Fifa 22 team of the year - celebrating the best in football

Af Simon - 14 May 2025

The FIFA 22 Team of the Year (TOTY) is one of the most anticipated events in the FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) community. Every January, EA Sports unveils a squad of the world’s best players based on their performances during the previous calendar year. These players receive special upgraded cards that are highly sought-after in FUT packs and dominate online matchups.

What is Team of the Year?

Team of the Year is an annual celebration of football's elite, featuring the most consistent, impactful, and impressive players from around the globe. The TOTY is selected through a combination of votes from fans, media, and EA, making it a true reflection of player popularity and actual on-pitch performance. These cards often feature some of the highest ratings in the entire game, often surpassing 95 overall.

Selection Process

The process begins with a large shortlist covering various positions. Fans then get to vote on their preferred eleven, although EA reserves the right to influence final selections. Once the final eleven is announced, they are released into FUT in stages - typically defenders and goalkeepers first, then midfielders, followed by attackers.

Release Schedule

Each year follows a similar schedule, spread over a week or more. FIFA 22 saw the following release strategy:

  1. Day 1: Goalkeeper and Defenders
  2. Day 3: Midfielders
  3. Day 5: Attackers
  4. Final Weekend: Full TOTY squad in packs

FIFA 22 TOTY Final XI

The FIFA 22 Team of the Year featured a star-studded lineup, packed with talent from top European clubs. The final squad included:

Goalkeeper

  1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Germain) - Immense performances during UEFA Euro 2020 and a solid domestic season ensured Donnarumma's position in goal.

Defenders

  1. João Cancelo (Manchester City)
  2. Rúben Dias (Manchester City)
  3. Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain)
  4. Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)

Midfielders

  1. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City)
  2. Jorginho (Chelsea)
  3. N'Golo Kanté (Chelsea)

Attackers

  1. Kylian Mbappé (Paris Saint-Germain)
  2. Robert Lewandowski (Bayern Munich)
  3. Lionel Messi (Paris Saint-Germain)

12th Man and Honourable Mentions

Each year, EA also allows fans to vote for a 12th player - a near-miss who just missed the starting XI. In FIFA 22, that honor went to Cristiano Ronaldo, still showing world-class form at Manchester United.

Honourable Mentions cards were also released to recognize players who had outstanding seasons but didn’t quite make the final cut. These cards are usually slightly lower-rated than the TOTY players but still represent major upgrades from base cards.

Impact on FIFA Ultimate Team

The TOTY promo has a massive impact on the FUT market and player squads. With their sky-high stats and elite chemistry links, TOTY players become fixtures in many competitive squads. Their release also signals one of the most active periods in terms of pack openings, Squad Building Challenges (SBCs), and player trading.

Player Stats and Upgrades

Each TOTY card boasts massive upgrades compared to its base version. For example, Lewandowski’s shooting saw a dramatic increase, while Hakimi’s blazing pace made him a must-have fullback. These cards often become end-game options for FUT players.

Conclusion

FIFA 22’s Team of the Year showcased the very best that world football had to offer, and the excitement surrounding their release was a highlight for FIFA fans around the world. As football continues to evolve, so too does the TOTY event, and players are already looking forward to what FIFA 23 will have in store.