The release of EA Sports FC 26 is more than just another yearly update—it’s a redefined football experience. For years, star ratings have helped players quickly judge which clubs are the best to use in Kick-Off, Career Mode, and Online Friendlies. But this year, the way EA Sports has balanced ratings for men’s and women’s football makes them more meaningful than ever.

The highest-rated men’s clubs—Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Bayern Munich—set the standard. Each brings world-class rosters that translate into lightning-fast gameplay, tactical depth, and iconic finishing ability. If you’re looking to crush your friends in a local match, these teams guarantee results. Yet the inclusion of teams like Aston Villa, Bayer Leverkusen, and Newcastle at four-and-a-half stars signals that the competition is tightening. EA Sports has designed FC 26 to give players more variety when choosing clubs without sacrificing balance.

The women’s side of the game has also never been stronger. Teams like Barcelona Femení and Chelsea Women are rated at the very top, offering pace, precision, and star power that rivals their male counterparts. For players new to women’s football modes, these ratings are an invitation to explore gameplay that feels both familiar and refreshingly different.

What makes these ratings especially important is their influence on Ultimate Team strategies. While FUT is primarily about individual player cards, the strength of a club in the base game often hints at the quality of players you’ll want to target. Investing in stars from five-star clubs is a tried-and-true FUT strategy, and securing them early—sometimes by Buy FC 26 Coins—can give you a huge advantage over the competition.

Another layer to consider is how these ratings affect Career Mode immersion. Choosing a five-star team makes winning silverware easier, but taking a four-and-a-half-star club like Napoli or Borussia Dortmund and pushing them to Champions League glory is where the real challenge lies. These ratings aren’t just numbers—they’re the blueprint for your story in FC 26.

For players debating which team to start with, the advice is simple: experiment. Jump into Kick-Off with different star levels and Buy FUT 26 Coins, feel how the gameplay shifts, and then decide where you’ll commit long-term. EA Sports FC 26 has done an excellent job of making sure both elite clubs and “dark horse” teams feel rewarding to play.

As launch approaches, the debate over who deserved five stars will continue, but the takeaway is clear: star ratings are back at the heart of the FC experience. Whether you’re grinding FUT, climbing the Career Mode ladder, or battling friends offline, these ratings will shape the way you play from day one.