Players who engage in EA Sports FC’s Ultimate Team mode are likely familiar with the game’s regular promotional cycles. Every few weeks, enhanced versions of players are introduced to spice up fantasy teams. However, one promotion that holds a special place in gamers’ hearts is the now-defunct FUTMAS event from the EA Sports FIFA era.
FUTMAS used to feature daily squad building challenges based on the corresponding day in December, resembling an Ultimate Team advent calendar. Despite calls from fans for its return, FUTMAS was replaced in 2020 by the FUT Freeze promotion during the FIFA 21 cycle.
Since then, Winter Wildcards have taken over in FIFA 22, maintaining some similar elements but lacking the nostalgic ‘advent’ essence that players cherished in the lead-up to Christmas. Notably, there were standout FUTMAS cards, including Zlatan’s formidable 89 overall rating card in FIFA 18, which was renowned for defying the pace-focused gameplay meta.
Other memorable FUTMAS cards included Firmino’s versatile 88-rated CF card, Sanches’s cost-effective midfield powerhouse card, Matuidi’s valuable link-up card with Cristiano Ronaldo, Meunier’s positional flexibility card, Torreira’s upgraded budget-friendly midfield card, Nainggolan’s dominant midfield presence card, Son’s attacking threat card with a 5-star weak foot, and the elusive FUTMAS Jesus card that never materialized in FIFA 20 despite leaks.
Although FUTMAS has faded into the past, the community still fondly remembers the impactful and unique cards that once graced the promotion, keeping the spirit of FUTMAS alive in FIFA gaming folklore.