Bayern Munich’s Jamal Musiala is set to become the face of EA SPORTS FC 26, marking a major moment both for the player and the Bundesliga. The reveal came alongside the official trailer for the upcoming edition of the game, which is due to release in September 2025. Musiala will share the spotlight with Jude Bellingham, the former Borussia Dortmund midfielder who now plays for Real Madrid. Their inclusion makes Musiala only the second player from the Bundesliga to appear on the game’s cover, following Marco Reus back in 2016.
This high-profile appearance coincides with the announcement of a fresh and exclusive partnership between FC Bayern and EA SPORTS. The collaboration promises a number of in-game improvements for fans of the German champions. One of the biggest changes is the return of the Allianz Arena, a stadium that has been notably absent in recent editions. For many players, the lack of Bayern’s iconic home ground had been a disappointing omission, so its return is a significant boost for the overall realism and immersion of the game.
Having grown into one of the finest young talents in world football, Musiala is no longer just a rising star; he’s a key figure in Bayern Munich’s plans for success next season. His performances will be crucial as the club looks to defend its Bundesliga crown in 2025–26. At present, Bayern are once again the heavy favorites to win the league, with many of the best betting sites not on GamStop UK pricing Munich with 1\3 to retain the title. For punters eager to explore these markets, these platforms offer competitive football odds across many sports betting markets, as well as fast payouts that come with flexible transaction methods, and exciting bonuses like welcome rewards, free bets, and odds boosts. These features make them an appealing alternative for fans tracking Bayern’s title push or placing wagers on standout players like Musiala.
Beyond just the visual experience, the partnership also extends to more comprehensive team representation. Bayern’s women’s team will be fully integrated into the game, allowing fans to explore and play with both the men’s and women’s squads. This aligns with the broader push across the industry to increase visibility and inclusion for women’s football in gaming and beyond.
Musiala’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of impressive. At just 22 years old, he’s become a cornerstone of Bayern Munich’s midfield and one of the Bundesliga’s brightest young stars. Even teammates like Kingsley Coman have publicly praised his potential, believing he could become the best player in the world, a sentiment echoed by many across the footballing world. His technical skill, vision, and flair have earned him fans around the globe, and his selection as a cover athlete further cements his place among football’s elite. Sharing the cover with Bellingham also highlights the influence that former Bundesliga talents continue to have on the international stage.
The new partnership between Bayern and EA SPORTS is more than just a marketing move—it represents a deeper collaboration that will influence how the club is portrayed in-game moving forward. From more accurate player models and animations to unique presentation elements and content exclusive to Bayern fans, the goal is to give players a more authentic connection with their club. For supporters of the German giants, this means a digital experience that’s more aligned with the club’s real-life atmosphere, culture, and traditions.
This agreement also builds on a long-standing relationship between EA SPORTS and German football. Since 1998, EA has worked closely with the Bundesliga, and last year the agreement was extended through 2027. This guarantees that both the Bundesliga and Bundesliga 2—as well as the DFL Supercup will continue to be exclusively featured in EA SPORTS FC, ensuring a level of authenticity that competing titles can’t match.
For many fans, football video games are more than just entertainment—they’re an extension of their support for their favorite clubs and players. With FC 26, those who follow Bayern Munich will see their team represented in a way that feels more complete and personal. The integration of the Allianz Arena, the inclusion of both men’s and women’s squads, and the increased emphasis on key players like Musiala are all part of a broader effort to deepen that connection.
The upcoming edition of FC 26 is shaping up to be a significant step forward for the franchise. Not only does it spotlight rising stars like Musiala, but it also reinforces EA SPORTS’ commitment to delivering a true-to-life experience for football fans around the world. As the September release date approaches, anticipation continues to grow—especially among those eager to see how this new Bayern-EA partnership will play out on the virtual pitch.
