EA Sports has released the EA FC25 Diego Maradona Shapeshifters Icon SBC in Ultimate Team, allowing gamers to obtain the 98-rated version of the Argentine legend. This item was released via packs earlier in the game cycle during the first week of the Shapeshifters event, transforming the legendary playmaker into a devastating left winger.
With 5-star skill moves, 5-star weak foot, and game-changing stats, this 98-rated Maradona card is one of the most coveted items in Ultimate Team. Here’s your complete guide to completing this expensive but worthwhile SBC.
Table of Contents
EA FC25 SBC Overview & Cost Analysis
| SBC Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Tasks | 18 Squads Required |
| Expected Cost | ~930,000 coins |
| Player Rating | 98 OVR Shapeshifters Icon |
| Position | LW (Left Winger) |
| Key Stats | 5★ Skills, 5★ Weak Foot |
All Tasks & Cheapest Solutions
Early Tasks (1-2): Foundation Building
Task 1: Born Legend
- Requirements: 11 Rare Bronze Players
- Cheapest Solution: Ellis Chapman (62), Andrei Gorcea (63), Ben Doherty (61), Celestin De Schrevel (60), plus 7 more bronze rares
Task 2: Rising Star
- Requirements: 11 Rare Silver Players
- Cheapest Solution: Aapo Halme (65), Dave Gnaase (68), Donovan Pines (68), plus 8 more silver rares
Mid-Tier Tasks (3-7): Building Momentum
Task 3: On a Loan
- Requirements: 89 OVR Team
- Key Players: Bruno Fernandes (92), Martin Ødegaard (89), Thibaut Courtois (89)
Task 4: El Pibe de Oro
- Requirements: 89 OVR + 1 Argentina Player
- Optimal Solution: Lionel Messi (92) plus high-rated support players
Task 5: League Finesse
- Requirements: 89 OVR + 1 LaLiga + 1 TOTS/TOTW
- Budget Pick: Bigas TOTS (92) with LaLiga connection
High-End Tasks (8-18): The Investment Phase
| Task Range | OVR Requirement | Key Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Tasks 8-9 | 90 OVR | Mix 90+ with fodder players |
| Tasks 10-11 | 91 OVR + TOTS | Use high-rated TOTS cards |
| Tasks 12-14 | 92 OVR + TOTS | Premium cards + cheap fodder |
| Tasks 15-16 | 93 OVR | Icon/Premium player focus |
| Tasks 17-18 | 94 OVR | Most expensive – use pack luck |
Smart Completion Strategies
Budget-Friendly Approach
The overall expected cost of the EA FC 25 Diego Maradona Shapeshifters Icon SBC is around 930,000 coins. While this is more expensive than his price in the transfer market, there are plenty of fodder players available in packs during the ongoing FUTTIES event.
Money-Saving Tips:
- Use Pack Fodder: Complete FUTTIES objectives for high-rated players
- TOTS Trading: Buy TOTS cards during market crashes
- Squad Building: Mix expensive cards with cheap high-rated fodder
- Timing: Complete during rewards or pack opening events
Advanced Solutions for 92+ Rated Squads
Task 12-14 Optimal Build:
- Isco (96), Evander TOTS (96), Ayoze Perez (95)
- Fill remaining spots with 79-80 rated players
- Cost: ~150,000 coins per squad
Tasks 17-18 Premium Strategy:
- Use 95+ rated special cards as anchors
- Kevin De Bruyne (90), Jude Bellingham (90) for chemistry
- Expected Cost: 200,000+ coins per squad
Is Maradona Shapeshifters Worth It?
Pros:
- Elite Dribbling: 99 dribbling with 5-star skills makes him unstoppable
- Versatile Attacking: Can play LW, CAM, or even striker effectively
- Icon Chemistry: Links with any player for squad building flexibility
- End-Game Quality: Viable until the game cycle ends
Cons:
- High Cost: Nearly 1 million coins investment
- Market Alternative: Tradeable version may be cheaper
- Height Factor: 165cm may struggle against tall defenders
For more Ultimate Team SBC strategies and market analysis, check out our comprehensive EA FC 25 SBC completion guide covering cost-effective squad building techniques.
Market Timing & Pack Strategy
The best time to complete this SBC is during major pack opening events or weekend rewards. FUTTIES event packs provide excellent fodder opportunities, making the 930,000 coin investment more manageable.
Pro Tip: Monitor the transfer market for special card crashes, especially during Team of the Week releases or major promotional events.
Ready to dominate Ultimate Team with legendary players? Visit the official EA Sports FC website for the latest updates, player ratings, and SBC releases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is it better to buy Diego Maradona from the transfer market or complete the SBC?
A: Currently, the SBC costs around 930,000 coins while the tradeable version fluctuates in price. If you have significant untradeable fodder from pack openings and FUTTIES rewards, the SBC becomes more cost-effective. However, if you’re buying everything from scratch, check the transfer market first as prices can vary significantly based on supply and demand.
Q: What’s the best formation and tactics to maximize Maradona Shapeshifters’ impact?
A: The 98-rated Maradona excels as a Left Winger in 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations with “Cut Inside” instructions. His 5-star weak foot and skills, combined with 99 dribbling, make him deadly when drifting central to create scoring opportunities. Set him to “Get In Behind” and “Come Short” to maximize his versatility in attack.
