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FIFA 23 ratings reveal sluggish Messi, Ronaldo, and Kante

EA has just revealed the top 23 players in FIFA 23 at launch and there are worrying changes to Ronaldo, Messi, and Kante among other popular options for FUT

FIFA 23 top 23 ratings reveal pace: an image of three player cards, Ronaldo, Kante, and Messi

The FIFA 23 release date is on the horizon and EA has finally started detailing the FIFA 23 ratings and top 100 ahead of launch. As you might imagine, there’s a lot to discuss for FUT fans with Erling Haaland making a huge mark on the EPL and players like Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema still performing at the highest level. However, somewhat controversially, three of the world’s – and FIFA 23’s – best players have had a massive pace cut for the next iteration of this iconic football game. Ronaldo, Messi, and Kante are all going to be a lot slower in FIFA 23’s FUT.

That’s right, Ronaldo’s OVR rating is going to be 90 in the next iteration of FUT with a PAC stat of only 81 – down from 87. Adding to this, his long-time Ballon D’or rival Messi is going to have an OVR rating of 91, also with a PAC stat of 81. Kante is another player unexpectedly getting a PAC stat cut, dropping a massive six points to 72. Of course, this is still quick for a holding midfielder, but it could be damning for the popular CDM.

Neymar Jr is another player getting a PAC cut, down four to 87, which might make you think that it’s just an age thing. However, players like Van Djik and Benzema – who are on the older side of things when it comes to professional footballers – are both getting a PAC stat increase of three and four respectively.

We know speed isn’t everything, but it’s always an important stat to consider when picking up an attacking player – and one of Kante’s strengths in the middle is his ability to chase the ball. With players like Haaland, Salah, and Son all retaining their stats from last year’s FUT, will we see a shift in how many players actually go for Ronaldo and Messi? We still think Kante is worth picking up with 87 DEF, but Haaland still has 91 SHO and could-well be the best option for ST going forwards.

Of course, with special cards and TOTW upgrades to come, these are only the starting stats for these players in-game. That doesn’t mean it’s not exciting though! You can check out all the details on the top 23 in FIFA 23 on the FIFA 23 ratings website right here.

If you’re sitting there ready to gun for FUT Champs glory, you can find out more about all the FIFA 23 FUT Heroes ratings and FIFA 23 FUT Icons ratings right here. EA has also detailed some of the FIFA 23 Ones to Watch cards coming to FUT, and you can find out all about them right here.