Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer
FC 27 could bring back one of the most popular Icon systems in Ultimate Team history: Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments.
According to the provided information, players who buy the Ultimate Edition or Ultimate Plus Edition will receive an 85+ OVR International ICON Player Item. This Icon item is also expected to receive an upgrade on November 30.
There is also information suggesting that Icons will return to a progressive system. Icons would be released as Baby versions at launch, while their first promo cards would become Mid versions, and later releases could move toward Prime and Prime Moments versions.
The idea sounds very interesting, but there is one big question: how will EA manage this system if there are more than 120 Icons in the game?
FC 27 85+ Icon Reward: What Do We Know?
The first image shows a special FC 27 bonus:
85+ OVR International ICON Player Item
This reward is expected to be available in both:
Ultimate Edition
Ultimate Plus Edition
So, based on the image, this is not only an Ultimate Plus Edition bonus. It should be included in both premium editions.
The most important detail is the upgrade date.
The 85+ Icon item is expected to receive an upgrade on November 30.
This makes the reward much more interesting because it suggests that the card will not just be a short-term launch bonus. Instead, it could become part of a longer Icon progression system.
If EA gives players a starter Icon that becomes stronger later, this could be one of the best early Ultimate Team bonuses in FC 27.
See our full FC 27 editions comparison to understand how the 85+ Icon reward fits alongside early access, FC Points, season passes and other pre-order bonuses.
Is the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments System Coming Back?
There is information that EA may return to the old Icon structure:
Baby → Mid → Prime → Prime Moments
The idea is simple: one Icon has several versions that represent different stages of their career.
The reported information says:
Icons will be released as Baby versions at launch, their first promo cards will be Mid versions, and so on.
That means Icons at the start of FC 27 would be released as Baby versions. Their first promo cards would then be treated as Mid versions, and later in the cycle we could see Prime and Prime Moments versions.
Personally, I think this is a very good idea.
In recent games, base Icons often became outdated too quickly. Many of them only became usable later through Evolutions or special promo versions.
If EA brings back a clear Icon progression system, regular Icons could become much more valuable again.
Buffon Upgrade Example: How This System Could Work
The second image gives a clear example with Gianluigi Buffon.
It shows the following upgrade path:
• Baby Buffon
• Mid Buffon
• Prime Buffon
• Prime Moments Buffon
This is probably the easiest way to understand the new Icon system.
At the beginning of the game, players get a weaker version of an Icon. Later in the cycle, stronger versions are released. This makes Icons feel like long-term collectible cards rather than one-time items that become outdated after a few weeks.
For example, if Buffon starts as a Baby version, his first promo card could be a Mid version. Then EA could release a Prime version later, and eventually a Prime Moments card closer to the end of the cycle.
This kind of structure gives Icons more identity and makes their progression easier to understand.
Can EA Really Handle 120+ Icon Cards?
This is the biggest question.
It is difficult to imagine one promo that includes more than 120 Icon cards.
If every Icon has Baby, Mid, Prime and Prime Moments versions, the total number of cards becomes huge.
That creates a real content problem for EA.
There are two possible ways this could work.
Option 1: Large Icon Promo Teams
EA could release large Icon promo teams with many players included at once.
For example, one promo could include 20 or 30 Icons.
However, this could quickly become too much. The market could become overloaded, and the promo might feel chaotic.
Option 2: Regular Icon Promo Releases
The second option seems more realistic.
EA could release Icon upgrades gradually throughout the year.
For example:
• some Icons get Mid versions in autumn;
• another group gets upgraded in winter;
• Prime versions arrive later in the cycle;
• Prime Moments versions come near the end of the game.
This would make much more sense.
It would allow EA to keep Icons relevant throughout the year without flooding the game with too many cards at once.
Why This Change Could Be Good for Ultimate Team
The return of the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments system could be very positive for Ultimate Team.
First, Icons would feel like a special elite card category again.
Second, players would understand that Icons have a clear progression path across the year.
Third, the system adds nostalgia.
Many older Ultimate Team players remember when Icon versions had a clear structure. Baby cards were the early versions, Mid cards were stronger, Prime cards were elite, and Prime Moments cards were the final and most special versions.
If EA brings this system back properly, Icons could become much more exciting again.
New Icons in FC 27
The third image shows the new Icons that could be coming to FC 27.
The list includes:
• Rummenigge
• Rossi
• Rivellino
• Formiga
• Riise
• David Silva
• Agüero
• Lúcio
• Sinclair
• Kempes
• Maicon
• Varane
• Pepe
• Nagasato
• Touré
This is a very strong selection.
There are classic legends, modern football icons and several players that many Ultimate Team fans have wanted for a long time.
The most exciting names include Agüero, David Silva, Varane, Pepe, Rummenigge, Rivellino, Touré, Maicon and Lúcio.
This new Icon list could make the FC 27 Icon market much more interesting.
Touré, Maicon and Lúcio Become Icons
One of the most important details from the third image is that Yaya Touré, Maicon and Lúcio appear to have been upgraded from Heroes to Icons.
This is a big status change.
These players were previously Heroes, but now they seem to be moving into the Icon category.
And honestly, it makes sense.
Yaya Touré
Touré has always felt like an Icon-level player.
In Ultimate Team, his cards are usually extremely powerful because of his height, strength, physical presence, passing and overall midfield dominance.
If Touré becomes a full Icon in FC 27, he could be one of the most popular midfielders in the game.
Maicon
Maicon also fits the Icon category very well.
He was one of the most complete right-backs of his era: fast, strong, attacking, physical and reliable defensively.
In Ultimate Team, that kind of profile is always valuable.
Lúcio
Lúcio is another perfect example.
His Hero cards have often been very strong in FIFA and EA FC because of his defensive body type, strength and in-game presence.
As an Icon, Lúcio could become one of the best centre-backs in FC 27.
Why Hero-to-Icon Upgrades Matter
The upgrade from Hero to Icon is important because it shows that EA may be rethinking the status of certain legendary players.
Some Heroes already felt more important than many Icons in Ultimate Team.
Touré, Maicon and Lúcio are great examples.
They are not only memorable real-life footballers. They are also cult Ultimate Team cards.
Moving them into the Icon category makes the Icon roster stronger and more relevant.
If EA continues to promote the most important Heroes into Icons, the Icon category could feel much more exciting in FC 27.
The same nostalgia-driven approach also appears in the reported FC 27 Hall of FUT promo and its possible starter player pick.
Main Concern: Too Many Icon Versions?
Even though the idea is exciting, there is one obvious concern.
If the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments system returns, EA must control the number of cards carefully.
Too many versions of the same player can confuse the market.
For example, if one Icon has a Baby card, Mid card, Prime card, Prime Moments card, promo card and possible Evolution version, players may struggle to understand which version is actually worth buying.
That is why EA needs to keep the system clean.
The best structure would be:
• Baby cards as launch versions;
• Mid cards as early promo versions;
• Prime cards as elite mid-cycle versions;
• Prime Moments cards as final top-tier versions.
If the system is simple, players will understand it.
If EA overcomplicates it, Icons could become messy again.
Will the 85+ Icon Reward Be Worth It?
Yes, the 85+ Icon reward looks useful.
An 85+ Icon Player Item at the start of Ultimate Team can give players a strong early boost, especially if the card later receives an upgrade.
Even if you do not get a perfect meta Icon, the November 30 upgrade makes the reward more valuable.
The key question is how strong these cards will be after the upgrade.
If EA gives players Icons that remain usable for more than a few weeks, this could be one of the best edition bonuses in FC 27.
Final Verdict
The new Icon system in FC 27 looks very promising.
The 85+ Icon Player Item for Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition is already a strong launch bonus. If that card really receives an upgrade on November 30, the value becomes even better.
The possible return of the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments system also feels like the right move. Icons need a clear progression structure again, instead of becoming outdated too quickly.
The Buffon example shows exactly how this system could work: Baby at launch, Mid later, Prime in the middle of the cycle and Prime Moments near the end.
However, the biggest question remains: can EA manage this system properly with more than 120 Icons?
If the answer is yes, FC 27 could have one of the most interesting Icon systems we have seen in years.
Frequently Asked Questions About FC 27 Icons
What is the 85+ Icon reward in FC 27?
The 85+ Icon reward is expected to be an untradeable 85+ OVR International ICON Player Item available for Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition owners.
When will the 85+ Icon reward upgrade?
According to the provided information, the 85+ Icon reward is expected to receive an upgrade on November 30.
Is the 85+ Icon reward available only in Ultimate Plus Edition?
No. Based on the screenshot, the 85+ Icon reward is shown for both Ultimate Edition and Ultimate Plus Edition.
Is the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments system coming back?
According to the information provided, EA may return to the Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments Icon system. Icons are expected to launch as Baby versions, while their first promo cards may be Mid versions.
How would the Buffon upgrade system work?
Buffon is shown as an example of the possible upgrade path: Baby, Mid, Prime and Prime Moments. This means an Icon could receive stronger versions throughout the game cycle.
Why is the Buffon example important?
The Buffon example clearly explains how EA could structure Icon progression in FC 27. Instead of one static Icon card, players could see multiple versions released over time.
Who are the new Icons in FC 27?
The provided image shows several new Icons, including Rummenigge, Rossi, Rivellino, Formiga, Riise, David Silva, Agüero, Lúcio, Sinclair, Kempes, Maicon, Varane, Pepe, Nagasato and Touré.
Which Heroes became Icons?
According to the image, Touré, Maicon and Lúcio have been upgraded from Heroes to Icons.
Is the return of Baby–Mid–Prime–Prime Moments good?
Yes, the idea is strong because it gives Icons a clearer progression system. However, EA needs to manage the number of Icon cards carefully so the market does not become overloaded.
What is the biggest concern with the new Icon system?
The biggest concern is scale. If EA has more than 120 Icons and several versions for each one, it will be difficult to manage promo releases without overwhelming the game.
Need FC 26 Coins Before FC 27 Launch?
FC 27 has not launched yet, so most players are still finishing the EA FC 26 cycle.
If you are still playing Ultimate Team, this is a good time to complete late SBCs, try top-tier cards, build fun squads and use Evolutions before the next game arrives.
The new Icon system in FC 27 already looks interesting, but there is still time before release.
If you want to upgrade your current squad, you can check the latest EA FC 26 Coins prices on FUTBUY and enjoy the final part of the EA FC 26 cycle.
