Back in 2022, legendary Argentinian footballer Diego Maradona was unexpectedly removed from FIFA 22 due to a “third-party dispute.” Since then, the rebranded EA FC series has been unable to include Maradona as part of its Icon series in Ultimate Team, despite the iconic midfielder’s impact upon the game. But that will all be changing soon.

Since his removal, it seems that EA Sports has been able to negotiate a new licensing agreement with Maradona’s estate. In turn, EA FC 25 will be reintroducing the footballing legend on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

Maradona’s inclusion shouldn’t come as a surprise to ardent EA FC 25 players. Earlier this month, leakers and dataminers revealed that a new Maradona card had been found in EA FC 25‘s code. Reintroducing Maradona on February 14 lines up perfectly with the release of a new in-game promo as well.

According to our promo calendar, the all-new Grassroots Greats promo is expected to drop on February 14, the same day as Maradona’s return. If the leaks for the promo are anything to go by, Grassroots Greats will be focused on cards that were incredibly overpowered in past titles. Essentially, it is a celebration of past years in the EA FC franchise. And what better way to celebrate that past than to include Diego Maradona — one of the most celebrated athletes in sports history — as the headliner?

As of now, we know that there will be two different Maradona cards — a 97-rated card and a 95-rated card. EA FC typically gives Icon cards three different variations to commemorate different stages of their career, so there will likely be at least one more Maradona card released in the future. And odds are, it’ll be the lowest rated of the three. But don’t expect any of them to be cheap as any Maradona is a fire Maradona.

Keep it locked to Operation Sports for more information regarding Maradona’s return, as well as the Grassroots Greats promo.