FC 25 Ultimate Team: Why 99-Rated Antoine Griezmann is the Perfect Preseason Endgame Card

Every year in FC Ultimate Team, EA drops a handful of "endgame" cards designed to shake up squads heading into the new title. These cards are flashy, powerful, and built to be the crown jewels of any roster. This year, one name stands above the rest-99-rated Antoine Griezmann. Already a fan favorite, this Preseason version takes everything people love about the French maestro and dials it up to eleven.

Smooth on the ball, clinical in front of goal, and versatile across multiple attacking roles, Griezmann's Preseason card is more than just an upgrade-it's a statement piece. Whether you're building around La Liga links, need a clutch French attacker, or simply want a luxury super sub capable of changing any match, this version delivers in every possible way.

Why 99 Griezmann Stands Out

Antoine Griezmann has always been a unique Ultimate Team player. Unlike traditional strikers who rely purely on pace and power, Griezmann thrives on technical precision, intelligent positioning, and flair. His 99-rated Preseason card fully embraces those strengths, offering a silky smooth dribbler who can dictate matches from anywhere in the final third.

The difference between this card and his earlier 98-rated SBC version is subtle, but noticeable in gameplay. That slight boost in stats-along with a fully maxed-out profile-makes him feel more responsive and more dangerous in high-pressure moments. While some players criticized EA for releasing such a close upgrade so soon after the SBC, anyone who has tried both cards will tell you: the 99 feels special.

Stats Breakdown

Looking at the numbers, Griezmann's Preseason card is about as close to perfection as you'll find:

Pace: 97 - Not blistering, but more than enough when paired with his agility. He glides rather than sprints, but rarely feels slow.

Shooting: 99 - Near-perfect finishing, long shots, volleys, and positioning make him lethal anywhere within 25 yards.

Passing: 98 - Threading through balls, switching play, or playing intricate one-twos, Griezmann functions just as well as a playmaker as he does a scorer.

Dribbling: 99 - This is where the magic happens. Tight control, flawless balance, and silky skill move transitions make him feel like he's dancing around defenders.

Defending: 70+ - Surprisingly decent for an attacker, meaning he can press effectively.

Physical: 90 - Stamina to run all game, along with sneaky strength that lets him hold off defenders.

On paper, these stats put him in rare company. In practice, he plays even better thanks to his unique body type, animations, and responsiveness.

Playstyles and the Quick Step+ Debate

If there's one "flaw" people latch onto with this card, it's the absence of Quick Step+, the premium playstyle that allows attackers to burst away instantly. For players obsessed with pure speed, this might feel like a missed opportunity.

However, Griezmann more than compensates with his other playstyles. His Technical+, Flair+, and Finesse Shot+ abilities make him one of the most enjoyable players to control. He doesn't need Quick Step+ when he can weave through defenders and finish with outrageous curlers into the top corner.

In many ways, this limitation keeps him balanced-he's not just a brainless pace merchant. You need to use his intelligence, movement, and dribbling to unlock his full potential. For creative attackers, that's where the real fun begins.

Best Positions and Chemistry Fits

One of the biggest advantages of 99 Griezmann is his positional flexibility. He can comfortably slot into:

Central Attacking Midfielder (CAM): Arguably his best role. He thrives dictating play, pulling strings, and arriving late in the box.

Second Striker (CF/ST): Pair him with a pace-heavy forward and let Griezmann feed off the chaos. His finishing ensures he'll convert most chances.

Right Wing (RW): While less conventional, his left-footed finesse shots from the right side are devastating.

Luxury Super Sub: If you already have stacked attackers, bringing him on in the 60th minute against tired defenses is borderline unfair.

In terms of chemistry, his French nationality and La Liga roots make him extremely easy to link. He pairs beautifully with players like Mbappé, Vinícius Jr., or even legends like Zidane in themed squads.

The Grind: Is He Worth It?

Preseason SBCs and objectives can sometimes feel like unnecessary grinds this late in the cycle. But in Griezmann's case, the effort is absolutely worth it. This is the type of card you'll want to test in Weekend League, Rivals, and even fun friendly modes.

If you're short on fodder or resources, don't hesitate to invest some FC 25 Coins to speed up the process. Consider it a down payment on weeks of fun. With Preseason cards often carrying over benefits into the next title, this is also a smart long-term move.

Final Verdict

When judging endgame cards, it's not just about stats-it's about how they feel in-game. And that's where 99-rated Antoine Griezmann shines the brightest. He's silky, clinical, versatile, and above all, fun to use. Whether you want him as the star of your attack or as the ultimate bench weapon, he will deliver.

Yes, EA was cheeky for releasing him right after the 98 SBC. Yes, Quick Step+ would've made him flawless. But in actual gameplay, these concerns barely register. What you get is a card that can dominate any game mode and leave you smiling while doing it.