Gaming
Back in FIFA 14, 'Legends' were introduced in the series' Ultimate Team mode for the first time, allowing gamers to acquire retired greats from the world of football such as Pelé, Marco Van Basten and Paolo Maldini.
For FIFA 18, the concept was overhauled, changing its name from 'Legends' to 'Icons', as well as incorporating multiple variants of each player. And while the feature has included plenty of exciting additions, we're hoping to see even more Icons in FIFA 19.
Below, we've highlighted just a selection of names that we'd be excited to play as in Ultimate Team later this year. In the interest of availability, we've eliminated anyone currently featuring as a Legend in Pro Evolution Soccer 2018.
1. Gianluigi Buffon
Italian legend Buffon is already featured in FUT 18, sporting an 89 rating for Series A giants Juventus. However, he seemingly looks set to retire at the end of this season, unless Juventus are unable to clinch Champions League glory. Should he choose to call it quits, the talented shot-stopper will surely be in contention for an Icon item in FIFA 19, having remained one of the world's very best goalkeepers for over two decades.
2. Bobby Charlton
While a handful of players from England's 1966 World Cup winning team have been represented in FIFA Ultimate Team over the years, Sir Bobby Charlton has yet to feature. We'd predict his absence has been caused by licensing issues in previous titles but assuming these can be worked around, it'd be great to take control of the Manchester United legend and one of the greatest midfielders of all time in FUT 19.
3. Franz Beckenbauer
Following FIFA 18's extensive rejig of the Legend/Icon system, a selection of past entries failed to make the cut. German defender Franz Beckenbauer was among them, having featured as a 93-rated defender in FIFA 15, 16 and 17. He served as arguably the best defender in all of Ultimate Team last time around and while we're hoping to see many players re-added for FUT 19, Beckenbauer is at the top of our wishlist.
4. Francesco Totti
The historic career of Roma's Francesco Totti was crowned with a 96-rated 'End of an Era' item in FIFA 17 Ultimate Team. He's yet to reappear in FIFA 18, however, making him a perfect candidate for Icon status in FUT 19. There are plenty of eras to choose from too, Totti having won a mass of awards across his 786 appearances for the club, as well as helping Italy to the final of Euro 2000 and World Cup glory in 2006.
5. Zinedine Zidane
The last time French superstar Zinedine Zidane was playable in the EA Sports series was back in FIFA 06, sporting an overall rating of 92. He's famously never reappeared as a Legend or Icon since then and we'd love to see the former World Cup winner, World Player of the Year and current Real Madrid manager in FUT 19. For now, you can still acquire him as a manager item but it'd be great to lace up his boots once more.
6. Eusébio
Nicknamed the 'Black Panther', Portuguese sensation Eusébio was one of the greatest footballers of all time, scoring a ridiculous 733 goals in 745 matches for club and country. The striker notched up an incredible list of accolades throughout his career, including 11 Primeira Liga titles with Benfica. He's one of many forwards we'd like to see from his era in Ultimate Team – Di Stéfano, Puskás and Eusébio upfront? Yes, please.
7. Andrea Pirlo
Back in November, New York City FC's Andrea Pirlo formally announced his retirement following a rich career which saw him win the Scudetto twice and two Champions League titles with Milan, as well as four Serie A titles with Juventus. He's still in FIFA 18 Ultimate Team for now (his 91-rated 'End of an Era' item is particularly lethal) but for FIFA 19, we're hoping to see the Italian midfielder etched into FUT history with an Icon of his own.
8. Gabriel Batistuta
It's been well over a decade since Argentina legend Gabriel Batistuta last appeared in the FIFA franchise – back when the PlayStation 2, GameCube and original Xbox consoles were still current. It's surely time for the two-time Copa America winner – who until 2016, remained Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer – to make his return. Plus, we'd love to hear Martin Tyler scream "BATIGOL!" from the FIFA 19 commentary box.