Lionel Messi, fresh off winning his 2015 Ballon d’Or award, will no longer grace the cover of the EA Sports’ popular FIFA game for this upcoming year. It’s been reported by multiple outlets that Messi’s contract with EA, which he signed in 2012, will expire later this year and there is no interest between both parties to renew the relationship. So no Messi on the FIFA 17 cover.
It’s been widely speculated the company is looking for a fresh face to reinvigorate the franchise (not that it needs any help in sales), which makes since. EA Sports has a history of changing up on the regular when it comes to poster childs. Messi might be the longest-serving athlete to grace the cover of one of their video games. The only other athlete I can think of that might have had a similar run when it comes to sports video game covers is Tiger Woods.
As far as EA’s selection for their next poster child, I’m sure it will be a drawn out and well-thought process. There’s a certain method to the madness behind being selected as the FIFA poster child. It’s all about marketability. Do you think it’s just coincidence that Messi has been on the cover for the past three to four years? Sure, being the best player in the world helps, but it’s also that his talent is super marketable to soccer players all around the world. You have to take into account all demographics when it comes to the cover. It was a smart move by EA to put Alex Morgan on this past years’ cover, not only to sell the appeal that you can play as the World Cup-winning women’s national team for the first team, but because she has been somewhat of a catalyst lately for U.S. soccer.
With that being said, here are some ideas on who EA might sign as their next face of the franchise for the FIFA 17 cover. Keep in mind, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar are not options, as they have a commitment to Konami’s Pro Soccer Evolution game.
Gareth Bale
Photo: @WelshSportLive | Twitter
Bale is no stranger to the FIFA spotlight, as he was featured on the FIFA 14 cover in the UK when he was still with Tottenham Hotspur. Now Bale’s legend has vastly increased since signing a rich contract with Real Madrid, and he is now a house-hold name. Putting him back on the cover would be a good move for EA, as he is a recognizable face. Although, I’m afraid putting him on the cover would reintroduce the man bun craze.
Mesut Ozil
Photo: @SkyFootball | Twitter
Ozil’s brilliant play is one of the reasons the Gunners are back on top of the Barclay’s Premier League at the moment. If selected, he would be the first Arsenal player to be on the cover since Patrick Viera in 2005. Ozil’s another face that is very recognizable thanks to his time in Madrid and playing for world champions Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Tim Howard
Photo: @steagles1 | Twitter
TIMMY! Tim Howard would be a fantastic player to put on the cover of FIFA 17. North America is arguably EA’s biggest market, so it makes sense to put an American on the cover. People who don’t follow the sport have at least heard the name Tim Howard thanks to the memes the internet created after his legendary performance against Belgium in the 2014 World Cup.
Jamie Vardy
Photo: @H8Zone | Twitter
Jamie Vardy is the hottest up-and-coming name in soccer at the moment. His absurd goal-scoring prowess has not only catapulted Leicester City into the Premier League title race, but has made him someone that the world is talking about. EA would be foolish not to at least consider hopping on the Vardy lightning bolt and riding it all the way into September and a FIFA 17 Cover.
Javier Hernandez
Photo: @christian_8d | Twiiter
Another guy who is just putting in goals left and right, Chicharito was on the cover of FIFA 14, sharing it with Messi. But, that cover was only exclusive in certain parts of North America. Chicharito has an enormous following amongst the hispanic community, as well as in the United States itself. It’s the same scenario as Tim Howard, where people who don’t necessarily follow the sport still have an idea of who Hernandez is because of his time with Manchester United, as well as his recent scoring streak.
Nicklas Bendtner
Photo: @garethd001 | Twitter
The time has come. Lord Bendtner needs to take his rightful spot as the face of a franchise which needs a new face. Who better to take the crown from Messi than one of the most dangerous goal poachers Europe has ever seen? I mean, is there even a better option out there? EA might as well forget asking everyone else, because the decision has already been made. Not putting this man on the cover is a total injustice not just to soccer fans, but to the entire world. Bendtner deserves his shot at greatness. Give it to him, EA.
P.S. Totally kidding about this one.
Sepp Blatter
Photo: @voetbalgokken_ | Twitter
Also totally kidding about this one.
