What started as friendly matches between two teenage teammates on the England youth squad has now turned into something way bigger—Jude Bellingham and Jamal Musiala are officially the cover stars of EA Sports FC26.
And for both of them, it’s not just a photo op—it’s a full-circle moment rooted in their love of football and gaming.
Bellingham and Musiala Share the Spotlight
For the second year in a row, Bellingham, now a household name and Real Madrid’s midfield maestro, takes centre stage on the cover of the world’s most popular football video game. But this time, he’s not alone.
Joining him is Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala—his old roommate and gaming partner from their England U-team days—who now represents Germany on the international stage.
Together, they bring a new wave of young talent and star power to the franchise’s global face.
A Bond Forged in the Youth Team Days
Bellingham, now 22, looked back fondly on their shared journey.
“It’s really special to be doing this with Jamal.
We’ve come a long way from playing the game together in our rooms during youth camps.
Back then, it was just about having fun. Now we’re the ones on the cover. It’s crazy.”
Musiala echoed those sentiments, saying it was a surreal moment when he got the news.
“It was a dream growing up to be on the cover of this game. My little brother is going to be over the moon when he sees it.
And honestly, I still think I’ve got the edge over Jude when we play!”
What’s New in EA Sports FC26
Set to release globally on September 26, EA Sports FC26 is bringing more than just fresh faces on the cover.
The game boasts a revamped Manager Career Mode called Manager Live, along with updated core gameplay mechanics and expanded live events for Ultimate Team enthusiasts.
Whether you’re in it for the tournaments or the squad-building drama, the new features promise a deeper, more dynamic experience.
Both Stars Face Delayed Season Starts
As exciting as the game launch is, it comes during a rough patch for both players on the pitch.
Bellingham recently underwent shoulder surgery and is now on the road to recovery.
Spanish media reports suggest he’ll be out of action for two to three months.
Musiala, meanwhile, is facing a much longer spell on the sidelines.
He suffered a broken leg and a dislocated ankle in a brutal collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma during Bayern’s Club World Cup clash with PSG. The injury has ruled him out for several months.
Legends in the Making—Even Off the Pitch
Even though the start of their football seasons will be delayed, both Bellingham and Musiala continue to inspire the next generation—this time through the screens of millions of fans around the world.
Their story isn’t just about fame or flashy skills; it’s about two young talents who grew up dreaming of football, gaming, and now, living out both dreams at once.