Real Madrid and England’s Jude Bellingham has been named as the official cover star of EA Sports’ FC 25 video game.
Bellingham becomes the youngest global cover star in EA Sports football history, and follows in the footsteps of previous cover stars, such as Lionel Messi, Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The 21-year-old dons the cover of the popular football video game with his now trademark ‘Belligol’ celebration, which EA Sports captured during Real Madrid’s El Clásico clash with FC Barcelona last April in which he scored a stoppage time winner.
Bellingham will also feature on the Ultimate Edition cover. This was shot alongside Real Madrid legends David Beckham and Zinedine Zidane, as well as Gianluigi Buffon and Ballon d’Or Féminin winner Aitan Bonmatí in Spain’s capital.
Bellingham said: “I played this game with my brother all the time growing up, and I’ve always thought about how incredible it would be to one day be featured on the cover.
“There have been so many iconic players on the cover over the years, and I am delighted to be the most recent English player to be bestowed with this honour since 2011. I’m also truly honoured to be featured on the cover of Ultimate Edition with true legends of the game both past and present in Beckham, Bonmatí, Buffon and Zidane.”
The midfielder’s profile has grown exponentially since making his move to Real Madrid last summer. After winning La Liga and a UEFA Champions League title in his debut season for Los Blancos, Bellingham also finished as a runner-up for England in EURO 2024, where they were ultimately beaten 2-1 by Spain.
The Birmingham-born player’s stock has also grown off-the-pitch as well. Prior to EURO 2024, Bellingham became the new face of Lucozade, as well as previously inking lucrative endorsement deals with Louis Vuitton and McDonalds.
Speaking on Bellingham’s rising star power, David Jackson, VP of Brand at EA SPORTS FC, said: “From the moment he announced himself on the global stage, Jude has exemplified what it means to give everything for the club.
“His performances for both club and country have cemented his status as a truly generational talent, with an incredible ability to change a game and create special moments for football fans.
“Jude is the perfect ambassador for EA SPORTS FC. He aligns strongly with our future; as we move from product to platform, transcending the sport at the intersection of football, culture and entertainment, and we’re thrilled to welcome him as this year’s EA SPORTS FC cover star.”