Cristiano Ronaldo vies for 12th man spot in EA FC24 Team of Year despite massive rating drop

Cristiano Ronaldo faces the prospect of becoming the 12th man in the highly anticipated EA FC24 Team of the Year, set to be revealed this week, Essentially Sports reported. 

Despite experiencing a significant rating downgrade, Ronaldo’s impressive performances in 2023 might secure him a spot, albeit as an alternate.

While not securing a spot in the final eleven, Ronaldo could compete with Real Madrid’s Federico Valverde and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold for the coveted 12th-man position.

Fan votes will determine the selection, and Ronaldo’s substantial fan base could potentially tip the scales in his favour, overcoming the in-game rating dip.

FC24’s Team of the Year has generated considerable excitement, with players like Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé expected to secure spots. However, Ronaldo, now with Al Nassr, may find himself as the 12th man.

Despite his Saudi Pro League move impacting his in-game rating on EA’s FC24, where he dropped from 90 to 86, Ronaldo’s remarkable goal-scoring feat in 2023 makes him a strong contender.

While critics may question his performance in the Saudi Pro League compared to LaLiga and the Premier League, Ronaldo’s status as the year’s top scorer, with 54 goals, adds weight to his Team of the Year candidacy.

The final decision rests with the fans, and Ronaldo’s global fan following could play a decisive role, even as his in-game ratings reflect the challenges faced after the move to Al Nassr.

Other players, including Jordan Henderson, N’Golo Kante, and Sadio Mane, also experienced rating decreases upon joining the Saudi Pro League.