Icons are among the best players in the FIFA series. The FIFA 21 successor FIFA 22 is expected to feature new legends. Which players could be in the mix?
What are Icons in FIFA? Icons are special cards given to legendary players who are no longer actively playing football. The current icons in FIFA 21 include legends like Ronaldinho, Zidane, Beckham, and many other great footballers.
Every year, new icons are added to Ultimate Team. Which players might receive an Icon card at the release of FIFA 22?
We have looked around in the community. Various votes feature a range of players that fans believe could receive an Icon card. We have taken a closer look at 7 legends who definitely deserve an Icon card in FIFA 22.
Francesco Totti
Here’s why Totti deserves an Icon card: The Italian forward has long been among the cards that fans wish for as an Icon. After all, Totti ended his illustrious career in 2017. He is an absolute legend at AS Roma – the club he remained loyal to throughout his entire active career.
In the Italian Serie A, he scored 250 goals and provided 140 assists. He was also part of the Italian national team that won the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
Alfredo Di Stéfano
Here’s why Di Stéfano deserves an Icon card: The Argentine was active between the 1940s and the mid-1960s and was among the best players in the world during that time. He played for Real Madrid from 1953 to 1964, where he scored 216 goals.
There he played alongside Ferenc Puskás, forming a legendary striking duo. Puskás joined the Icons in FIFA 21 that could be featured in Ultimate Team. Now it’s time for Di Stéfano to follow him.
Edgar Davids
Here’s why Davids deserves an Icon card: Those who have been around for a while might remember “FIFA Football 2003” – today it would probably just be called “FIFA 03”. The cover features three players: Ryan Giggs, Roberto Carlos, and Edgar Davids.
Davids is the only player of this trio who did not have an Icon card in FIFA 21. That should be rectified in FIFA 22. The Dutchman has had an exciting career, having played for Ajax Amsterdam, AC Milan, Juventus, Barcelona, Inter Milan, and Tottenham.
His trademark was a special pair of glasses that he wore during his matches from 1999 onward. His other, more relevant trademark for the game was an aggressive playing style that earned him the nickname “Pitbull”. Such a player is always welcome in Ultimate Team!
Wayne Rooney
Here’s why Rooney deserves an Icon card: Although Wayne Rooney only hung up his football boots in January 2021, an Icon card in FIFA often comes quickly.
The Englishman certainly deserves one. At Manchester United, Rooney became a legend, scoring 253 goals in 13 years for his team. With 53 goals, he is also the all-time leading scorer for the English national team – ahead of players like Sir Bobby Charlton and Gary Lineker. An Icon card for Rooney will inevitably come at some point – possibly even in FIFA 22. And how it might look, Rooney’s End-of-an-Era card hinted at.
Zico
Here’s why Zico deserves an Icon card: Let’s go back a few years. The Brazilian Zico first caught attention in the 1970s and would become one of the most famous players in the world in the following years.
In 88 matches for the Brazilian national team, he scored 66 goals and was admired and feared primarily for his dangerous free kicks. Additionally, he pulled the strings in the midfield of his team and transitioned to coaching after his playing career. In FIFA 21, we were not able to play with him – perhaps that will change with FIFA 22.
Cafu
Here’s why Cafu deserves an Icon card: Let’s move from the Brazilian offense to the defense. There, we find the legendary right-back Cafu, who played 142 matches for the Brazilian national team – more than any other player. As the only player to have participated in three World Cup finals, he won two of them.
Also, off the national team, Cafu impressed on the right side of defense and was known for his fast counterattacks. He became an Italian champion both with AS Roma and AC Milan, and he also won the Champions League. In short: Cafu certainly deserves an Icon card.
Robin van Persie
Here’s why van Persie deserves an Icon card: The last time Robin van Persie was featured as a card was in FIFA 19; since then, the Dutchman has not been around due to his retirement. That could change if he receives an Icon card.
And it would be deserved! After all, van Persie is not only a fan favorite but also the all-time leading scorer of the Dutch national team with 50 goals. His incredible headed goal at the 2014 World Cup against Spain remains unforgettable, earning him the nickname “Flying Dutchman”.
Among other teams, he played in the Netherlands, but also in Turkey and primarily in the Premier League. He played 194 matches for Arsenal, scoring 96 goals, and at Manchester United, he added another 86 matches and 48 goals.
Which legends do you want? This list could go on indefinitely – after all, football has produced many legends over the years. Which players would you like to see as Icons in FIFA 22? Let us know in the comments!
Currently, the European Championship is underway before the Bundesliga continues next season. FIFA 22 is expected in the fall. And which Bundesliga players in FIFA 22 urgently need to improve, you can find out here.

