EA FC 25: How to Unlock Guaranteed FUTTIES Zubimendi & Madueke

7 minutes Julian Haag

The Pre-Season EVO Elites Cup in EA FC 25 offers two guaranteed FUTTIES cards—Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke—when you complete a set of seven tasks. This guide breaks down how the cup works, how to plan your run, and how to build squads that knock out multiple objectives at once so you can secure both pink cards quickly without burning out.

What is the Pre-Season EVO Elites Cup?

  • It’s a limited-time cup with seven tasks. Each task grants its own reward, and completing all seven nets you a bonus: guaranteed FUTTIES Zubimendi and Madueke.
  • The structure mirrors recent Pre-Season cups, with endgame-leaning rewards designed to freshen squads even if pack luck hasn’t been kind.
  • If you’ve been chasing Pre-Season Re-Release Batch 2 and haven’t hit the big 99-rated pulls, these two FUTTIES items are a reliable way to add quality to your team without relying on RNG.

How to start, at a glance

  1. Open the in-game Objectives and locate the Pre-Season EVO Elites Cup group. Read the listed requirements for match entry and the seven tasks.
  2. Enter the specific Cup playlist shown on the objective card. Make sure your squad meets any entry rules before queuing.
  3. Build one or two purpose-built lineups designed to progress multiple tasks simultaneously.
  4. Track progress after every match and claim each task reward promptly; the packs and picks you earn can help refine your squad for the remaining objectives.
  5. Finish all seven tasks to receive the bonus FUTTIES Zubimendi and FUTTIES Madueke.

Plan your route: efficient objective stacking Because the exact seven tasks can vary by event, the smartest approach is to design a game plan that covers the most common Cup objectives. Typically, these include a mix of wins, goals or assists with certain league or nation combinations, and action-specific asks such as through balls, crosses, finesse finishes, or clean sheets. Here’s a flexible strategy that works regardless of the precise checklist:

  • Build a hybrid attack: Use a pair of rapid wide forwards and a central finisher. This makes it easier to complete crosses, cutbacks, and through-ball assists in one match.
  • Mix leagues and nations: Include at least two distinct leagues and a couple of nations in your front five. If a task asks for goals or assists using a particular league or nation, you’ll be ready without rebuilding from scratch.
  • Substitutions with purpose: Keep two bench attackers from different leagues or nations. If a task pops asking for a different combination, sub them on at halftime and chase those contributions immediately.
  • Dual-path defending: Pair a pure ball winner with a composed distributor in midfield. The ball winner protects clean sheet attempts; the deep playmaker triggers through balls early to feed your runners.

Two plug-and-play formations

  • 4-2-3-1 narrow: One striker, three central creators. Great for ground through balls and finesse shots at the top of the box. Fullbacks can overlap for crossing tasks.
  • 4-3-2-1: Natural width with two wide forwards who dart inside. Strong for cutbacks, trivela-style finishes, and early crosses from half-spaces.

Custom tactics and instructions that help

  • Width and depth: A balanced width gives your wingers space to receive diagonals, while a higher defensive line compresses play and produces more turnover chances near the opponent’s box.
  • Fullbacks: Set one fullback to Join the Attack and the other on Stay Back. This gives you a safe side for clean sheets and an adventurous side for crossing and overloads.
  • Chance creation: Direct passing or forward runs encourage vertical movement, making through-ball tasks easier.
  • Individual instructions: Put Get In Behind on wide forwards and Stay Central on your striker to keep attacking lanes clear.

Match-by-match checklist

  • First 20 minutes: Hunt an early goal and a through-ball assist while your opponent is still adapting. If you also need a cross, force one from the byline once you’re leading to avoid risky turnovers.
  • Midgame control: If a clean sheet is on the menu, slow the tempo and recycle possession. Don’t chase low-percentage long shots unless a finesse or outside-the-box task is required.
  • Objective-first substitutions: If you’re missing a specific league/nation contribution, bring on the right bench player as soon as the opportunity arises. Designate that player as your primary target for assists or shots.
  • Situational awareness: If the match is slipping and you can’t salvage a win-based task, pivot to stat-based progress like crosses, through balls, or goals with the correct player types before the final whistle.

Squad-building blueprint for smooth progress

  • Attack: A clinical central striker with strong finishing and decent strength, flanked by two pacey wide forwards who have both finesse and crossing in their locker. One left-footed right winger and one right-footed left winger cover both finesse and near-post power finishes.
  • Midfield: One holding midfielder who interrupts counters and one deep playmaker with vision for threaded passes. If you run a trio, add a box-to-box engine with high stamina.
  • Defense: Quick center-backs with good anticipation. A keeper with strong reflexes helps preserve clean sheets in tight games.
  • Bench: Two attackers from different leagues or nations, a creative CAM with high passing for through-ball assists, and a pacey fullback for late overlaps when chasing a crossing task.

Time management and mindset

  • Break the seven tasks into two or three sessions. Fresh eyes reduce mistakes and tilt.
  • Celebrate partial wins. Even in losses, you can tick progress on assists, crosses, or specific scorer requirements.
  • Only forfeit if you are certain the match cannot contribute to any remaining task. With smart micro-goals, even a tough opponent can be a productive game.

Claiming the rewards: what to expect from the FUTTIES duo

  • FUTTIES Martin Zubimendi: A cerebral midfielder profile who thrives as a deep pivot or balanced CM. Expect reliable ball winning coupled with tidy distribution. He stabilizes transitions and starts attacks from deeper zones.
  • FUTTIES Noni Madueke: A dynamic wide forward who excels one-on-one. He’s built for burst dribbles, quick combos around the box, and back-post finishing after far-side crosses. Slot him on his stronger foot side for finesse options or run him inverted to attack the half-space.

Where they fit in the meta

  • Chemistry friendly: As FUTTIES, they’re flexible pieces for late-cycle hybrid builds. Use them to bridge gaps while you continue your Pre-Season grind.
  • Endgame utility: Even if your top line is stacked, these two offer tactical variety—Zubimendi for control in tight clashes and Madueke for direct threat when you need a spark.

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Ignoring entry rules: Verify squad requirements before queuing, or you’ll waste time rebuilding between matches.
  • Overcommitting for one task: It’s rarely worth sacrificing a clean sheet just to force a difficult cross. Aim to complete two or three tasks in parallel over a couple of games rather than all-in on one in a single match.
  • Not claiming interim rewards: Packs and picks from the individual tasks can provide immediate upgrades that make the final objectives easier.

Final thoughts The Pre-Season EVO Elites Cup is the sweet spot between structure and reward: seven clear tasks with the guarantee of two usable FUTTIES items at the end. Approach it with a layered plan—hybrid squads, objective stacking, and calm, repeatable tactics—and you’ll unlock Zubimendi and Madueke without relying on pack luck. Good luck out there, and enjoy adding two pink-powered upgrades to your Ultimate Team before the next wave of Pre-Season content lands.