Greetings, football fans and gaming enthusiasts! Today, we embark on an exciting journey through time to explore the evolution of FIFA covers. For decades, the FIFA franchise has been a cornerstone of sports gaming, bringing the world’s most popular sport right to our fingertips. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane, reliving the iconic covers and the football stars that graced them.
FIFA International Soccer (1993)
The journey begins with the very first installment of FIFA, titled “FIFA International Soccer.” Released in 1993, this game featured simple 16-bit graphics and introduced us to the world of virtual football. The cover showcased a generic footballer mid-kick, symbolizing the essence of the beautiful game.
FIFA 95
As the franchise gained momentum, “FIFA 95” hit the gaming scene with more teams, improved graphics, and enhanced gameplay. The cover displayed Manchester United’s Eric Cantona, one of the game’s earliest real-life football stars to grace the front.
FIFA 96
“FIFA 96” brought significant improvements to the series, and the cover featured the dynamic duo of Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs and Liverpool’s Lee Sharpe. This edition marked the beginning of FIFA’s trend to feature popular footballers on its covers.
FIFA 97
“FIFA 97” took a bold step by featuring the first international football star on its cover, Roberto Carlos of Brazil. With its isometric graphics and unique indoor soccer mode, the game earned a special place in the hearts of football gaming enthusiasts.
FIFA 98: Road to World Cup
As the World Cup approached, “FIFA 98: Road to World Cup” captured the excitement of the upcoming tournament in France. The cover starred David Beckham, then a young prospect at Manchester United, who later became a global football icon.
FIFA 99
“FIFA 99” introduced polygonal player models and refined gameplay, setting new standards for the series. The cover featured Arsenal’s Dennis Bergkamp, Juventus’ Paulo Sousa, and Manchester United’s David Beckham, adding a touch of international flair.
FIFA 2000
“FIFA 2000” marked the turn of the millennium with a cover featuring Portugal’s Luis Figo, further emphasizing the game’s international appeal. This edition also introduced a wide array of legendary players in its roster, enhancing its authenticity.
FIFA 2001
“FIFA 2001” continued the tradition of featuring renowned footballers on its cover. This time, it showcased Manchester United’s Sol Campbell, Sweden’s Patrick Andersson, and Spain’s Raúl González. The game’s enhanced graphics and gameplay delighted fans worldwide.
FIFA 2002: World Cup
With the FIFA World Cup approaching, “FIFA 2002: World Cup” brought the excitement of the tournament to our gaming consoles. The cover featured three footballing legends—England’s Michael Owen, France’s Thierry Henry, and Brazil’s Roberto Carlos—capturing the essence of international football.
FIFA 2003
“FIFA 2003” featured Real Madrid’s Roberto Carlos once again, this time alongside AC Milan’s Alessandro Del Piero and Manchester United’s Ryan Giggs. The game continued to refine its gameplay mechanics and added more realism to player movements.
FIFA 2004
“FIFA 2004” marked a significant milestone as it showcased the trio of Alessandro Del Piero, Thierry Henry, and Ronaldinho in a Brazil kit. This edition aimed to celebrate the global appeal of the sport, highlighting the collective talent and passion that football brings to the world.
FIFA 2005
“FIFA 2005” embraced the international spirit of the sport, featuring a global lineup of stars—Pierre van Hooijdonk, Fernando Morientes, Andriy Shevchenko, and Juan Román Riquelme. The game also introduced improved gameplay mechanics and became a fan favorite.
FIFA 06
With a focus on realism and improved graphics, “FIFA 06” chose the dynamic trio of Barcelona’s Ronaldinho, Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney, and Arsenal’s Lukas Podolski for its cover. The game continued to draw players with its immersive experience.
FIFA 07
“FIFA 07” featured two covers, one starring Ronaldinho and the other showcasing Manchester United’s Wayne Rooney. This edition introduced the “Be a Pro” mode, allowing players to experience the game through the eyes of their favorite players.
FIFA 08
“FIFA 08” adopted an innovative approach by featuring local stars on its covers in various regions. It allowed fans from different countries to connect with the game on a more personal level, emphasizing the global passion for football.
FIFA 09
“FIFA 09” made a bold statement by showcasing three of the world’s biggest stars—Wayne Rooney, Ronaldinho, and Frank Lampard. This edition introduced the “Virtual Pro” mode, allowing players to create their virtual footballer and guide their rise to stardom.
FIFA 10
“FIFA 10” continued its tradition of featuring footballing icons, with Barcelona’s Lionel Messi taking center stage on its cover. Messi’s inclusion marked the beginning of a long-standing association between the FIFA series and the Argentine superstar.
FIFA 11
“FIFA 11” cemented Lionel Messi’s status as the face of the franchise, with the Barcelona forward appearing solo on the cover. The game also introduced the “Personality+ System,” making players’ in-game attributes more reflective of their real-life counterparts.
FIFA 12
“FIFA 12” featured an electrifying cover with three of the world’s best footballers—Wayne Rooney, Gerard Piqué, and Kaká. The game introduced the “Impact Engine,” revolutionizing collisions and player interactions on the pitch.
FIFA 13
“FIFA 13” continued to celebrate the sport’s biggest stars, with Lionel Messi gracing the cover for the third consecutive year. This edition also saw the introduction of the popular “Ultimate Team” mode, allowing players to build their dream squads.
FIFA 14
“FIFA 14” showcased a global lineup of stars, including Lionel Messi and Gareth Bale. The game brought improved ball physics and player movements, creating a more realistic and immersive experience.
FIFA 15
“FIFA 15” chose Lionel Messi once again for its cover, paying tribute to his continued excellence on the field. The game introduced “Emotion and Intensity,” adding emotional reactions from players based on match situations.
FIFA 16
“FIFA 16” celebrated women’s football by featuring three prominent players from the Women’s National Teams—Alex Morgan, Christine Sinclair, and Steph Catley. This significant inclusion was a testament to the growing recognition of women’s football in the gaming world.
FIFA 17
“FIFA 17” took a bold leap by introducing “The Journey” mode, allowing players to experience the life of a young footballer, Alex Hunter, as he navigates his way through the professional ranks. The cover featured four prominent stars—Marco Reus, James Rodriguez, Anthony Martial, and Eden Hazard.
FIFA 18
“FIFA 18” embraced the global appeal of football by featuring Cristiano Ronaldo, one of the sport’s greatest legends, as its cover star. The game introduced the “Real Player Motion Technology,” revolutionizing player animations and movements for a more lifelike experience.
FIFA 19
Continuing its celebration of football’s elite, “FIFA 19” showcased Real Madrid’s Cristiano Ronaldo and Paris Saint-Germain’s Neymar Jr. The game emphasized the UEFA Champions League, bringing the prestigious tournament into the heart of the gaming experience.
FIFA 20
“FIFA 20” marked a significant shift by featuring two distinct covers—one with Real Madrid’s Eden Hazard and another with Liverpool’s Virgil van Dijk. This edition introduced the “Volta Football” mode, taking players to the streets and futsal courts for a more urban football experience.
FIFA 21
“FIFA 21” celebrated a new generation of football stars, featuring Kylian Mbappé of Paris Saint-Germain on its cover. The game introduced enhanced graphics and improved gameplay, making it a seamless transition for fans onto the next-generation consoles.
FIFA 22
The most recent addition to the FIFA cover family, “FIFA 22” showcased a trio of dynamic footballers—Kylian Mbappé, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, and AC Milan’s Christian Pulisic. With the game’s focus on “HyperMotion Technology,” it promises even more realistic player movements and gameplay.
FIFA 23: A New Era of Football Gaming
In FIFA 23, the tradition of showcasing Kylian Mbappé continues, reflecting his status as one of the sport’s brightest stars. This edition takes football gaming to new heights with the introduction of “HyperMotion2 Technology.”
One of the most exciting additions to FIFA 23 is the inclusion of both the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup™. Additionally, FIFA 23 introduces a crossplay feature, allowing gamers across various platforms to compete against each other seamlessly. Whether you’re playing on a console, PC, or the latest handheld device.
FIFA 24 Transforms into EA Sports FC 24
In a groundbreaking move, FIFA 24 takes a bold step by transitioning into a new era and being renamed EA Sports FC 24. With this change comes an enhanced focus on realism, authenticity, and player immersion.
On its cover is the electrifying goalscorer and champion of the Champions League 2022-23 edition, Erling Haaland. The Norwegian sensation represents the epitome of football excellence, embodying the spirit of the sport’s brightest talents.
EA Sports FC 24 introduces a host of new features that redefine football gaming. With HypermotionV technology, players experience ultra-realistic movements based on real plays, making every match feel like a live broadcast. New camera shots and animations further heighten the sense of being on the pitch, providing a cinematic football experience.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated additions is the ability to win the Ballon d’Or in career mode. Now, you can guide your virtual footballer through their journey from grassroots to stardom and compete for the sport’s most prestigious individual award.
As EA Sports FC 24 embarks on a new chapter, it promises to be more than just a football game; it will be an interactive and immersive football universe where players can create their legacy, celebrate success, and experience the emotions of the beautiful game like never before.
The FIFA series remains a beloved part of gaming culture, bringing joy and excitement to millions of players worldwide. With each new edition, the franchise continues to push boundaries, delivering immersive experiences that capture the essence of the beautiful game.
Have a nice game!
