In FIFA 21, we broke the one-hundred mark for the number of legendary ex-footballers immortalised as Icon cards in Ultimate Team, and FIFA 22 took that even further.
We had several years to get to know Icons such as Ruud Gullit, Ronaldo, Pele, and Diego Maradona, so FIFA 22’s influx was much needed. From players who set the turf alight many decades ago to some more recently retired legends, FIFA 22 offered the biggest Icon line-up at the time.
FIFA 22 new Icons
Here were all the new Icons that launched in FIFA 22:
Cafu
Brazilian right-back Cafu was one of the new Icons in FIFA 22, and he became the best RB or RWB option in the entire game.
With 88 RB, 90 RB, and 93 RWB variations, Cafu was one of the highest-rated Icons in the entire lineup. With immense pace and defending, plus excellent dribbling and passing stats, Cafu was the perfect attacking full-back.
Frustratingly, Cafu was extremely similar to existing Icon Carlos Alberto, who was also a 93-rated, Brazilian RB with a similar stats spread.
Iker Casillas
Legendary Spanish goalkeeper Iker Casillas joined the Icon lineup in FIFA 22 and challenged the likes of Lev Yashin and Peter Schmeichel as the most desirable Icon goalkeeper.
Casillas was a great all-round GK, with no big weaknesses on either of his three versions, based on the card stats.
Casillas had 87, 89, and 92-rated cards in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team.
Robin van Persie
While we certainly didn’t complain that a player as iconic as Robin van Persie entered the Icons roster, he did join an already packed group of Dutch strikers and center-forwards.
Cruyff, Bergkamp, van Nistelrooy, van Basten, Kluivert – all of which were already FIFA 22 Icons, van Persie faced stiff competition.
With his stats spread, he was extremely similar to van Basten (incredible finishing, excellent dribbling, with average pace for an Icon striker) so it was interesting to see these players battle it out in FIFA 22.
Wayne Rooney
Rooney’s inclusion as a new FIFA 22 Icon had been rumoured for a while, but it finally came to fruition with FIFA 22. This English superstar, who went on to play for some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, winning five titles along the way, boasted 86, 88, and 91-rated cards.
His stats were impressive too and revolved around his impressive build, pace, and strike rate.
FIFA 22 Club Hero Icons
In FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, we were also treated to not only Icons but also FUT Hero cards too. These acted as a more affordable card type for those who wanted to have iconic former players in their squads.
We have a full FIFA 22 Heroes guide with all the information and a full list of the Hero players. Some of the names included Robbie Keane, Freddie Ljungberg, Joe Cole, and David Ginola.
That’s all the FIFA 22 Icon additions for this entry. These players came alongside the already packed roster of Icon players from previous entries too, so there was no shortage of cards to collect.