FC 26 continues to reward creative playstyles, and the That Ball Is Mine Evolution is one of the most exciting free upgrades introduced so far. Designed for players who thrive on close control, sharp turns, and fearless dribbling, this evolution gives selected attackers the tools they need to dominate defenders in tight spaces.

 

What makes That Ball Is Mine especially appealing isn't just the PlayStyles it provides, it's how flexible and efficient the upgrade is. With only a modest Overall Rating (OVR) increase, the evolution opens the door to some truly powerful builds without pushing cards out of future upgrade eligibility. If you're managing your FC 26 Coins carefully and want maximum value, this evolution is one you don't want to waste.

 

Below, we break down how the evolution works, what makes it special, and which FC 26 Players benefit the most.

 

That Ball Is Mine Evolution Requirements and Boosts

 

Available until February 22, the That Ball Is Mine evolution is refreshingly simple. It can be applied to up to two players who meet the following conditions:

 

Under 86 OVR

Not World Tour or Silver Superstars cards

 

Once completed, the evolution grants:

 

+5 Dribbling

+1 Overall Rating

 

A strong selection of PlayStyles, including:

 

Rapid+ (or Rapid if the player already has a PS+)

Technical

First Touch

Trickster

Gamechanger

Press Proven

 

This combination heavily favors players who operate in attacking midfield or wide roles, especially those who rely on agility and ball control rather than raw pace.

 

The minimal OVR increase is arguably the evolution's biggest advantage. Because it doesn't inflate ratings too much, many evolved cards remain eligible for future upgrades, making this a long-term investment rather than a short-lived boost.

 

Why This Evolution Is Meta-Relevant

 

In FC 26, dribbling-heavy attackers are more valuable than ever. Defensive AI is smarter, and breaking lines often requires players who can glide past opponents instead of simply sprinting around them.

 

That's where That Ball Is Mine shines. Rapid+ paired with elite ball control lets attackers explode into space after a single touch, while Technical and Press Proven help maintain possession under pressure. For players who enjoy patient buildup or skill-based attacking, this evolution can completely change how a card feels in-game.

 

Best Players for That Ball Is Mine Evolution in FC 26

 

Choosing the right player is crucial, especially since you only get two slots. Here are the strongest options currently available, balancing performance, flexibility, and long-term value.

 

Future Stars Joe Gelhardt (ST, 86 OVR)

 

Joe Gelhardt stands out as the top choice. His existing PlayStyle mix, Finesse Shot+, Low Driven Shot, and Tiki Taka, already makes him dangerous in the box. Adding Rapid+ and extra dribbling turns him into a nightmare for defenders. Best of all, he stays within the 86 OVR threshold, keeping him viable for future evolutions.

 

Flashback Edin Džeko (ST, 85 OVR)

 

While not the fastest striker, Džeko becomes surprisingly effective with That Ball Is Mine. Rapid+ compensates for his weaker pace, while improved ball control helps him hold up play and create chances. He's a great option if you're willing to invest additional FC 26 Coins later to address his mobility.

 

Top Gold Rare and Alternative Picks

 

Not everyone wants to chase promo cards, and luckily, some standard options perform exceptionally well.

 

Gold Rare Lionel Messi (RW, 86 OVR)

 

Among gold cards, Messi is the standout. Even with sub-80 pace, his dribbling stats are elite, and adding Rapid makes him feel far more explosive. Few FC 26 Players can change direction and escape pressure the way he can after this evolution.

 

Ratings Reload Antony (RW)

 

If you're looking for something less meta but highly enjoyable, Antony is a fun second-slot choice. With Base Tiki Taka and Finesse Shot already available, the added PlayStyles make him a creative weapon, especially in possession-focused squads.

 

Recommended Player List

 

Here's a quick recap of the best picks for the That Ball Is Mine evolution:

 

Future Stars Joe Gelhardt (ST, 86 OVR)

Flashback Edin Džeko (ST, 85 OVR)

Winter Wildcards Armand Laurienté (LW, 86 OVR)

Winter Wildcards Red Dan Ndoye (LM, 85 OVR)

Gold Rare Lionel Messi (RW, 86 OVR)

Gold Rare Nico Williams (LM, 86 OVR)

Gold Rare Salma Paralluelo (LW, 84 OVR)

 

A Word of Caution on Icons

 

While it may be tempting to use Icons, it's generally not recommended for this evolution. Many Icons already have crowded PlayStyle setups, and adding more can actually reduce efficiency. In some cases, you'll be forced to invest additional FC 26 Coins into PlayStyle+ evolutions just to balance the card, which defeats the purpose of a free, flexible upgrade.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The That Ball Is Mine evolution is one of the smartest free upgrades in FC 26. Its low OVR boost, excellent PlayStyle selection, and long-term flexibility make it ideal for players who want to build creatively without overspending. Choose wisely, plan ahead, and you'll end up with evolved attackers who feel special both now and later in the game cycle.