A new football season not only brings the excitement for the events that are to unfold on the tangible soccer pitch but also in the virtual world. Electronic Arts Inc. (EA) released its newest installment of the EA Sports football video game series, FC 26.
Formerly known as FIFA, EA Sports FC is one of the most popular video game franchises in the world, with over 10 million users globally. Each year, football fans eagerly anticipate the release of a new edition of the game, anticipating changes to ratings of their favorite players.
Zambian football enthusiasts are no exception, as BolaNews unveils the five highest-rated Zambian players, both male and female, in the new EA Sports FC26.
Before we delve into the list, let’s highlight some of the Zambian stars who narrowly missed out on the top five. Miguel Chaiwa is rated 60, earning a bronze card. Kingstone Mutandwa gets 63, while Prisca Chilufya sits at 66.
Chipolopolo skipper Lubambo Musonda is rated 68, while Stoppila Sunzu and Edward Chilufya are rated 69 each. Sitting just outside the top five is Lameck Banda with 71.
- Patson Daka (Overall Rating: 72)
Starting most of Leicester City FC’s matches on the bench has been a drawback for the Zambian striker, whose rating dropped from 74 to 72. His ankle injury did not help either, as he could not rack up goals for the Chipolopolo Boys. Daka still maintains his blistering pace with an 86 but will want to improve on his passing, which is only 58.
- Fashion Sakala (Overall Rating: 75)
Despite not featuring for the Chipolopolo Boys last season, Fashion Sakala remains the highest-rated male Zambian player in the EA Sports FC owing to his performances at club level. The forward netted eight goals and notched six assists in 2024-25, helping Al Fayha maintain their Saudi top-flight status. Given his pace rating of 90, many EA Sports FC 26 users will relish the prospect of having him in their teams.
- Grace Chanda (Overall Rating: 77)
Grace Chanda is the newest addition to the list. The Copper Queens midfielder is finally in the video game following her recuperation from an injury that sidelined her for several months. The Orlando Pride FC star gets an overall rating of 77, with a pace of 81, dribbling of 79, and shooting of 78.
- Racheal Kundananji (Overall Rating: 82)
Kundananji loses the accolade of Zambia’s highest-rated player in EA Sports FC following a narrow decline in her overall rating from 83 to 82. However, with a physicality rating of 88 and pace of 91, Kundananji is one of the strongest and fastest women’s players in EA Sports FC 26. Her shooting and dribbling at 80 and 84, respectively, are also very impressive.
- Barbra Banda (Overall Rating: 85)
The title of the highest-rated Zambian player in EA Sports FC26 belongs to Copper Queens skipper Barbra Banda. The striker leapfrogs Racheal Kundananji to claim the top spot in the video games’ national rankings. Banda saw her rating rise significantly from 77 in FC25 to 85 in FC26, making her one of the most improved players in the latest edition.
It was inevitable given her CAF Women’s Player of the Year award, BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year accolade, FIFA Best runners-up finish, and Ballon d’Or nominations. The 25-year-old enjoyed a memorable debut season with Pride, winning the NWSL Shield and Championship titles after scoring 17 goals in 25 games.
