FIFA video games have contributed to increasing the fame of football players, even when they have not been that famous for decades. Some players, including the more obscure ones, gained some form of popularity due to their virtual counterparts. Sometimes, the digital version of a footballer became more appreciated globally than his actual live shows. Perception alone was not the only thing that changed. It also had serious implications for one’s career. Because of their high ratings in the game, certain clubs started noticing their players. For instance, younger footballers from lower divisions might have had chances of getting noticed by some scouts solely because of their attributes in video football.
Effects of FIFA Ratings and Characteristics on the Football Players’ Image
A footballer’s FIFA rating in the video game usually is what becomes their defining image, even if they’ve never seen them play in reality. For a virtual player, possessing high attributes, especially when it comes to speed, dribbling, or shooting, means the player is in demand in the real world outside the game, which helps in his recognition. Take Adnan Januzaj, for instance; the striker became known by so many people, not due to real accomplishments but rather because of how he could be utilized in the virtual Career mode.
Some footballers even are not happy with how they are rated. Back in 2019, Romelu Lukaku publicly bashed his virtual twin in-game speed, While Karim Benzema claimed that his ratings were too low. The developers are even changing the characteristics of the players to balance public opinions, especially when a player is comparatively much better in real matches than in video games. If you love and know both football and virtual games, then confidently create an account on Melbet Mongolia. This platform allows you to bet on both real football and eSports. You will enjoy both the game and even win real money for a non-virtual life.
The Emergence of Younger, Less Well-Known Players
The FIFA game series has more than once resulted in footballers being popular in a mass media setting long before they even stepped on the pitch. Lesser-known players with higher potential in career mode often catch the attention of real-world clubs, in addition to video game fans. Sometimes, these gamers with higher ratings became much more famous than their footballing counterparts. This is especially common for players with high dribbling and sprinting abilities, who have become staples in online pro clubs.
This is the reason some footballers became famous.
- Alexander Esswein – a speed-based striker who has become a distinguished player amongst other players.
- Briel Embolo – one of the most gifted young forwards in the sport.
- Adnan Januzaj – a midfielder considered to have a very low ceiling for further growth.
- Victor Ibarbo – A renowned striker known for his exceptional pace.
- Emanuel Mammana – A central back who has been gaining interest from multiple teams.
A majority of these players have become real-life athletes after their success as gamers. Some of them have achieved dreams in life and secured multi-million dollar contracts for themselves. While others have been unable to convert their digital success into tangible reality. Either way, it is undeniable that the publicity that comes with the FIFA games has made them well known.
Fifa Ultimate Team and the Way the Player’s Value Is Set In the Market
FIFA Ultimate Team (FUT) has probably evolved into a core component of the game, impacting the way actual soccer is perceived, as well as the game itself. In this game mode, players build their squads from available footballers, some of which are more valuable than others due to their rarity and attributes.
A footballer with a high card rating or unique gaming skills can generate significant interest off the pitch. Speed and dribbling are great examples of attributes that can sharply increase a player’s virtual value within these sports games. Therefore, the player’s popularity tends to increase. If you are also into FIFA video games and have the desire to socialize with people who have the same hobby, you can do so in the MelBet Mongolia community. This service allows you to place bets and make profits from both real sports matches and the world’s leading eSports tournaments. Try it and turn your hobby into real income.
Because of FUT, certain players became known globally. A good example of this is the Brazilian Gabriel Barbosa, who was famous in the game even before his professional life took off. Players who possessed unusual traits, such as five-star skill moves or unique body types within the video game, tended to be popular even in the absence of significant accomplishments in soccer. Sometimes, FUT even changed the dynamics in the transfer market. Certain clubs began paying attention to a player due to high demand from fans and considered him as a possible option to boost the squad.
The Importance of FIFA Video Games in Shaping Players’ Personal Brands
Footballers capitalize on their fame in FIFA`s video games to increase their personal brand. High ratings, special features, and having a cult status in the game make them brandable not just in sports but also in other industries. Even for footballers who are not successful in their careers, contracts are often signed by companies producing sports goods, technology, and food products, if they are popular among FIFA video players.
One of these is Jesse Lingard, who made the most out of the exposure he got from the game to market his personal clothing line. Other footballers also upload videos on platforms where they play as their FIFA avatars. Sometimes players even collaborate with game developers, giving them a chance to change their game features or advertise their cards in the Ultimate Team mode, which keeps the attention on their persona.
Footballers Helping in the Development of the Game Software
Some players gain fame from playing FIFA video games and working with the game developer. The developers make use of popular soccer players for publicity purposes, create unique versions of the cards for Ultimate Team, and even get involved in designing new gameplay features. In particular, some footballers are given unique cards within the game, which makes them even more famous amongst the players.
Some stars sign long-term contracts with the developer, and their appearance becomes a regular feature of the advertising. Kylian Mbappe, for instance, has been the face of the last few editions of the game, thus gaining fame as a brand even for people who do not follow football. Sometimes, these collaborations go beyond the football pitch, for example, when these athletes host streams or receive special custom digital avatars for other games made by the company.
Making players different because of a video game
The FIFA video games can, at times, influence the perception of a particular player by even making them seem like a better version of themselves. Someone who has a high rate of speed and dribbling might be considered a star, even when they fail on the actual pitch. Some football players have achieved cult status among FIFA players despite not having any significant achievements in their real-life careers.
As an example, Moussa Sissoko had excellent physical attributes in one FIFA edition, which made him a very popular choice in virtual squads. Cases like these have led to clubs receiving unexpected interest in certain players, and their media value has increased. In some cases, even coaches have picked up on a heightened level of attention paid to a player because of his reputation in the game, which has changed how marketable he is.
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