Araujo reflect real or projected transfers and will influence chemistry links in Ultimate Team.
These adjustments create opportunities for other players to rise in the meta. Mid-tier cards may suddenly become more attractive relative to the former stars. Early access and the first weeks of the game will see heavy experimentation as the community tests the new balance.
Building Squads Around the New Ratings
With several big names weaker on paper, smart squad building becomes more important than ever. Players who previously relied on these high-rated golds may need to mix in special cards, icons, or well-linked alternatives. Chemistry and playstyles will matter more when base stats are lower.
To stay competitive while testing new combinations, many will turn to the transfer market. Having a healthy balance of FC 26 Coins allows experimentation without risking valuable tradable assets. Those looking to buy FC 26 Coins can stock up ahead of major promos and content drops that often follow rating reveals.
The early meta will reward those who adapt quickly rather than force last year's favorites into every squad. Evolutions and future special versions could restore some of these players' former glory, but the starting point is clearly lower.
Community Reaction and Looking Ahead
Reactions on social platforms have ranged from disappointment to outright frustration. Comments about "disrespect," "dirty treatment," and questions about consistency in rating methodology dominate discussion threads. Some point out that certain big-club players seem protected while others take steeper cuts.
EA's ratings team bases decisions on a mix of performance data, age curves, and scouting input. Not every decision will please every fan base. The conversation itself generates engagement and keeps attention on the game in the weeks before full launch.
As more ratings surface and the full database becomes available, further analysis will refine the picture. For now, the four cards examined here already signal that FC 27 will feature a shifted hierarchy among established stars.
Whether these downgrades prove balanced in actual gameplay remains to be seen once the servers go live. In the meantime, the Ultimate Team community will keep comparing cards, debating fairness, and preparing their strategies. Those ready with sufficient resources, including the option to buy FC 26 Coins when needed, will be best positioned to adapt and climb the ranks from day one.
