summary
FIFA ratings symbolize who the best players in the world are each year. Some of the most highly rated players in the history of the game include Gianluigi Buffon and Thierry Henry. However, notable players such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were absent.
Ratings for all of EA Sports’ soccer games are always controversial. Players want to be the most highly rated players around, and some even complain when they think the company is treating them unfairly. The first game, FIFA International Soccer, started the trend in 1993, and the latest game, EA Sports FC 25, continues the trend.
It has changed dramatically over the years. The graphics are better, more realistic, and definitely more competitive. It’s almost impossible to imagine a FUT Champion in the 1990s, and you’d be scratching your head trying to figure out why people cared so much.
Ratings have changed over the years, so we decided to reveal the highest rated Elevens of all time. To be fair, I’ve only included basic reviews, whether it’s simply in-game or in Ultimate Team. However, the thought process between ratings has changed throughout history, so some of the greatest players of all time, such as Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, are not featured.
Top rated FIFA XI
position
name
year
club at the time
evaluation
GK
Gianluigi Buffon
FIFA 05
juventus
97
R.B.
Lilian Thuram
FIFA 05
juventus
92
C.B.
Alessandro Nesta
FIFA 05
ac milan
94
C.B.
Fernando Hierro
FIFA 02
real madrid
94
lb
Roberto Carlos
FIFA 05
real madrid
94
R.M.
Luis Figo
FIFA 02
real madrid
97
CM
Matteo Brighi
FIFA 03
parma
97
CM
zinedine zidane
FIFA 05
real madrid
96
LM
Ronaldinho
FIFA 06
Barcelona
95
ST
ronaldo
FIFA 04
real madrid
98
ST
Thierry Henry
FIFA 05
arsenal
97
GK: Gianluigi Buffon – 97
Juventus, FIFA 05
Gianluigi Buffon is one of the greatest goalkeepers of all time. The legendary Italian was always destined to win this place. The only question was when. Buffon epitomized consistency as he continued to rise over the decades, and it was in FIFA 05 that he achieved his highest rating during his impressive spell at Juventus.
The game was a comeback for Juventus, who finished third in Serie A, with six teams conceding fewer goals than the 42 goals conceded by the Old Lady. They also had a disappointing result in the Euros, losing in the group stage. However, FIFA and EA still consider him to be the best player between the sticks, highlighted by the fact that he also won the IFFHS World’s Best Goalkeeper Award.
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RB: Lilian Thuram – 92
Juventus, FIFA 05
Lilian Thuram, who has been at the same club for the same year, is a familiar companion at the back. The world-class right-back, who made 142 appearances for his native France, was always reliable in the defensive third. Modern options at the back cannot match his talent.
In the summer of 2004, Fabio Capello took over as Juventus manager, and Thuram was primarily used as a centre-back, although he was named right-back in the 2005 edition of FIFA. It symbolizes his versatility and toughness at the peak of his career, so it’s no wonder he was rated a 92.
CB: Alessandro Nesta – 94
AC Milan, FIFA 05
Alessandro Nesta, who moved to AC Milan, one of Juventus’ biggest rivals while remaining in Italy, is regarded as one of the best centre-backs to ever step on the pitch. The legendary Italian often played alongside world-class teammate Paolo Maldini and helped make AC Milan a formidable force.
The 2004/05 season also saw Nesta reach the pinnacle of his career. It came just after Carlo Ancelotti, one of the greatest managers of all time, helped Nesta take his game to the next level, en route to the title with just 24 goals conceded in 34 league games. It feels out of this world.
CB: Fernando Hierro – 94
Real Madrid, FIFA 02
Real Madrid have dominated the scene for years, winning the Champions League 15 times and producing countless world-class players. Surprisingly, former Bolton player Fernando Hierro is one of the stars known for his aggressiveness and strength in the backline.
When FIFA 02 was released, Hierro was nearing the end of his Real Madrid career, but was still given an impressive rating of 94. Real Madrid had just won their fourth La Liga title and won the Champions League again in May 2002. Modern centre-backs could learn a thing or two from the Spaniard.
LB: Roberto Carlos – 94
Real Madrid, FIFA 05
Roberto Carlos was not a traditional full-back. Although his status has changed over the years, this legendary Brazilian was far more than traditional. Known for his deadly set-pieces and deadly attacks from distance, Carlos was not only defensively aware, but also world-class in the final third.
In FIFA 05, he was the highest rated full-back at 94, which is not surprising considering he was a key cog in Real Madrid’s system. Last season, he scored eight goals, an incredible amount for a defender, and he replicated that in the game. Using him felt like a cheat code.
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RM: Luis Figo – 97
Real Madrid, FIFA 02
One of Carlos’ teammates joins him further forward on the opposite side. When Luis Figo made one of the most controversial moves in history from Barcelona to Real Madrid in 2000, he became a hated figure on Spain’s east coast. However, in the capital he was revered.
The winger quickly rose to prominence, winning the 2000 Ballon d’Or and the 2001 FIFA World Player of the Year award, becoming the world’s best player in 2001. FIFA had no choice but to make him the highest rated player of the game, scoring an astonishing 97 points.
CM: Matteo Brighi – 97
Parma, FIFA 03
This list is full of superstars and legends. They were all creating new stories and making history with their own feet, but Matteo Brighi never quite lived up to it, instead becoming famous for his somewhat confusing 97 rating in FIFA 03. . This young Italian was full of potential, but no one understood why. He was considered the best player in the game.
He beat out cover stars Thierry Henry, Carlos and Ryan Giggs to take the honor. The midfielder was named Serie A Young Player of the Year at the age of 21 last season with Bologna, but his talent was never discovered by Parma, who signed him from parent club Juventus. He retired in 2019 after a disappointing career and never lived up to the hype he initially had.
CM: Zinedine Zidane – 96
Real Madrid, FIFA 05
You could write an entire article full of Zinedine Zidane’s legendary moments. From his iconic Champions League winning goal to his infamous headbutt in the 2006 World Cup final, the world-class Frenchman has always been in the spotlight as one of the world’s best players.
He was rated 96 points in FIFA 05, the game was released just a few months after he was selected in the squad for the Euro 2004 tournament. Although he was only 32 years old at the time, FIFA 05 marked the beginning of the end for the midfielder. He never won another trophy, but a headbutt in 2006 ended his impressive career.
LM: Ronaldinho – 95
Barcelona, FIFA 06
Officially, he is a CAM in matches, but Ronaldinho prefers to play on the left wing, where he often played for Barcelona. This means he narrowly beats both Messi and Ronaldo with a rating of 94 throughout their iconic careers.
Ronaldinho had a confidence and cockiness on the pitch that most people can only dream of. Whether it was a cheeky skill move or a stunning finish into the top corner, the Brazilian was often in a league of his own. He won the Ballon d’Or in 2005, so he was always going to be the best player in FIFA 06.
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ST: Ronaldo – 98
Real Madrid, FIFA 04
When talking about the greatest players of all time, R9 Ronaldo’s name is rarely mentioned. But if he has an injury-free career, his name will always come up in those negotiations. The world-class Brazilian has the highest rating in FIFA history at 98, symbolizing how unstoppable he was at his peak.
The year before the game was released, he moved from Inter to the Spanish capital, winning the World Cup with Brazil and La Liga with Real Madrid. From his deadly finish into the top corner to his spectacular dribble past legendary defenders, Ronaldo was feared by everyone.
ST: Thierry Henry – 97
arsenal, fifa 05
Thierry Henry is the only Premier League player to be named in the all-time FIFA XI, despite being considered one of the best leagues in the world. None of the players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard or Virgil van Dijk were mentioned, perhaps underscoring how Henry was in a league of his own.
Before the release of FIFA 05, the Frenchman had also finished runner-up in the FIFA World Player of the Year award in 2003 and 2004, but in 2004 he helped Arsenal win the title with 30 goals. He won all of England’s individual awards. No defender came close to really stopping him.