If you’ve played more than three games of Ultimate Team this year, you’ve seen him. That lanky, smiling figure tearing down the touchline, leaving your right-back in a heap of pixels. Honestly, Rafael Leao FC 25 is one of those cards that just feels "glitchy" in the best way possible. It isn't just about the stats on the back of the card; it’s the way he moves.
He’s huge. 6'2" with a "Unique" body type that makes him feel like a freight train once he hits top speed. Most wingers in this game are tiny, agile speedsters who get bullied if a defender breathes on them. Not Leao. He’s the guy doing the bullying.
The Breakdown: Is 86 Enough?
EA gave him an 86 base rating this year, which feels a bit low if you watch him in real life, but in-game? It’s a monster. Basically, he’s got 94 Pace right out of the box. You don't even need a Hunter style to make him fast, though most people slap one on anyway because, well, why not?
The 87 Dribbling is where things get interesting. Because of his height, his left-stick dribbling isn't going to feel like Messi or Bernardo Silva. It’s a bit heavier. But he has the Technical and Trickster playstyles, which sort of cancels out that clunkiness if you know how to use them.
Here is the thing: his 79 Shooting is the only real lie on the card. He finishes everything. Maybe it’s the Finesse Shot playstyle, or maybe it’s just that "Milan aura," but he definitely plays more like an 84-rated finisher.
The PlayStyle+ Magic
If you want to understand why Rafael Leao FC 25 remains a meta staple months into the game's cycle, you have to look at his PlayStyles. He comes with Rapid+ as his main signature.
✨ Don't miss: The Hunt: Mega Edition - Why This Roblox Event Changed Everything
This is huge.
When you hold the sprint button with a Rapid+ player, they don't lose as much speed while dribbling. Most players slow down significantly when they have the ball at their feet. Leao just... doesn't. He keeps that 94 pace while weaving through defenders. It's genuinely terrifying to defend against in a counter-attack.
He also has:
- Quick Step: For that initial burst of acceleration.
- Trickster: Allowing for those fancy flick-ups and unique skill moves.
- Whipped Pass: Which is low-key his best trait if you play him as a traditional winger.
- Flair: Because he wouldn't be Leao without a bit of showboating.
Evolution Potential and Upgrades
If you missed out on his early-game special cards like the 90-rated Fantasy Captain or the massive 94 FUT Birthday version, don't sweat it. The base card has been a prime candidate for multiple Evolutions throughout the year.
We saw the "Complete Winger" Evo earlier, which took his base card and bumped him to an 88 with improved passing. Then there was the "Just Like Jamie" Evolution that turned him into a striker's nightmare. If you're looking at his card now and wondering if it's too late to start, check the current "From Pitch to Dance Floor" or any high-tier winger Evos.
🔗 Read more: Why the GTA San Andreas Motorcycle is Still the Best Way to Get Around Los Santos
The power curve moves fast, but Leao’s physical frame keeps him relevant. A 92-rated Evo Leao is often better than a 95-rated "generic" winger because of that 188cm height and those long legs that reach balls other players can't.
How to Actually Use Him
Stop trying to play him like he's Neymar. You've got to use his strength.
If you’re stuck in the mud against a low block, don't try to zig-zag through five defenders with him. Instead, use the Technical dribbling (R1/RB) to find a yard of space, then trigger a sprint. His "Tall & Normal" body type means he can actually shield the ball while running.
Best Chemistry Styles:
- Marksman: This is my personal favorite. It boosts his Finishing, Dribbling, and Physicality. Since his pace is already elite, making him stronger and more clinical is the way to go.
- Finisher: If you find him a bit clunky, this maxes out his Agility and Balance while making his shooting lethal.
- Deadeye: Perfect if you play him at LF or as a second striker, as it fixes his occasionally suspect short passing.
Custom Tactics and Position
In FC 25's new tactical system, Leao excels as an Inside Forward++.
💡 You might also like: Dandys World Ship Chart: What Most People Get Wrong
If you set him to this role on the left wing, he’ll naturally drift into the half-spaces between the opponent's right-back and center-back. This is where he’s most dangerous. It allows him to use that Finesse Shot or cut inside for a power strike.
Some people try him at ST, and while he’s good, his 4-star weak foot can occasionally let you down in tight central areas. He’s a winger at heart. Let him breathe on the flank, get him into 1v1 situations, and watch the magic happen.
Is He Worth the Coins?
At this stage, his base card is discard price—basically free. His special cards range from 200k to over 2 million for the top-tier versions.
Honestly? Even the base card is a better super-sub than 90% of the cards you’ll get in packs. If you can afford the 94 FUT Birthday or the 97 Shapeshifter (if you were lucky enough to grind the Season Pass), he's a locked-in starter until the end of the game.
The only real downside is his Stamina. He’s usually gasping for air by the 70th minute. But for those 70 minutes? He’s the most fun player in the Serie A.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check your club for any active "Winger" or "Attacker" Evolutions. If you haven't used your "Power Up" or "Skill Move" Evos yet, buying a cheap base Leao and running him through those objectives is the most cost-effective way to get a meta-tier attacker. Ensure you set his role to Inside Forward in your custom tactics to maximize his off-the-ball movement.