FIFA Rivals : Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé as Cartoon Superheroes in New Mobile Game Happy 2025
Football fans, get ready for an electrifying twist on the beautiful game! FIFA is storming back into the gaming world with FIFA Rivals, a groundbreaking cartoon-style mobile game that transforms football icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappé into superheroes with extraordinary powers. Slated for a summer 2025 release, this free-to-play title marks FIFA’s bold re-entry into the gaming market after parting ways with EA Sports. What sets FIFA Rivals apart from traditional football games? Let’s explore everything you need to know about this exciting new venture.
FIFA Rivals: Messi, Ronaldo, and Mbappé as Cartoon Superheroes in New Mobile Game
For nearly 30 years, FIFA reigned supreme in the football gaming arena with its realistic simulations on consoles like PlayStation and Xbox. However, in 2022, FIFA severed its decades-long partnership with EA Sports due to disagreements over licensing fees, leaving fans wondering what would come next. EA rebranded its franchise as EA Sports FC, continuing its legacy of lifelike football experiences. Now, FIFA is striking back with FIFA Rivals, a mobile game that swaps realism for a vibrant, cartoon-inspired approach packed with superhero flair.
Developed by US-based Mythical Games and Colombian studio Bacon Games, FIFA Rivals is designed to captivate a new generation of gamers. The game features football stars with exaggerated, comic-book-style designs—think wide torsos, fiery silhouettes, and dynamic light streaks trailing the ball. A YouTube preview has already showcased these eye-catching visuals, hinting at a gameplay experience that blends the thrill of football with the spectacle of a superhero showdown.
Jairo Nieto, executive director of Bacon Games, emphasized the game’s unique positioning: “We don’t want to be a simulation game, but we also don’t want to be on the other end of the spectrum of more fantasy games.” Instead, FIFA Rivals aims to carve out its own niche, delivering a fast-paced, arcade-style experience that’s both authentic and fantastical.
Gameplay Mechanics: Superpowers on the Pitch
What makes FIFA Rivals truly stand out is its gameplay. Forget the grounded realism of past FIFA titles—this game takes football to new heights. Picture Lionel Messi soaring through the air for a gravity-defying header, Cristiano Ronaldo igniting the pitch with a flaming shot, or Kylian Mbappé flipping past defenders with acrobatic finesse. These superhero-inspired mechanics add a layer of excitement that’s unlike anything seen in traditional football games.
The game will be free to download on iOS and Android, with in-app purchases available to unlock special abilities and enhancements for your players. This free-to-play model, inspired by Mythical Games’ successful NFL Rivals, ensures accessibility while offering optional upgrades for dedicated players. Juan Duque, the animator behind the players’ movements, described the blend of elements: “It combines two very cool things: real-life players, real-life championships, but the moves are dream-like.” This fusion promises a gameplay experience that’s both familiar and thrillingly fresh.
Visual Style: A Cartoon Arena Comes to Life
FIFA Rivals doesn’t just play differently—it looks different, too. The game’s cartoon aesthetic features exaggerated character designs that amplify the personalities of football’s biggest stars. Cristiano Ronaldo boasts a muscular, larger-than-life physique, while Zlatan Ibrahimović’s iconic features are playfully exaggerated. Andrés Hernández, a 3D artist at Bacon Games, explained the artistic vision: “The goal isn’t realism but rather a kind of abstraction of the characters.” This approach creates a vibrant, colorful world that’s as entertaining to watch as it is to play.
The pitch itself is a visual spectacle, with balls leaving glowing trails and players surrounded by dynamic effects like fire and light. This comic-book-inspired design not only sets FIFA Rivals apart from competitors but also makes it instantly recognizable—a key factor in building its brand in a crowded market.
Yeni bir Pele (R9) geldi, Yeni bir Maradona (Lionel Messi) geldi, Yeni bir Messi (Lamine Yamal) geldi ama yeni bir Cristiano Ronaldo hiçbir zaman gelmeyecek, Ne Mbappe ne de Haaland onun kadar meziyetli, özellikli ve büyük değil pic.twitter.com/jdMshceLLV
— Can (@erlingmentality) April 30, 2025
FIFA’s Mobile Gaming Strategy
FIFA Rivals reflects a calculated move into the booming mobile gaming sector, which is expected to surpass $100 billion in revenue by 2025. By targeting smartphones, FIFA taps into a massive global audience, particularly younger players who prefer gaming on the go. The free-to-play model, paired with in-app purchases, mirrors successful mobile titles and positions FIFA Rivals to attract millions of downloads.
The game’s release is strategically timed to align with the FIFA Club World Cup, kicking off June 14, 2025, in the United States. This tie-in could amplify its launch, as fans engage with real-world football while diving into the cartoon chaos of FIFA Rivals. Mythical Games promises “the thrill of fast-paced, mobile arcade-style football with authentic FIFA action,” a tagline that underscores its dual appeal to casual gamers and football enthusiasts.
Colombia’s Rising Star in Game Development
FIFA Rivals also shines a spotlight on Colombia’s burgeoning gaming industry. While the country hosts several notable Latin American studios, it’s still a smaller player compared to giants like the US, Japan, and South Korea. Bacon Games, based in Bogotá, brings its expertise in 3D modeling and animation to the project, helping craft the game’s distinctive look and feel. This collaboration with Mythical Games marks a milestone for Colombia, showcasing its potential as a hub for innovative game design.
FIFA Rivals vs. the Competition
FIFA Rivals enters a competitive field led by EA Sports FC, which continues to dominate with its realistic simulations. However, FIFA Rivals takes a different path, prioritizing arcade-style fun over authenticity. This contrast could give it an edge with players seeking a lighter, more imaginative experience.
Meanwhile, French studio Sloclap’s Rematch, set for release in June 2025, offers another twist on football gaming. Focused on fast-paced five-a-side matches, Rematch will launch on PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5—platforms FIFA Rivals won’t target. By sticking to mobile, FIFA Rivals ensures broader accessibility, especially in regions where smartphones outpace consoles.
The Impact of FIFA Rivals on Football Gaming
Rivals could redefine how football is portrayed in video games. Its cartoon aesthetic and superhero gameplay signal a shift away from the realism that has long defined the genre, appealing to a new audience while refreshing the FIFA brand. If successful, it might inspire other developers to explore creative spins on sports gaming, broadening the industry’s horizons.
The game’s innovative approach also positions FIFA to reclaim its status as a gaming powerhouse. With over $20 billion in sales from its EA partnership, FIFA has a legacy to build on—and FIFA Rivals might just be the spark it needs to ignite a new era.
Conclusion
Rivals is more than a game—it’s a bold reinvention of football gaming. By turning legends like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mbappé into cartoon superheroes, FIFA is blending the sport’s rich heritage with a playful, modern twist. Its mobile-first design, striking visuals, and arcade-style gameplay make it a contender to watch in 2025. As the release date nears, FIFA Rivals promises to deliver a fresh, fun experience that could reshape the future of football gaming. Will it score a winning goal with fans? Summer 2025 can’t come soon enough.
Mbappe’s post with Messi
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Mbappe’s post with RonaldoHe used “🐐” emoji for Ronaldo only pic.twitter.com/x0Q23ugNMj
— UR Cristiano (@URCristianoTube) March 11, 2021
FAQs
1. What is FIFA Rivals?
FIFA Rivals is a cartoon-style mobile football game featuring real players like Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar, and Mbappé as superheroes with special abilities.
2. When is FIFA Rivals coming out?
FIFA Rivals is slated for release in summer 2025, potentially before the FIFA Club World Cup on June 14, 2025.
3. Is FIFA Rivals free to play?
Yes, FIFA Rivals is free to download, with in-app purchases available for additional features and abilities.
4. What platforms will FIFA Rivals be on?
The game will be available on mobile devices, specifically iOS and Android.
5. How is FIFA Rivals different from other football games?
Unlike realistic simulations, FIFA Rivals offers cartoon-style graphics and arcade gameplay with superhuman moves and powers.
6. Who developed FIFA Rivals?
FIFA Rivals is a collaboration between Mythical Games (US) and Bacon Games (Colombia).
7. Will FIFA Rivals feature real players and tournaments?
Yes, it includes real football stars and championships, enhanced with fantastical gameplay elements.
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