Eto'o 90 ST Review: ELITE Pace Meets Clinical Finishing?

Samuel Eto'o's 90 Thunderstruck ICON is one of the most complete strikers available in FC 26, combining elite pace (93 acceleration, 93 sprint speed) with clinical finishing (94) and exceptional positioning (92). At 1.86M coins across all platforms, this Cameroonian legend offers a unique blend of speed, shooting accuracy, and 4-star weak foot versatility. With Controlled AcceleRATE, 93 reactions, and 92 composure, Eto'o feels exceptionally responsive in the box and rarely misses clear chances. However, at 179cm and with only 79 strength, he can struggle against dominant center backs in physical battles, and his 81 dribbling face stat doesn't quite match the elite tier of agile dribblers.

In-game feel & playstyle

Eto'o plays exactly how you'd expect from his stats - as a rapid, clinical finisher who lives in the box. His Controlled AcceleRATE type gives him excellent burst acceleration combined with sustained sprint speed, making him deadly on through balls and counter-attacks. The 93 reactions paired with 88 agility means he feels sharp and responsive when turning defenders or adjusting his body for shots. His 88 ball control is excellent for a striker, allowing him to take clean first touches in tight spaces.

What truly sets Eto'o apart is his finishing consistency. With 94 finishing, 89 shot power, 89 long shots, and 88 volleys, he converts nearly everything inside the box and is dangerous from distance. The 92 composure means he stays calm in one-on-ones, while his 4-star weak foot makes him genuinely two-footed - you can confidently shoot with either foot. His 4-star skill moves provide enough flair for basic skill chains, though he's not a skill spam merchant.

The main limitation in his feel is physicality. While 79 strength isn't terrible, you'll notice him getting bullied by the likes of Van Dijk, Rüdiger, or other high-strength defenders. At 179cm, he also lacks the aerial dominance for consistent heading despite his 85 heading accuracy and 89 jumping. His passing (81 face stat, 84 short passing) is serviceable but not elite - he can link up play but won't thread killer through balls like a true playmaker.

Strengths

• Blistering pace (93/93) - Elite acceleration and sprint speed make him one of the fastest strikers in the game, perfect for getting in behind high defensive lines and dominating counter-attacks in Weekend League.
• Clinical finishing (94 finishing, 92 positioning) - Converts almost every clear chance inside the box. The combination of elite finishing, positioning, and 92 composure means he rarely bottled sitters, even under pressure.
• 4-star weak foot reliability - Genuinely two-footed striker who can finish with either foot. This versatility is crucial for quick shots in tight angles where you can't always set up on his preferred right foot.
• Excellent reactions (93) and agility (88) - Feels incredibly sharp when making quick turns, adjusting body position for shots, or reacting to loose balls in the box. The responsiveness is noticeable compared to clunkier strikers.
• Controlled AcceleRATE type - Best of both worlds with quick initial burst and sustained top speed. More balanced than Lengthy strikers who need space to build up speed or Explosive players who lack top-end pace.
• Well-rounded shooting stats - Not just finishing - his 89 shot power, 89 long shots, 88 volleys, and 89 penalties make him dangerous in multiple situations. Can score screamers from outside the box or acrobatic volleys.
• High stamina (88) - Can press and sprint for the full 90 minutes without noticeable drop-off. Perfect for aggressive custom tactics that require constant striker movement.
• Icon chemistry benefits - Links to everyone, making squad building significantly easier. Perfect for hybrid squads or when you need a strong link to off-league players.

Weaknesses

• Moderate strength (79) gets bullied - Elite center backs like Van Dijk, Rüdiger, or Chiellini will push him off the ball in physical duels. He's not a target man who can hold up play against dominant defenders.
• Average height (179cm) limits aerial game - Despite 85 heading accuracy and 89 jumping, his shorter stature means he won't dominate in the air against tall CBs. Crosses aren't his strength.
• Passing not elite for link-up play (81 face stat) - While his 84 short passing is serviceable, the 71 long passing and 84 vision mean he's not threading killer through balls. Better as a finisher than playmaker.
• No 5-star weak foot for absolute perfection - While 4-star is very good, you'll occasionally notice slightly weaker shots on his left foot compared to meta 5-star weak foot strikers. Minor but noticeable in tight games.
• Expensive at 1.86M coins - Hard to justify when cards like Mbappé or other top-tier strikers offer similar or better output at comparable prices. The Icon tax is real.
• No standout PlayStyles or PlayStyles+ - The database shows zero playstyles, which means he lacks the boosted animations and behaviors that make some meta cards feel extra special in certain situations.
• Balance could be higher (81) - While 88 agility is excellent, the 81 balance means he can occasionally be knocked off stride when dribbling at full sprint or taking contact during turns.

Best position, chemistry style & squads

Position: Eto'o is best used as a lone striker (ST) in 4-3-3, 4-2-3-1, or 4-1-2-1-2 formations. His work rates aren't listed in the database, but his stats suggest he's perfect for a get-in-behind instruction. In two-striker formations like 4-4-2 or 4-1-2-1-2, pair him with a stronger, more physical target man to compensate for his lack of hold-up play.

Chemistry Style: Engine is the best choice to maximize his dribbling and agility. It boosts his balance to 86, agility to 93, and improves his passing stats (vision to 89, short passing to 89). This makes him sharper on the ball and better at link-up play. Alternative options include Hawk (boosts strength to 84, pace to max, and shooting) if you want more physicality, or Hunter (maxes pace and shooting) for pure goal-scoring focus, though his shooting is already elite.

Squad Fits: As an Icon, Eto'o links to everyone on full chemistry, making him perfect for hybrid squads. He's ideal if you're running a Cameroon/Icons/Legends theme, or if you need a strong link to awkward-to-link players. His Thunderstruck ICON rarity also adds aesthetic value to your squad. Pair him with creative playmakers like KDB, Bellingham, or Gullit in midfield to feed him through balls, and surround him with pacey wingers to create space.

Community opinion & what FUT players are saying

Community feedback on Eto'o has been largely positive, with Weekend League players praising his clinical finishing and elite pace combination. Many users highlight his reliability in front of goal, noting that he converts nearly every clear chance and feels smooth on the ball despite not having elite dribbling stats. His 4-star weak foot is frequently mentioned as a major advantage, allowing for quick shots from any angle.

However, the main criticism revolves around his price point and physical presence. Several players argue that 1.86M is steep when alternatives like Mbappé, R9 (if you can afford him), or even Thierry Henry offer similar pace with better physicality or dribbling. The lack of strength is a common complaint, with players noting that elite defenders can muscle him off the ball too easily. Some also mention that at his price range, they expect 5-star skills or weak foot for maximum versatility.

YouTuber DanFIFA recently reviewed Eto'o and echoed these sentiments, praising his finishing and pace while questioning whether he's worth the premium over cheaper alternatives. Competitive players appreciate his stamina and work rate but wish he had better passing for build-up play. Overall, the consensus is that Eto'o is a very good striker who excels at what he does (scoring goals), but he's not necessarily game-changing enough to justify the Icon premium unless you specifically need the links or love the player.

Final verdict & ratings

Samuel Eto'o 90 Thunderstruck ICON is an elite finisher who delivers in the final third. If you value clinical finishing, blistering pace, and weak foot reliability, he won't disappoint. However, his lack of physicality and high price tag mean there are alternative options that might offer better value.

Who should buy:

• Players who prioritize elite pace and finishing above all else and have 1.86M+ coins to spend
• Squad builders who need Icon links for hybrid teams or awkward chemistry situations
• Eto'o fans or Cameroon-themed squad builders who want their childhood hero in FC 26
• Counter-attacking specialists who abuse through balls and need a striker who can finish every 1v1

Who should skip:

• Players on a budget who can get similar output from cheaper meta strikers like Isak, Haaland, or even gold Mbappé
• Those who prefer physical target men who can hold up play and dominate in the air
• Skill merchants who demand 5-star skills for maximum creativity and flair
• Players who need their striker to be a playmaker with elite passing and vision for build-up play

Our ratings:

• Meta rating: 16.5/20 - Excellent striker with elite pace and finishing, but lacks the physicality and unique traits to be truly top-tier. Controlled AcceleRATE and clinical shooting keep him competitive in Weekend League.
• Fun rating: 17.0/20 - Incredibly satisfying to use thanks to sharp movement, clinical finishing, and through-ball abuse. The nostalgia factor for Eto'o fans adds to the enjoyment, though lack of 5-star skills limits creativity.
• Value for coins: 13.5/20 - At 1.86M, he's solid but not exceptional value. The Icon premium inflates the price, and cheaper alternatives offer comparable output. Only worth it if you specifically need Icon links or love the player.

Conclusion