EA Sports has had many iconic soccer players on its FIFA franchise covers over the years, but FIFA 23 breaks a new boundary. Men’s soccer and women’s soccer, side by side for the first time.

French superstar Kylian Mbappé returns to the cover of the Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23, the 30th main release, alongside Sam Kerr, Australia and Chelsea forward, and it certainly has fans talking.

Kylian Mbappé’s inclusion is his third straight appearance on the cover, having held the prestigious place on the world’s top-selling soccer game since FIFA 21. He’s not only won the league with PSG, but he’s getting ready to defend his World Cup medal at the upcoming winter tournament in Qatar.

However, it is Sam Kerr’s inclusion on the FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition cover that has wowed fans of women’s soccer, with the Australian becoming the first female soccer player ever to hit the global cover (Alex Morgan appeared on the US release of FIFA 16).

Who is Sam Kerr?

Those who already follow women’s soccer know Sam Kerr for her dominant performances in the FA Women’s Super League for Chelsea and as the captain of the Australian national team, known as the Matildas. The 28-year-old forward has collected dozens of titles and awards, scoring crucial goals wherever she appeared.

Sam Kerr has plied her trade in her native Australia, the USA and signed for Chelsea FC for the 2019/20 season. In a blue jersey, she has twice been the club’s top scorer, scoring 32 in 34 in 2021/22 and being awarded the FAWSL Player of the Season and Golden Boot. With her goal-scoring prowess, Chelsea secured a sixth domestic title and a fourth Women’s FA Cup.

On the international scene, Kerr made her debut for Australia aged just 15, scoring her first goal in the gold and green at 16 against North Korea. She has gone on to earn over 100 caps for her country.

With the Women’s World Cup coming up in summer 2023 in Australia and New Zealand, it is set to be another almighty season for Sam Kerr.

FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition – coming soon

FIFA 23 promises to be the biggest and best yet, with fans eagerly anticipating the next installment of the hit title.

The Ultimate Edition of FIFA 23 is the title’s premium edition; past versions have included bonus content, FIFA Ultimate Team points and exclusive cosmetics, along with an early release for avid fans. 

Also teased on the cover of FIFA 23 Ultimate Edition is HyperMotion 2 technology. No details have been released yet, but fans with next-gen consoles benefitted from the first iteration of HyperMotion, which used motion capture to improve how players behaved on and off the ball. 

It’s worth noting that FIFA 23 is the 30th and last installment of EA’s FIFA series, as talks broke down between EA Sports and soccer’s global governing body, FIFA. Following FIFA 23, EA Sports will continue to release the game under the title EA Sports FC, and FIFA has announced its intention to partner with another developer to release games under the FIFA brand.

FIFA isn’t the only franchise EA Sports is getting fans hyped for. Madden 23 is announced and available Aug. 19, 2022. There’s no news on NHL 23 as of yet.

More FIFA 23 news and details will be released over the next few weeks. FIFA 23 is expected to release in September for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Stadia, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. Watch this space for pre-order details and more.

Wanting to play FIFA this summer? FIFA 22 is available for free via EA Play now.

Written by Alex Bugg on behalf of GLHF.