Maradona 96 broke my controller (not kidding)

The 96-rated Thunderstruck Maradona has dropped as the crown jewel of Black Friday, and at 7.5 million coins, this Icon CAM comes with expectations higher than his 98 dribbling stat. With 97 ball control, 96 balance, 96 composure, 95 finishing, and 5-star skills, the stats scream elite. But in a meta dominated by lengthy strikers and explosive wingers, can a 5'5" attacking midfielder with unknown body type and no listed AcceleRATE justify being one of the most expensive cards in FC 26? Let's break down whether El Pibe de Oro is still golden in Weekend League.

In-game feel & playstyle

Maradona 96 feels like silk on the ball. That 98 dribbling combined with 97 ball control and 96 balance creates a card that glides through traffic like defenders aren't there. The 91 agility makes him incredibly responsive, and the 5-star skills open up endless creativity. With 94 reactions and 96 composure, he never panics in tight spaces - you can turn on a dime and the ball stays magnetically attached to his feet. The 93 acceleration gets him to top speed quickly, though the 89 sprint speed means he won't outrun recovery pace over long distances. At CAM, he's a genuine playmaker - the 96 vision and 91 short passing thread balls through the smallest gaps, while 95 finishing and 92 long shots make him a legitimate scoring threat. The 96 curve on finesse shots is pure art. However, that 5'5" frame is a double-edged sword. While it makes him nimble and hard to dispossess in tight areas, he gets bodied by any physical midfielder. The unknown AcceleRATE type is concerning - he doesn't feel explosive like Controlled cards, but he's not lengthy either, suggesting Mostly Balanced which limits his effectiveness in FC 26's pace-focused meta.

Strengths

• Elite dribbling (98) and ball control (97) - The best ball retention in the game. He weaves through defensive lines like they're training cones, and the left stick dribbling is mesmerizing. Combined with 96 balance, he's nearly impossible to knock off the ball in tight spaces.
• 5-star skill moves with perfect stats - Unlike some 5-star skillers who feel clunky, Maradona has the agility (91) and reactions (94) to make every skill move fluid. Elasticos, McGeady spins, and ball rolls are instant and effective.
• Clinical finishing (95) with 96 composure - He doesn't miss in the box. Low drivens, finesses, and even power shots feel reliable. The composure means he stays calm in 1v1s and doesn't choke in clutch moments.
• Playmaking vision (96) and passing (91 short, 90 long) - Arguably the best CAM for threading through balls. The vision stat lets him see passes other cards can't, and the execution is pinpoint. Split defenses all game long.
• Curve (96) and finesse shots - The finesse shot trait isn't listed, but with 96 curve, it doesn't matter. Top corner finesses from 20 yards are automatic. Green-timed shots are virtually unstoppable.
• Free kick specialist (94 FK accuracy) - One of the best free kick takers in the game. The curve and accuracy make anything inside 25 yards a genuine goal threat.
• 93 acceleration for quick bursts - While not explosive tier, the acceleration is good enough to create separation in the first few yards, which is all you need with his dribbling.
• Perfect Icon links - Green links to everyone. Build any hybrid squad without chemistry headaches. Argentina links to Messi, Dybala, and every meta Argentine card.

Weaknesses

• 7.5M price tag is astronomical - At this price, you could build an entire meta squad. Cards like Mid Gullit, Prime Zidane, or even base Maradona at 3M offer better value. The Thunderstruck upgrade doesn't justify the 4M+ premium.
• 5'5" height and 78 strength - Gets bullied by any physical midfielder. Kante, Vieira, even Bellingham will push him off the ball in 50/50s. Against high-pressure opponents, he's a liability in midfield battles.
• 89 sprint speed limits top-end pace - In a game where 90+ sprint speed is standard for attackers, Maradona gets caught on long runs. He can't exploit space over the top or recover defensively when needed.
• Unknown AcceleRATE type (likely Mostly Balanced) - Without Controlled or Explosive, he doesn't get the acceleration boosts that define the meta. This makes him feel a step behind cards with defined AcceleRATE types.
• 42 defending makes him a passenger off the ball - In a 4-2-3-1, your CAM needs to track back in Weekend League. Maradona at CAM is a defensive void - 47 interceptions, 29 defensive awareness, 43 standing tackle. You're playing 10v11 defensively.
• 4-star weak foot can be exploited - While 4-star is fine for most situations, at 7.5M you expect 5-star. Left-footed shots occasionally miss the target, and good opponents will force him onto his right.
• 81 stamina means late-game fatigue - By the 70th minute, he's noticeably slower. In extra time Weekend League matches, he's practically jogging. You'll need to sub him off or manage his energy.

Best position, chemistry style & squads

Position: CAM in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 is mandatory. Don't waste him at ST where his height becomes a massive problem on crosses and corners. At CAM, he's the playmaker who stays central and creates. Can also work as a false 9 in a 4-3-3 (5) if you pair him with pacey wingers to stretch defenses. Avoid CM/CDM - the defensive stats are non-existent.

Chemistry Style: Engine is the best choice. Boosts his 93 acceleration to 98, takes agility and balance to near-max, and improves passing stats. The pace boost compensates for the 89 sprint speed, and the dribbling/passing improvements maximize his playmaking. Hunter is tempting for the finishing boost, but his shooting is already elite (95 finishing, 92 long shots) - you need the mobility more. Hawk could work if you want a bit of strength (78→83), but you're still getting bodied, so Engine's agility is more valuable.

Squad Fits: Icon links make him flexible, but at 7.5M, you're likely building a God squad. Pair him with two defensive CMs like Vieira and Gullit to cover his defensive gaps. Argentina links to Messi (RW), Di Maria (LW/RW), Dybala (ST), Lautaro Martinez (ST) - build a full Argentina attack if you want. Alternatively, use him as the single Icon link in a meta Premier League or La Liga squad. Strong partnerships: Messi at RW (cut-inside finesse combo), Vieira at CDM (defensive cover), Ronaldo at ST (target man to play off).

Community opinion & what FUT players are saying

The community is deeply split on Thunderstruck Maradona. Weekend League grinders acknowledge he's fun but question the value at 7.5M. Most reviews praise the dribbling and playmaking - he's genuinely one of the most enjoyable cards to control, and the nostalgia factor is real for older players who watched him play. However, competitive players consistently point out the same issues: the height, weak foot, and defensive liability make him a luxury rather than a necessity. In Elite Division, opponents press aggressively and exploit his physical weakness, forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. Several pros have tested him and benched him after 10 games, saying he's "amazing when you're winning, invisible when you're losing." The price is the biggest complaint - at 3M, he'd be a must-try; at 7.5M, you're paying a nostalgia tax. YouTuber reviews are positive but measured, with most concluding he's elite-tier for casual play and Division Rivals, but not meta-defining in top-tier Weekend League. The consensus: incredible card, absurd price.

Final verdict & ratings

Who should buy:

• Maradona fans who value nostalgia and want to play with a legend - if coins aren't an issue, the experience is unmatched
• Skill move enthusiasts who love creative attacking play - the 5-star skills with elite dribbling stats make him the ultimate showboating card
• Players building Argentina/Icon squads with 5M+ budgets who need the ultimate CAM playmaker
• Division Rivals grinders who prioritize fun over meta - he's genuinely the most entertaining card to play with if you're not in Elite/Champs

Who should skip:

• Competitive Weekend League players on a budget - 7.5M gets you Vieira, Gullit, or Prime R9 who impact games more
• Anyone who struggles against high-pressure tactics - his physicality and height make him a liability against aggressive opponents
• Players who need defensively solid CAMs - the 42 defending makes him a passenger in the middle third
• Traders/investors - at 7.5M during Black Friday promo, he's likely to crash as supply increases and Team of the Year approaches

Our ratings:

• Meta rating: 16.5/20 - Elite in attack, but the height, weak foot, and defensive gaps prevent him from being top-tier meta. Usable in Elite Division, but not optimal against the best opponents.
• Fun rating: 19.5/20 - One of the most enjoyable cards in FC 26. The dribbling, skills, and playmaking create highlight-reel moments every game. Pure entertainment.
• Value for coins: 12.0/20 - At 7.5M, he's overpriced by 3-4M. The performance is elite, but cards at half the price (Mid Zidane, Prime Nedved) deliver 85% of the output. You're paying for the name and the Thunderstruck hype.

Conclusion