Baggio 91: what FC 26 players really think

The FC 26 subreddit can't stop debating Roberto Baggio. Discord servers are split between those posting rainbow flick compilations and those complaining about getting bodied off the ball every Weekend League match. After using him for 40 games across Division Rivals and Champions qualifiers, I finally understand why this 91 CAM Icon generates such polarizing opinions. He's simultaneously one of the most fun cards in FC 26 and one of the most frustrating to use competitively at 295,000 coins.

In-game feel & playstyle

Baggio's EXPLOSIVE AcceleRATE type combined with 86 acceleration makes him feel genuinely quick off the mark in those crucial first few yards. The 94 ball control and 93 dribbling create a silky-smooth feel on the ball that's addictive - he glides past defenders with left-stick dribbling alone, no skills required. His 93 vision and 92 short passing make him a natural playmaker who sees passes others miss, threading through balls into tight spaces that split defensive lines.

However, the 60 physicality is immediately noticeable. Any midfielder with 80+ strength will shove him off the ball mid-dribble. His 72 shot power means finesse shots lack zip - they're accurate thanks to 92 curve, but keepers have time to react. The 5-star skills are brilliant for creating space, but you need to execute them perfectly because he can't muscle through challenges if you mess up. His animations are smooth but not glitchy-good like some meta players.

Strengths

• Elite playmaking stats (93 vision, 92 short passing, 88 long passing) - He consistently picks out runs that I didn't even see myself. Through balls arrive perfectly weighted, and his 92 curve means lofted passes bend beautifully over defenders. In a 4-2-3-1, he's a dream CAM for setting up strikers.
• 5-star skills with 94 ball control - Rainbow flicks, elastico, McGeady spin - they all feel incredibly responsive. The ball genuinely sticks to his feet during skill moves, making it easier to chain them together. Perfect for players who love showboating or need skills to beat high-depth defenses.
• EXPLOSIVE acceleration (86 acceleration) - That initial burst gets him past defenders in tight spaces. Combined with his agility (80) and balance (81), he can change direction quickly and accelerate away. Not Mbappe-level, but noticeably faster than most CAMs.
• 92 curve for finesse shots - Outside-foot finesse shots from the edge of the box are deadly. The 82 finishing and 86 positioning mean he gets into scoring positions regularly, and that curve makes his shots hard to save when you have space to shoot.
• 4-star weak foot versatility - Unlike many 5-star skillers, his left foot is genuinely usable. You don't have to force him onto his right in every situation, which makes him less predictable and more effective in fluid attacking play.
• Perfect links as an Icon - Links to everyone on full chemistry. This is huge for hybrid squads or if you're trying to fit in players from obscure leagues. He solves chemistry puzzles effortlessly.
• Composure (84) holds up under pressure - In one-on-one situations or when through on goal, he doesn't panic. His finishing is reliable when you create clear chances, which is crucial for a playmaking CAM who also needs to chip in with goals.

Weaknesses

• 60 strength makes him a liability in physical battles - Any decent CDM or box-to-box midfielder dominates him. Tchouameni, Camavinga, even Valverde with a shadow - they all bully him off the ball. You have to play around this by releasing the ball quickly or using skills to avoid contact entirely.
• 72 shot power severely limits shooting range - Long shots above 20 yards are pointless. Even inside the box, power shots lack the velocity to beat elite keepers consistently. You're forced into finesse shots, which are easier to defend when opponents know it's coming.
• 295K price is steep for a non-meta CAM - At this price, you're competing with Prime Icons, top-tier gold cards, and special cards that offer better all-around stats. For a pure CAM, there are more balanced options for less coins.
• 82 sprint speed limits counter-attacking threat - While his acceleration is good, the 82 sprint speed means he won't outrun defenders over long distances. On counter-attacks, faster players will catch him if you're trying to carry the ball upfield.
• 38 defending means he's a defensive liability - If you lose possession, he contributes nothing defensively. The 36 interceptions and 33 standing tackle mean he can't win the ball back. You need defensively solid CMs to compensate.
• 74 stamina requires substitution by the 70th minute - In high-intensity matches where you're constantly triggering runs and sprinting, he's gassed by the final 20 minutes. You'll likely need a super-sub ready or conservative use of sprint.
• Not meta enough for elite-level Weekend League - At 16+ wins in Champions, you face cards that are simply better: faster, stronger, more clinical. Baggio's fun factor doesn't translate to Rank 1 grinders who prioritize efficiency over flair.

Best position, chemistry style & squads

Position: CAM in 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 formations. His passing and vision shine when he's central with passing lanes to both strikers and wingers. Avoid using him as a CM or ST - he's too weak for CM and lacks the pace for striker. Central CAM with stay forward instructions works best.

Chemistry Style: Engine is the clear choice. It boosts his pace (88 acceleration, 85 sprint speed), passing (95 vision, 94 short passing), and dribbling (94 agility, 95 ball control) to elite levels. Hunter is tempting for shooting, but you can't fix the 72 shot power issue, so lean into what makes him special: agility and playmaking.

Squad Fits: As an Icon, he links to everyone, which is his biggest squad-building advantage. Perfect for Serie A hybrids, Italian-themed squads, or as the bridge in a rainbow squad. Pair him with physically strong CMs (Kante, Vieira, Seedorf) to cover his defensive weaknesses. His medium/medium work rate is ideal for CAM - he won't abandon attacks or leave gaps in midfield.

Community opinion & what FUT players are saying

The FC 26 community is genuinely split on Baggio. On Reddit, I've seen posts titled "Baggio is the most fun card I've used" sitting right next to "Sold Baggio after 10 games - too weak." YouTube reviews are similarly divided: skill-heavy content creators love him for montage clips, while competitive players warn that he's a luxury card for casual modes.

In Weekend League discussions, the consensus is clear: he's viable up to Rank 3 if you're skilled, but struggles in the higher ranks where physicality matters more. Division Rivals players in Elite division report mixed results - he shines in possession-based tactics but gets exposed against high-pressure, physical teams. The skill-move community adores him, with countless rainbow flick and elastico compilations making him a popular choice for flair players.

Price-wise, most agree 295K is too much for what you get. Players suggest waiting for his price to drop to 200K or below before considering him, unless you're a massive Baggio fan or prioritize fun over meta. The general vibe: if you want to win consistently, there are better options; if you want to enjoy the game and create highlight-reel moments, Baggio delivers.

Final verdict & ratings

Who should buy:

• Skill-move enthusiasts who want a responsive 5-star skiller with elite ball control for creating highlight moments
• Possession players who prioritize passing, vision, and playmaking over physicality and can protect the ball with quick passing
• Serie A or Italian squad builders who need a top-tier Icon CAM and can afford to overlook his weaknesses
• Casual Weekend League players (Rank 5-3) who value fun and flair over sweaty meta cards

Who should skip:

• Competitive grinders chasing Rank 1/Elite who need cards that perform under pressure against top-tier opponents
• Players who rely on physical midfielders to win the ball back and dominate duels
• Counter-attacking players who need CAMs with 85+ sprint speed to lead fast breaks
• Budget-conscious players - 295K is too steep for a card with clear weaknesses when better value exists elsewhere

Our ratings:

• Meta rating: 13/20 - He's fun and effective in the right hands, but clear weaknesses (strength, shot power, stamina) prevent him from being a true meta card. Viable up to Rank 3 Weekend League, but outclassed at the highest levels.
• Fun rating: 19/20 - This is where Baggio truly shines. 5-star skills, silky dribbling, and pinpoint passing make him one of the most enjoyable cards to use in FC 26. If you prioritize entertainment over results, he's brilliant.
• Value for coins: 12/20 - At 295K, he's overpriced for what he offers. Wait for a price drop to 200K or below, or buy him only if you're a die-hard fan. There are more balanced CAMs available for similar or less coins.

Conclusion