EA Sports has officially announced the return of the legendary Diego Armando Maradona to EA FC 25, following the release of Zinedine Zidane. This exciting inclusion, part of the new Grassroot Greats event, offers players the unique opportunity to unlock Maradona's Icon card for free in Ultimate Team. The event celebrates footballers who made their mark globally after rising through the ranks of their hometown clubs.

As part of the Grassroot Greats event, players will have access to multiple Evolution paths, allowing them to follow Maradona's career journey, from his early days with Argentinos Juniors at just 14 years old to his rise as an icon with Napoli and the Argentine national team.

How to Unlock the Free Maradona Card in EA FC 25

To claim the free Maradona Grassroot Greats Icon card in Ultimate Team, players must log into EA FC 25 between February 14, 2025, and March 14, 2025, at 10 AM PT. The card is untradeable, meaning it cannot be sold or listed on the Transfer Market for coins.

The base card features competitive stats but can be upgraded further through both free and paid Evolution paths. Maradona's base card, which has a 77 OVR rating, is positioned as a Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM). The standout attributes include:

• 84 Pace
• 80 Shooting
• 74 Passing
• 87 Dribbling
• 34 Defending
• 56 Physicality

Although the base card reflects Maradona's early years—his international debut against Hungary in 1977 at the age of 16—the real excitement begins with the Evolution paths that allow players to boost his stats significantly.

Upgrading Maradona to 89 OVR and Beyond

Once players have unlocked the base 77 OVR Maradona card, they can choose from three Evolution paths to upgrade it to an 89 OVR version, which reflects Maradona's peak years with Napoli. These paths offer unique combinations of enhanced stats, PlayStyles, PlayStyle+ attributes, and Roles to suit different team needs.

The free upgrade to 89 OVR commemorates Maradona’s iconic 1989 UEFA Cup final performance, where he captained Napoli to victory over Stuttgart. Here’s a breakdown of the three Evolution paths available:

1. Diego’s Dream I Evolution Path

• Base card: 77 OVR Diego Maradona Grassroot Greats Icon
• Stats after upgrade:
  • 87 Pace (from 84)
  • 88 Shooting (from 80)
  • 90 Passing (from 74)
  • 92 Dribbling (from 87)
  • 40 Defending (from 34)
  • 73 Physicality (from 56)
• Key Features:
  • Pinged Pass PlayStyle
  • Relentless PlayStyle
  • Incisive Pass PlayStyle+
  • Multiple Roles: Classic 10++, Playmaker++, Shadow Striker++, Half Winger+
• Evolution Levels: 3

2. Diego’s Dream II Evolution Path

• Base card: 77 OVR Diego Maradona Grassroot Greats Icon
• Stats after upgrade:
  • 88 Pace (from 84)
  • 89 Shooting (from 80)
  • 87 Passing (from 74)
  • 92 Dribbling (from 87)
  • 40 Defending (from 34)
  • 74 Physicality (from 56)
• Key Features:
  • Relentless PlayStyle
  • Power Shot PlayStyle+
  • Poacher++ Role
  • Target Forward+ Role
  • False 9++ Role
  • Advanced Forward++ Role
  • ST Position
• Evolution Levels: 3

3. Diego’s Dream III Evolution Path

• Base card: 77 OVR Diego Maradona Grassroot Greats Icon
• Stats after upgrade:
  • 89 Pace (from 84)
  • 87 Shooting (from 80)
  • 89 Passing (from 74)
  • 93 Dribbling (from 87)
  • 40 Defending (from 34)
  • 72 Physicality (from 56)
• Key Features:
  • Trivela PlayStyle
  • Relentless PlayStyle
  • RM Position
  • LW Position
  • RW Position
  • Winger+ Role
  • Inside Forward++ Role
  • Technical PlayStyle+
• Evolution Levels: 4

4. Pibe de Oro Evolution Path

• Base card: 89 OVR Diego Maradona Grassroot Greats Icon
• Stats after upgrade:
  • 89 Pace (from 84)
  • 90 Shooting (from 80)
  • 92 Passing (from 74)
  • 94 Dribbling (from 87)
  • 40 Defending (from 34)
  • 77 Physicality (from 56)
• Key Features:
  • Quick Step PlayStyle
  • Positions and Roles based on the 89 OVR card
  • Finesse Shot PlayStyle+
• Evolution Levels: Required investment to unlock

Conclusion

Maradona’s return to EA FC 25 through the Grassroot Greats event is a celebration of his legendary career, offering players the chance to experience his evolution from a promising young talent to a global football icon. By choosing the right Evolution path, players can upgrade Maradona’s card to reflect his iconic moments, including his leadership role at Napoli and his dazzling performances for Argentina. Whether you opt for Diego's Dream or the Pibe de Oro upgrade, Maradona’s inclusion in EA FC 25 promises to be a highlight for Ultimate Team players.

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