Diego Maradona Returns to EA Sports FC 25 and FC Mobile After Three-Year Absence

Diego Armando Maradona, one of football’s most legendary figures, is set to make his highly anticipated return to EA Sports FC 25 and FC Mobile this month. After being removed from EA Sports FIFA 22 and FIFA Mobile due to a legal dispute over his image rights, the Argentine World Champion will officially rejoin the franchise on February 20th.

EA Sports confirmed the news across their social media channels, announcing that El Pibe de Oro will be available in EA Sports FC 25 starting February 14th, with his arrival in FC Mobile following shortly after. While the specifics of his in-game role are still under wraps, it's widely expected that Maradona will return as an Icon, potentially as part of the ongoing Team of the Year (TOTY) event or an upcoming promotion.

Maradona's History in EA Sports Games

Maradona first appeared as an Icon in EA Sports FIFA 18 and FIFA Mobile 18, when EA still held the official FIFA license. From his debut, he became a fan-favorite in both titles, maintaining his iconic status until 2022. However, his sudden removal from the game that year left many fans disappointed.

The removal came after a court ruled that EA had improperly secured Maradona’s likeness rights from Stefano Ceci, the player’s former manager, who did not legally own them. The dispute arose following multiple lawsuits from Sattvica, a company controlled by Maradona's former lawyer, Matias Morla, claiming the rights to Maradona's image and trademarks after his death.

In response to the legal ruling, EA issued a heartfelt statement expressing their regret over removing one of football’s greatest legends but hinted at their intention to bring Maradona back to the game in the future. After nearly three years, that promise has finally been fulfilled, and the Argentine legend is set to make his grand return this month.

More Icons and Heroes Expected to Join the Game

Maradona might not be the only iconic player making a comeback. According to popular leaker ASY FUT on X (formerly Twitter), EA is planning to introduce several other legendary players to EA Sports FC 25 and FC Mobile in the coming days. Alongside Maradona, the following players are rumored to be joining as Icons or Heroes:

• Franz Beckenbauer
• Gervinho
• Seydou Doumbia
• Víctor Ibarbo

The return of Franz “Kaiser” Beckenbauer is particularly exciting, as he has been absent from EA Sports titles since FIFA 17 and FIFA Mobile 17. Beckenbauer was removed from the game following a suspension by the FIFA Ethics Committee, but his expected return as an Icon marks a significant comeback.

Meanwhile, the AS Roma trio of Gervinho, Doumbia, and Ibarbo are rumored to return as Heroes. These players were fan favorites in FIFA 15 thanks to their blistering pace and agility, and their reintroduction is sure to stir nostalgia among longtime players.

What This Means for EA Sports Fans

With the return of Maradona and the potential arrival of other football legends, EA Sports is giving fans plenty to look forward to in 2025. Whether you’re excited to relive Maradona’s magic on the pitch or eager to add new Icons and Heroes to your squad, the coming months promise to be an exciting time for EA Sports FC and FC Mobile players.

Mark your calendars—Diego Maradona officially rejoins the franchise on February 14th in EA Sports FC 25 and February 20th in FC Mobile.