It has happened: Cristiano Ronaldo leaves Real Madrid and joins Juventus Turin. We explain what CR7’s transfer means for EA and FIFA 19.
Cristiano Ronaldo has been on the cover of EA Sports’ soccer simulation since FIFA 18. In the game, especially in Ultimate Team, much revolves around him. For FIFA 19, EA already advertised with the superstar in the Real Madrid kit.
After the transfer to Juventus Turin announced on Tuesday afternoon, there is certainly a need for action. EA might now face several problems.
Ronaldo graces the cover of FIFA 19
CR7 was also introduced as the official cover star for FIFA 19 – in the Real Madrid jersey. This cover cannot be sold with the game, of course.
Ronaldo in Juve colors? The most likely option is to promote CR7 in the Juventus kit. However, if they want to avoid Photoshop editing, photos for all covers and in-game images, such as in the game menu, would need to be reshot. Not to mention the negotiations that would likely have to be newly conducted with Juventus Turin and Ronaldo.
Neymar to take over? Another option would be to elevate the “secondary star” Neymar. Currently, he plays a behind-the-scenes role to CR7 and should gradually be built up as a FIFA star. With the transfer, it might be easiest for EA to make the Brazilian the cover star directly.
The disaster: The Journey 3
Ronaldo is one of the main characters. The worst situation for EA is certainly due to Ronaldo’s transfer because of “The Journey 3”, the final chapter in the story of Alex Hunter. Even in the first two, especially the second part, CR7 played a crucial role in the story. Although the story of the third part is not yet known – it is certain that the superstar has a decisive role.
The story must be rewritten. Of course, EA cannot simply pretend that the transfer never happened. Probably a small part of the story will need to be changed, and due to the chain reaction that Ronaldo triggers with his transfer, several roles will have to be filled with new players. Not exactly a pleasant situation for EA, just two months before the expected release of the demo.
FIFA 19 Ultimate Team: The year of Serie A
For FUT 19, Cristiano Ronaldo’s transfer also means changes. These could even be more positive than negative, especially for fans of the fully licensed Serie A in FIFA 19 .
Serie A becomes more popular. CR7 is likely still the strongest offensive card in the entire game due to his deal with EA in FIFA 19. With the transfer to Juve, players of the Italian upper class will become significantly more popular. You will see strong “Serie A” cards like Milinkovic-Savic, Mertens, Dybala or Nainggolan more frequently in the Weekend League.
More variety in teams. In FIFA 18, “High End” teams almost always consisted offensively of La Liga players, mostly Ronaldo, Suarez, Messi, and Bale. With CR7’s transfer, fewer La Liga attackers might be seen in online play, which would greatly improve the variety. Because if Neymar were to stay at PSG, the three best FIFA attackers would be distributed across three different leagues.
“Cristiano Ronaldo”-OTW card? The “Player in Focus” or “Ones to Watch” cards are live items that increase their rating when the player receives a special card. Such an OTW card is usually reserved for young players who switched clubs before the season. However, in the case of CR7, EA will certainly make an exception.
Conclusion: Overall, it will be extremely exciting to see how EA handles the transfer of their shooting star – especially regarding marketing and promotion. Because CR7 in the Real Madrid kit was undoubtedly the core of their sales strategy. We are also very curious about the effects on the FUT transfer market and the teams!
