EA SPORTS FC 27 is reshaping the role of legendary players in Ultimate Team with a new Class of ’27, revised ICON Chemistry rules, refreshed player items, and the introduction of the Hall of FUT. Rather than simply adding another group of famous names, EA is using FC 27 to create clearer distinctions between ICONs, Heroes, and other special player categories.
For players preparing their squads for the new FUT cycle, these changes could have a noticeable impact on team building, chemistry management, and the way legendary cards fit into competitive squads.
Ten New ICONs Join the Class of ’27
The headline addition to FC 27 is the new Class of ’27. EA has officially confirmed ten new ICONs:
- Christine Sinclair
- Ellen White
- Formiga
- Hege Riise
- Karl-Heinz Rummenigge
- Pepe
- Raphaël Varane
- Sergio Agüero
- Tobin Heath
- Yūki Nagasato
The group includes legends from both the men's and women's game, continuing EA's broader approach of representing different eras and areas of football history within Ultimate Team.
Christine Sinclair is particularly notable as the first Canadian ICON in the series, while players such as Agüero, Varane, Rummenigge, Pepe, and Formiga add several recognizable names to the pool available to FUT players.
The new cards also give players more options when building squads around different formations and playstyles. However, their eventual value will depend on individual attributes, PlayStyles, positions, chemistry requirements, and how the FC 27 gameplay environment develops after launch.
Base ICONs Now Start at 88 OVR
One of the most important system changes is the adjustment to Base ICONs.
EA has confirmed that Base ICONs in FC 27 now start at 88 OVR, accompanied by refreshed Attributes and PlayStyles designed to better reflect their status as legendary players from the beginning of the FUT cycle.
This gives ICONs a clearer identity within the overall player-item structure. Instead of relying solely on their historical reputation, their in-game attributes and PlayStyles are being positioned as an important part of their identity from launch.
For players managing their early FUT budgets, this also makes the relationship between coins, squad upgrades, and high-end legendary players worth watching closely. Whether players earn their resources through matches, objectives, trading, or choose to Buy FC 27 Coins, the cost of building around premium ICON cards will remain an important part of the early Ultimate Team economy.
ICON Chemistry Gets a Significant Adjustment
Chemistry is also changing in FC 27.
ICONs will continue to receive full Chemistry when played in their correct positions. However, their League contribution is now +1 to every League, while their Nation contribution has been reduced from +2 to +1.
This may sound like a relatively small numerical adjustment, but chemistry is one of the foundations of FUT squad building. Players who previously relied heavily on ICONs to connect footballers from different nations may need to reconsider how their squads are structured.
Heroes are also receiving chemistry changes. Their League contribution is being reduced from +2 to +1, while their +1 Nation contribution remains unchanged. Hall of FUT items will use the same chemistry rules as Heroes.
The result is a more clearly defined chemistry system where ICONs and Heroes still provide flexibility, but their advantages are more carefully controlled.
Lúcio and Yaya Touré Move Into the ICON Category
FC 27 also changes the status of two familiar FUT names: Lúcio and Yaya Touré.
Both players previously appeared as Heroes, but FC 27 moves them into the ICON category. Their new status means that they follow ICON chemistry rules rather than the Hero system used in previous editions.
This is more than a cosmetic change. For squad builders, the category determines how these players interact with other cards, making the transition relevant to anyone planning hybrid teams around either defender or midfielder.
Their inclusion also helps bridge the gap between FC 27's traditional ICON roster and the modern history of Ultimate Team.
Hall of FUT Creates a New Tier for FUT Legends
Another major addition is Hall of FUT, a new player-item category designed to celebrate footballers who became particularly memorable within EA SPORTS FC and FUT itself.
EA describes Hall of FUT as a way to recognize players whose impact came from memorable performances, strong connections, or moments that became part of FUT culture. The first class includes names such as Adebayo Akinfenwa, Marouane Fellaini, Loïc Rémy, Eljero Elia, and Giovani Dos Santos.
Importantly, Hall of FUT should not be confused with ICONs. It represents a different tier with its own purpose and acquisition system.
Base Hall of FUT items can be obtained through the Token Store, while special Campaign versions are scheduled to appear in Packs later in the game cycle. Eligible Base Hall of FUT cards can also be used in Evolutions when they meet the relevant requirements.
What the ICON Changes Mean for FUT Squad Building
Taken together, the FC 27 ICON changes suggest that EA is moving toward a more structured hierarchy for special player items.
ICONs are positioned around sustained world-class careers and historical achievements. Heroes focus more heavily on memorable moments and celebrated club or league careers, while Hall of FUT is designed around the players and cards that became particularly memorable within the FUT community.
For players building squads, the most practical changes are likely to come from the new Chemistry rules and higher Base ICON ratings. Players will need to think more carefully about nationality links, league combinations, positions, and the overall balance between expensive legendary cards and the rest of the squad.
For those following the FC 27 economy, sites such as EZBUFF may also become part of the broader conversation around how players manage their FUT resources and prepare for major squad upgrades.
A New Direction for FC 27 ICONs
FC 27's ICON update is ultimately more than a roster expansion. The introduction of the Class of ’27, the move of Lúcio and Yaya Touré into the ICON category, the 88 OVR Base ICON starting point, and the revised Chemistry system collectively change how legendary players fit into Ultimate Team.
With Hall of FUT adding another layer to the player-item ecosystem, FC 27 is giving FUT players more categories to understand and more possibilities for building squads around different eras of football.
The real test will come once players begin using these cards in live matches and the new chemistry structure interacts with the evolving FC 27 Ultimate Team economy. For now, the ICON changes provide one of the clearest indications yet of how EA intends to reshape the FUT experience for the new season.
