Hey there, fellow FC 26 enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share my comprehensive guide on the best players for the El Capitan Evolution in FC 26 Ultimate Team. When I first heard about this evolution, I couldn’t wait to dive in and test out all the possibilities. After spending countless hours researching and testing different players, I’m ready to break down everything you need to know to make the most of this awesome evolution opportunity.
What is the El Capitan Evolution?
Let me tell you, the El Capitan Evolution is one of the most exciting evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26 so far! For just 30,000 coins or 400 FC Points, you can transform your striker into an absolute goal-scoring machine. The evolution is inspired by that iconic Spanish striker from Real Madrid (you know who I’m talking about!), and it’s designed to turn your forward into a prolific goal machine with unmatched scoring prowess.
What I love most about this evolution is that it’s not just about minor stat boosts – we’re talking about significant upgrades that can completely change how a player performs on the pitch. The best part? You can even use these evolved cards in future evolutions to create an unstoppable chain of improvements!
El Capitan Evolution Requirements
Before we dive into the best players, let’s make sure we understand exactly what we’re working with. Here are the requirements you need to meet for a player to be eligible for the El Capitan Evolution:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | Max 84 |
| Position | Must be ST (Striker) |
| Excluded Positions | Cannot be RW or LW |
| Total Positions | Max 3 |
| PlayStyles | Max 10 |
| PlayStyles+ | Max 1 |
| Excluded Rarity | World Tour Silver Stars |
When I was researching this, I found these requirements to be pretty reasonable. They give us a good pool of players to choose from while still maintaining some balance in the game.
Complete Evolution Upgrades Breakdown
Okay, this is where things get really exciting! The El Capitan Evolution offers massive upgrades across five levels. Let me break down exactly what you can expect at each stage:
Level 1 Upgrades
- Overall: +5 (to 86)
- Agility: +8 (to 86)
- Shot Power: +7 (to 85)
- PlayStyles: Incisive Pass (+6)
- Roles: False 9+
Challenge: Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your EVO player.
Level 2 Upgrades
- Pace: +5 (to 86)
- Balance: +10 (to 88)
- Finishing: +10 (to 88)
- Long Shots: +7 (to 84)
- Penalties: +7 (to 82)
- Positioning: +10 (to 88)
Challenges: Win 2 matches and score 2 goals in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty.
Level 3 Upgrades
- Reactions: +10 (to 88)
- Dribbling: +7 (to 85)
- Composure: +10 (to 87)
- Jumping: +10 (to 90)
- Ball Control: +10 (to 88)
- Weak Foot: +3
- Positions: +CAM
Challenges: Play 3 matches and win 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty.
Level 4 Upgrades
- Vision: +10 (to 86)
- Short Passing: +10 (to 86)
- Long Passing: +8 (to 80)
- Stamina: +10 (to 86)
- Roles: Shadow Striker++
Challenges: Win 3 matches and assist 2 goals in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty.
Level 5 Upgrades
- Volleys: +10 (to 86)
- PlayStyles+: Finesse Shot (+1)
- PlayStyles: Chip Shot (+6)
- Roles: Advanced Forward++
Challenge: Play 3 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty.
When I look at these upgrades, I’m honestly blown away by how comprehensive they are. We’re talking about improvements to almost every important stat for a striker, plus new positions, playstyles, and roles. This evolution can literally transform an average player into a superstar!
Top Tier El Capitan Evolution Players
Now, let’s get to the good stuff – the best players you can use for this evolution. After testing and researching extensively, here are my top recommendations:
1. Loïs Openda (83 ST)
Why he’s perfect: Openda is arguably the best choice for this evolution, and here’s why. His base card already has incredible pace (95), and with the evolution upgrades, he becomes an absolute monster. The +5 pace boost takes him to 99, and his shooting stats get massive improvements.
Base Stats: PAC 95 | SHO 81 | PAS 69 | DRI 81 | DEF 31 | PHY 80 After Evolution: PAC 99 | SHO 86 | PAS 76 | DRI 88 | DEF 31 | PHY 86
When I used Openda in this evolution, I was scoring goals for fun. His combination of blistering pace, improved shooting, and excellent dribbling makes him nearly unstoppable.
2. Asisat Oshoala (83 ST)
Why she’s perfect: Oshoala brings something different to the table with her well-rounded stats and excellent physical attributes. Her base card already has great pace (92) and solid shooting, and the evolution takes her to another level.
Base Stats: PAC 92 | SHO 79 | PAS 76 | DRI 85 | DEF 50 | PHY 85 After Evolution: PAC 96 | SHO 84 | PAS 83 | DRI 92 | DEF 50 | PHY 91
I’ve found Oshoala to be incredibly effective in-game, especially with her improved dribbling and physical stats. She can hold off defenders and finish with authority.
3. Joshua Zirkzee (84 ST)
Why he’s perfect: Zirkzee is a fantastic choice if you prefer a more technical striker. His base card already has good dribbling and passing, and the evolution enhances his all-around game significantly.
Base Stats: PAC 78 | SHO 82 | PAS 80 | DRI 84 | DEF 40 | PHY 78 After Evolution: PAC 82 | SHO 87 | PAS 87 | DRI 91 | DEF 40 | PHY 84
What I love about Zirkzee is his versatility. After evolution, he can play effectively as a striker or CAM, making him incredibly valuable for squad building.
4. Ademola Lookman (84 ST)
Why he’s perfect: Lookman is another pace merchant who benefits tremendously from this evolution. His base card already has excellent pace and dribbling, and the shooting upgrades make him a complete forward.
Base Stats: PAC 86 | SHO 84 | PAS 73 | DRI 88 | DEF 32 | PHY 67 After Evolution: PAC 90 | SHO 89 | PAS 80 | DRI 95 | DEF 32 | PHY 73
I’ve had some amazing experiences with Lookman in this evolution. His dribbling becomes absolutely elite, and combined with his pace and improved shooting, he’s a nightmare for defenders.
5. Ayoze Pérez (83 ST/CAM)
Why he’s perfect: Ayoze is a unique option because he can already play CAM, making him even more versatile after evolution. His technical stats are already solid, and the evolution makes him exceptional.
Base Stats: PAC 86 | SHO 83 | PAS 80 | DRI 83 | DEF 59 | PHY 67 After Evolution: PAC 90 | SHO 88 | PAS 87 | DRI 90 | DEF 59 | PHY 73
What I appreciate about Ayoze is his intelligence on the ball. After evolution, his vision and passing stats make him not just a goal scorer but also a creative force.
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
Not everyone has thousands of coins to spend on the most expensive options. Here are some budget-friendly players that still work great with the El Capitan Evolution:
1. Bonny (81 ST)
Why he’s great: Bonny is incredibly cheap and already has good pace (89). After evolution, he becomes a solid option for those on a budget.
After Evolution Stats: PAC 93 | SHO 86 | PAS 80 | DRI 86 | DEF 39 | PHY 82
2. Mubama (83 ST)
Why he’s great: Mubama has excellent pace (91) and becomes a real threat after evolution, all while being relatively affordable.
After Evolution Stats: PAC 95 | SHO 88 | PAS 76 | DRI 89 | DEF 51 | PHY 84
3. Kean (83 ST)
Why he’s great: Kean offers good all-around stats and becomes a well-rounded striker after evolution, perfect for budget squads.
After Evolution Stats: PAC 90 | SHO 87 | PAS 63 | DRI 88 | DEF 40 | PHY 74
Complete Player Comparison
To help you make the best decision, here’s a comprehensive comparison of the top El Capitan Evolution candidates:
| Player | Base OVR | Base PAC | Base SHO | Base DRI | Base PHY | Evo PAC | Evo SHO | Evo DRI | Evo PHY | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loïs Openda | 83 | 95 | 81 | 81 | 80 | 99 | 86 | 88 | 86 | Pure Pace |
| Asisat Oshoala | 83 | 92 | 79 | 85 | 85 | 96 | 84 | 92 | 91 | All-Round |
| Joshua Zirkzee | 84 | 78 | 82 | 84 | 78 | 82 | 87 | 91 | 84 | Technical |
| Ademola Lookman | 84 | 86 | 84 | 88 | 67 | 90 | 89 | 95 | 73 | Dribbling |
| Ayoze Pérez | 83 | 86 | 83 | 83 | 67 | 90 | 88 | 90 | 73 | Versatility |
| Bonny | 81 | 89 | 81 | 83 | 80 | 93 | 86 | 86 | 82 | Budget |
| Mubama | 83 | 91 | 83 | 82 | 84 | 95 | 88 | 89 | 84 | Budget Pace |
My Personal Experience and Tips In 2026
I want to share some personal insights from my time using these evolved players. When I first started testing the El Capitan Evolution, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But let me tell you, the results have been incredible!
Chemistry Styles Matter: I’ve found that using the right chemistry style can make a huge difference. For pace-focused players like Openda, I recommend using the Hunter style to maximize their pace and shooting even further. For more technical players like Zirkzee, the Engine style works wonders to boost their dribbling and passing.
Position Flexibility: One thing I absolutely love about this evolution is the position flexibility. Adding CAM to these players opens up so many squad-building possibilities. I’ve been experimenting with 4-2-3-1 formations using evolved players as CAMs, and the results have been fantastic.
PlayStyle+ Impact: The Finesse Shot PlayStyle+ you get at level 5 is a game-changer. I’ve scored so many amazing goals from outside the box with this. When I’m playing with these evolved players, I’m always looking for opportunities to take those finesse shots.
Weak Foot Upgrade: The +3 weak foot upgrade might not sound like much, but in practice, it makes a huge difference. I’ve noticed that my players are much more reliable when shooting with their weaker foot after evolution.
2026 Common Mistakes to Avoid
Based on my experience, here are some mistakes I see people making with the El Capitan Evolution:
- Choosing Players Based on Name Alone: Don’t just pick a player because they’re well-known. Look at their base stats and see how they’ll benefit from the specific upgrades this evolution offers.
- Ignoring Position Requirements: Make sure your player meets all the position requirements. I’ve seen people try to evolve players who don’t qualify, and it’s just a waste of time and resources.
- Not Completing All Levels: The evolution gets significantly better at each level. Don’t stop halfway – complete all five levels to get the full benefits.
- Overlooking Budget Options: Some of the best value comes from cheaper players. Don’t feel like you need to spend hundreds of thousands of coins to get a good evolved player.
Future Evolution Potential
One of the most exciting aspects of the El Capitan Evolution is that these players can be used in future evolutions. I’m already thinking about which of my evolved players I might want to use in the next big evolution that comes along.
When I look at players like Openda and Lookman after this evolution, I can’t help but imagine how insane they’ll be if we get another evolution that builds on these stats. The potential for creating absolute superstars is really exciting!
FAQ Section
How long does the El Capitan Evolution last?
The El Capitan Evolution is available for 2 weeks from release, so you have plenty of time to complete it. Just make sure you start before it expires!
Can I use multiple players in the same evolution?
Yes, you can evolve multiple players, but each one will cost 30,000 coins or 400 FC Points separately.
What happens if I don’t complete all the challenges?
If you don’t complete all the challenges, your player won’t receive the full upgrades. I recommend completing all five levels to get the maximum benefits.
Can I sell my evolved player?
No, once you evolve a player, they become untradeable. Make sure you choose a player you want to keep for your squad.
Are there any position restrictions after evolution?
The evolved player gains the CAM position in addition to ST, making them more versatile for squad building.
What’s the best chemistry style for El Capitan evolved players?
It depends on the player, but I generally recommend Hunter for pace-focused players and Engine for more technical players.
Final Thoughts
After spending so much time with the El Capitan Evolution, I can honestly say it’s one of the best value evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26. The upgrades are substantial, the player pool is diverse, and the end results are genuinely game-changing.
Whether you’re looking to build a budget squad or you have coins to spare on premium options, there’s something here for everyone. My personal favorite has been Loïs Openda – the combination of his natural pace and the evolution upgrades makes him absolutely unstoppable.
I hope this guide helps you make the best choices for your Ultimate Team squad. Remember to have fun with it, experiment with different players, and most importantly, enjoy scoring those amazing goals with your newly evolved superstars!
If you found this guide helpful, make sure to bookmark it for future reference, and feel free to share your own experiences with the El Capitan Evolution in the comments below. I’d love to hear which players you’ve been using and how they’ve been performing for you!
Want more FC 26 content? Check out our other guides on FC 26 Ultimate Team tips and best evolution strategies to dominate the competition!