If you’ve been grinding the weekend league or just trying to survive Division Rivals lately, you might have noticed a name popping up in more and more squads. We're talking about Richard Rios. Specifically, Richard Rios FC 25. He isn't some 90-rated icon that costs a million coins, but in the current meta, he’s basically become the Colombian Kanté with a bit more flair. Honestly, if you aren't using him or at least looking at his evolution paths, you're probably working way too hard for your wins.
The thing about Richard Rios in EA FC 25 is that his base card is a bit of a lie. It doesn't look like much on paper. But once you get him on the pitch? Different story. He feels significantly faster than the stats suggest, and his ability to just... be everywhere... is kinda annoying for your opponent.
The Breakdown: Why Richard Rios FC 25 is a Meta Monster
So, let's look at what we're actually dealing with here. Most players are looking for that perfect "Box-to-Box" midfielder. You want someone who can tackle, sure, but they also need to be able to carry the ball without turning like a freight train.
The Role Mastery
In the new FC IQ system, Richard Rios excels because he actually fits the Box-to-Box+ and Deep-Lying Playmaker+ roles. This isn't just flavor text anymore. In FC 25, these roles dictate how the AI moves when you aren't controlling them.
- Box-to-Box+: He makes those late runs into the box that catch defenders sleeping.
- Box Crasher++: If you’ve managed to get his upgraded or "Star Performer" versions, this role makes him a menace during transitions.
He stands at about 6'2" (187cm), which is the sweet spot for a midfielder this year. He's tall enough to win headers and bully smaller players like Aitana Bonmatí or Barella, but he’s not so clunky that he loses the ball the moment someone presses him.
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PlayStyles That Actually Matter
Let's talk PlayStyles. In FC 25, stats are great, but PlayStyles are king. Richard Rios usually comes packed with:
- Relentless: This is massive. It means his stamina stays high even if you're using a high-pressure tactic.
- Enforcer: He’s got that "dog in him" for tackles. He doesn't just poke the ball away; he physically moves the opponent off it.
- First Touch: Helps him transition from a defensive recovery into an attacking move without the ball bouncing five yards away.
The Evolution Factor: Turning a Gold Card into a God
If you're just using the base Richard Rios FC 25 card, you're doing it wrong. The real magic happens in the Evolutions menu.
Throughout the 24/25 and now the early 2026 season cycles, Rios has been a prime candidate for multiple "Evos." We’ve seen him go from a mid-70s card to an 87 or even 88-rated beast. Some of the recent paths like "Unbreakables" or "Star Performer" have boosted his pace into the mid-80s and his defending into the high-80s.
Expert Tip: Always check his current "Evo" eligibility. Because he plays for Benfica now (after that big move from Palmeiras), he’s much easier to link with Liga Portugal stars or other Colombian beasts like Luis Díaz.
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Comparing the Versions: Which One Should You Buy?
Prices fluctuate, but honestly, the value for money here is insane.
- The Gold Base Card: Basically discard price. Good for a starter squad or a niche objective, but don't expect it to carry you to Rank 1.
- The UCL Primetime/Special Versions: These are where things get spicy. You're looking at ratings around 87-88. These cards usually sit between 70k to 90k coins depending on the market.
- The "Star Performer" Evo: This is arguably his best version. With Box Crasher++, he becomes one of the most versatile midfielders in the game.
Compare him to someone like Valverde or Bellingham. Sure, those guys have the name value, but Richard Rios offers about 90% of their performance for a fraction of the cost. He’s the budget-friendly solution for players who want a high-end midfield without spending real money on FC Points.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Him
It’s not just the game, though. Richard Rios has been having a massive real-world season. His move to Benfica was a turning point. People started noticing his work rate in the Champions League, and EA had to reflect that. He’s not just a "FIFA legend"—he's actually a baller.
He has this specific "Tall and Normal" body type in-game. It’s weirdly effective this year. It gives him a reach that makes his interceptions feel almost "glitched." You'll be standing two yards away from a passing lane, and he’ll just stick a leg out and grab it. It’s that specific animation set that separates the good cards from the "meta" ones.
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How to Get the Most Out of Him
If you've got Richard Rios in your starting XI, you need to set him up for success. Don't just leave him on "Balanced."
- Chemistry Style: Use a Shadow if you're playing him as a pure CDM. If he's your Box-to-Box guy, go with a Powerhouse or Engine. The boost to his agility makes him feel elite.
- Instructions: Set him to "Cover Center." With his Relentless PlayStyle, he will vacuum up everything in the middle of the pitch.
- The "L1/LB" Trigger: Because he has decent passing stats (high 80s on his special cards), use him to start the attack. Give and go. His AI will make the run, and his height makes him a great target for a lofted return pass.
Common Mistakes When Using Richard Rios
A lot of people try to use him like a CAM. Don't do that. His finishing is... okay... but it's not elite. If you find yourself in a 1v1 with the keeper, he might let you down. He’s a creator and a destroyer, not a clinical finisher.
Also, watch his work rates. If you have a version that is High/High, he will get tired if you don't have the Relentless PlayStyle active. Luckily, most of his special cards have it, but just keep an eye on that stamina bar around the 70th minute.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Squad
If you're looking to upgrade your midfield without breaking the bank, here is exactly what you should do:
- Search the Market: Filter for Richard Rios special versions (UCL or Team of the Week) and see if his price has dipped below 80k.
- Check Evolutions: See if you have any "Midfielder" or "League" specific Evos active. If you can fit his base card into a multi-stage Evolution, you might end up with a card better than most Icons.
- Build the Links: Look at players like Otamendi (Benfica) or Luis Díaz (Liverpool) to get his chemistry up to 3 stars.
Richard Rios FC 25 is essentially the "pro's choice" for a budget beast. He bridges the gap between the cheap starters and the multi-million coin end-game cards. Get him in your team, slap a Shadow on him, and watch your win rate climb.