Where is Maradona in FIFA 22: A Comprehensive Guide for American Gamers

For many football (or soccer, as we call it here in the States) fans, Diego Maradona is a legend. His incredible skill, iconic goals, and unforgettable personality have cemented his place in football history. So, it's no surprise that many players logging into FIFA 22 are wondering: "Where is Maradona in this game?" This article will provide you with a detailed breakdown of his presence, or lack thereof, in the latest installment of the popular EA Sports video game franchise.

Maradona's Absence in FIFA 22: The Unfortunate Truth

Let's get straight to the point: **Diego Maradona is NOT playable as an individual player card in FIFA 22's Ultimate Team mode, nor is he available in any other traditional gameplay modes as a licensed, active player.** This is a significant departure from previous FIFA titles where Maradona was a highly sought-after ICON card in Ultimate Team.

The reason for his absence is rooted in legal and licensing issues that arose after his passing. EA Sports, the developer of FIFA, had a licensing agreement with a company that represented Maradona. However, following his death, disputes emerged between his heirs and this licensing company, leading to the termination of EA's rights to use his likeness and name in the game.

This means you won't find a Maradona ICON card in packs, nor can you acquire him through SBCs (Squad Building Challenges) or the transfer market. The dream of lining up with El Diego on your virtual pitch in FIFA 22 is, unfortunately, a reality that won't be fulfilled.

What About FIFA 21 and Older Titles?

If you're a long-time FIFA player, you'll remember Maradona as a dominant ICON. In FIFA 21 and the years prior, Maradona was a celebrated part of the Ultimate Team experience. His ICON cards were highly coveted for their incredible pace, dribbling, and finishing abilities, perfectly capturing his on-field magic.

He was available in various versions, reflecting different stages of his career:

Prime Icon: Representing his peak years, often boasting astronomical stats.
Mid Icon: A slightly less powerful but still exceptional version.
Base Icon: The entry-level ICON card for Maradona, still incredibly effective.

These cards were instrumental for many players looking to elevate their Ultimate Team squads. The decision to remove him from FIFA 22 was a major disappointment for many in the FIFA community.

Are There Any Maradona-Related Elements in FIFA 22?

While you can't play as Maradona directly, there are a couple of indirect ways his legacy might be touched upon, though these are not direct gameplay elements:

Commentary Mentions: It's possible that commentators might still reference Maradona's legendary status or specific goals during matches, especially if you're playing with teams he famously played for, like Napoli or Argentina. However, these are general mentions and not specific to an in-game Maradona card.
Historical Teams/Stadiums (Potentially): In some historical contexts or through licensed stadiums that might have some Maradona memorabilia or historical significance, you might see subtle nods. However, EA Sports has been very careful to avoid any direct inclusion that could be misconstrued as having rights to his likeness.

Important Note: Do not fall for scams or unofficial websites claiming to offer Maradona cards or downloads for FIFA 22. These are fraudulent and can compromise your account security or lead to malware infections.

The Future of Maradona in FIFA Games

The future of Maradona's inclusion in future FIFA titles (or EA Sports FC, as the franchise will be known from FIFA 24 onwards) remains uncertain. The licensing situation is complex and depends on the resolutions between his estate and the relevant rights holders.

Fans are hopeful that EA Sports will be able to re-secure the rights in the future, allowing the legend of El Diego to once again grace the virtual pitches of FIFA. Until then, players will have to rely on other legendary talents to fill the void.

"Maradona was a magician with the ball. His ability to control the game and produce moments of brilliance was unlike anything we've ever seen."
- A Hypothetical Football Analyst

FIFA 22: Alternatives to Maradona

If you're looking for players with a similar flair and playmaking ability to Maradona in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, consider these ICONs and special cards:

Pelé: Another footballing icon, Pelé is available as an ICON and offers incredible all-around stats.
Lionel Messi: While not an ICON, Messi's dribbling, passing, and scoring prowess often evoke comparisons to Maradona. His various special cards throughout the year are fantastic.
Ronaldinho: His flair, skill moves, and dribbling are legendary and can provide a similar exciting experience on the ball.
Zinedine Zidane: A master of the midfield, Zidane's control, passing, and elegant play style make him a great alternative for those who loved Maradona's control.

Exploring these options can help you recreate the magic of a truly gifted playmaker on your FIFA 22 squad.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How can I get Maradona in FIFA 22?

Unfortunately, you cannot get Maradona as a playable player card in FIFA 22. Due to licensing disputes following his passing, EA Sports no longer has the rights to use his likeness in the game.

Why is Maradona not in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team?

Maradona is not in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team because the licensing agreement that allowed EA Sports to use his image and name expired and was not renewed due to legal disputes between his estate and the relevant licensing company.

Was Maradona in previous FIFA games?

Yes, Diego Maradona was a prominent ICON player in previous FIFA titles, most notably in FIFA 21 and the years leading up to it. He was a highly sought-after card in Ultimate Team.

Will Maradona be in future FIFA games (EA Sports FC)?

The return of Maradona to future FIFA games (or EA Sports FC) is uncertain. It depends on EA Sports' ability to re-negotiate licensing rights with the appropriate parties representing his estate.

Are there any Maradona-themed items or content in FIFA 22?

Direct Maradona-themed content is absent. While commentators might mention him, and historical stadiums could potentially have subtle nods, there are no Maradona player cards, kits, or specific celebrations directly tied to him in FIFA 22.