FC 26 Career Mode thoughts

I have to start by acknowledging the few positives coming out of the FC 26 Career Mode deep dive. Yes, it's good that we can finally set the age of our created manager; it was an odd omission in previous years. The inclusion of the Manager Market is also welcome, although I'm still quite curious about how this will function with international teams. Unexpected Events sound promising, and I hope they add a layer of dynamic gameplay that can be built upon in future iterations. The deeper simulation with historical stats is another feature I’m personally excited about. ,

However, that’s where much of my excitement abruptly ends, overshadowed by a wave of familiar disappointments. Why, after all this time, is the negotiation presentation still unchanged? , The same goes for the new signed player presentation. It feels like a complete lack of effort to refresh these areas, which contribute significantly to the overall immersion.

My biggest concern revolves around Create a Club. The radio silence on this mode is deafening. Are we really going to be stuck with the same limited kit options and limited real-life sponsors? It’s frustrating that EA continues to neglect this area, especially when the potential for customisation and unique experiences is so high. Speaking of customisation, why the continued restrictions on editing youth academy player appearances? These aren't real people, so why can’t we have the freedom to adjust their faces and appearances to fit our vision for the team? It's baffling and needlessly limiting.

And then there are the recurring omissions. Where is the trophy cabinet? , It's a basic feature that's been requested for years, and its absence is simply inexcusable at this point. Adding to the frustration, the trophy celebrations still haven't been updated; they all look the same and utterly generic. Sponsorships are another missed opportunity, especially for Create a Club teams. Why can’t we have fictional sponsors to add another layer of depth and customisation to our created teams, free from real-world licensing constraints?

What's the point of even having a youth academy if it's just another 5v5 "rush mode"? It feels like a complete waste of potential.

Finally, the lack of any substantial news regarding national teams is deeply concerning. The silence is worrying and, frankly, ridiculous. Are we getting any new national teams? Is there any improvement to the international management experience? The lack of communication on this front is incredibly frustrating for those of us who enjoy managing on the international stage. I really do hope that we have more national teams

Overall, while I appreciate the few additions in FC 26, the continued neglect of long-standing issues and the lack of meaningful innovation leave me feeling profoundly disappointed. It’s hard not to feel like Career Mode is constantly playing second fiddle. It seems like NFL and NHL franchises often receive significantly deeper and more engaging career modes, while FC Career Mode continues to lag behind in terms of innovation and overall depth. It's time EA Sports started listening to the community's feedback and delivering the features we've been asking for, year after year.