The world of EA FC25 Ultimate Team is buzzing with excitement as Team of the Season (TOTS) celebrations reach their peak. Among the most coveted additions is Kim Min-Jae’s TOTS Honourable Mentions card, a defensive powerhouse that could transform your backline. The South Korean center-back, affectionately known as “The Monster” for his commanding presence, has earned this special 92-rated card through his stellar performances for Bayern Munich this season.
For Ultimate Team managers looking to bolster their defense without breaking the bank, this Squad Building Challenge (SBC) presents an incredible opportunity. However, navigating the requirements efficiently is crucial to completing it without overspending. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down every task, provide the most cost-effective solutions, and analyze whether this card is worth the investment compared to other top-tier center-backs in the current meta.
Whether you’re running a Bundesliga squad, need a defensive anchor, or simply appreciate elite defenders, this guide will help you secure Kim Min-Jae’s TOTS card while keeping your coin balance healthy.
Table of Contents
EA FC25 Kim Min-Jae TOTS Honourable Mentions: Card Analysis
Kim Min-Jae’s 92-rated TOTS Honourable Mentions card is a defensive colossus that brings a perfect blend of physicality and technical ability to your backline. With 90 Defending, 88 Physical, and 82 Pace, he stands among the most complete center-backs available through SBCs this season. His “Aerial Threat” PlayStyle+ ensures dominance in both defensive and offensive set-pieces, while his “Intercept” and “Block” traits make him a nightmare for opposing attackers.
Compared to his Gold 86-rated version, this TOTS upgrade provides massive improvements across the board:
- +6 Pace (82) for better recovery speed
- +6 Defending (90) for impeccable positioning and tackling
- +5 Physical (88) to outmuscle even the strongest strikers
With strong links to Bundesliga and South Korean players, he fits seamlessly into hybrid squads, particularly alongside meta cards like Alphonso Davies, Joshua Kimmich, or Heung-Min Son. His work rates (Medium/High) ensure he maintains excellent defensive positioning while not venturing too far forward.
SBC Requirements & Budget-Friendly Solutions
The Kim Min-Jae TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC consists of three segments, each with specific squad-building criteria. Below, we outline the most economical ways to complete them while minimizing costs.
Segment 1: Top Form (83-Rated Squad)
- Minimum OVR: 83
- Minimum Players from Top 5 Leagues: 1
- Minimum Team Chemistry: 25
Budget Solution (Approx. 11,500 Coins):
Start with an 83-rated goalkeeper like Anthony Lopes (Lyon), then build around affordable 83-rated outfield players such as Danilo (Juventus), Akanji (Man City), and Ginter (Freiburg). Midfielders like Parejo (Villarreal) and Can (Dortmund) provide excellent value, while attackers Morata (Atletico) and Iñaki Williams (Athletic Club) round out the squad.
Pro Tip: Check your club for untradeable 83+ cards before buying – you might already have suitable players collecting dust.
Segment 2: Bundesliga Presence (84-Rated Squad)
- Minimum OVR: 84
- Minimum Bundesliga Players: 1
- Minimum Team Chemistry: 30
Cost-Effective Approach (Approx. 17,000 Coins):
Begin with Trapp (Frankfurt) in goal, then utilize Bundesliga defenders like Süle (Dortmund) and Hummels (Dortmund) who often sell for reasonable prices. Midfielders Sabitzer (Dortmund) and Arnold (Wolfsburg) provide solid options, while attackers Füllkrug (Dortmund) and Sané (Bayern) complete the requirements.
Smart Move: If you completed recent Bundesliga player objectives or have untradeable special cards, they can help meet the chemistry requirements.
Segment 3: TOTS Excellence (86-Rated Squad + TOTS/TOTW Player)
- Minimum OVR: 86
- TOTS or TOTW Player Required: 1
- Minimum Team Chemistry: 25
Most Affordable Method (Approx. 33,000 Coins):
Build around high-rated goalkeepers like Ederson (Man City) or Ter Stegen (Barcelona). Defenders Rüdiger (Real Madrid) and Stones (Man City) offer good value, while midfielders Kroos (Real Madrid) and Modrić (Real Madrid) help reach the rating threshold. For the TOTS/TOTW requirement, look for cheap 83+ TOTW cards like Grimaldo (Bayer Leverkusen).
Expert Advice: If you have untradeable high-rated fodder from recent rewards, this is the perfect time to use them.
Is Kim Min-Jae’s TOTS SBC Worth Completing?
The Case For Completing It:
✅ Elite Defensive Stats – His 90 Defending and 88 Physical make him one of the best CBs available via SBC
✅ Strong Links – Perfect for Bundesliga or hybrid squads with South Korean players
✅ Cost-Effective – Cheaper than buying comparable tradable TOTS center-backs
✅ Future-Proof – Will remain viable through the end of the FC 25 cycle
Potential Drawbacks:
❌ Pace Limitations – 82 Pace might struggle against 95+ Pace meta strikers
❌ Opportunity Cost – Requires significant fodder that could be saved for future SBCs
Verdict: If you need a Bundesliga defender or have untradeables to reduce costs, this SBC is excellent value. However, if you already have top-tier CBs like TOTS Saliba or TOTY VVD, you might skip it.
Comparison: Kim Min-Jae vs. Other Meta Center-Backs
Player | Pace | Defending | Physical | Price (Coins) | Value Verdict |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kim Min-Jae (TOTS SBC) | 82 | 90 | 88 | ~62,000 (Untradeable) | Best budget TOTS CB |
Matthijs de Ligt (TOTW 90) | 80 | 89 | 88 | 95,000 (Tradable) | Slightly worse stats for higher cost |
Jonathan Tah (TOTS 92) | 78 | 92 | 93 | 120,000 (Tradable) | Better but much more expensive |
Virgil van Dijk (Gold 89) | 80 | 90 | 86 | 85,000 (Tradable) | Comparable but tradable |
Analysis: Kim Min-Jae offers better value than tradable options if you can complete the SBC for under 70k coins.
Conclusion
Kim Min-Jae’s TOTS Honourable Mentions SBC represents one of the best value defensive upgrades in EA FC25 Ultimate Team. By following our budget-friendly solutions, you can add this elite center-back to your squad without draining your coin balance. While his pace might not be elite, his defensive IQ and physical presence make him a formidable opponent against any attacker.
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FAQs
1. Can I use loan players in this SBC?
No, EA does not allow loan cards in SBC submissions. Only permanent items from your club count.
2. How long will this SBC be available?
TOTS SBCs typically remain live for 10-14 days, so complete it before expiration if interested.