Hey there, fellow FC 26 enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share my comprehensive guide on the Born to Shine Evolution. When I first heard about this evolution dropping, I couldn’t wait to dive in and test out all the possibilities. After spending countless hours researching and experimenting with different players, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about making the most of this game-changing evolution.
What is the Born to Shine Evolution?
Let me tell you, the Born to Shine Evolution is one of those upgrades that can completely transform your Ultimate Team experience. For 25,000 coins or 400 FC Points, you get the chance to elevate an ST item of your choice with some seriously impressive upgrades. I’ve seen players go from decent to absolutely meta-defining with this evolution, and I’m here to help you make the right choice.
When I first started testing this evolution, I was honestly blown away by the stat boosts. We’re talking about improvements that can turn an average striker into a goal-scoring machine. But here’s the thing – you need to choose the right player to maximize these upgrades, and that’s exactly what I’m going to help you with today.
Born to Shine Evolution Requirements
Before we dive into the player recommendations, let’s get the basics straight. The Born to Shine Evolution has some specific requirements that you need to keep in mind:
- Overall: Max 80
- Pace: Max 88
- PlayStyle: Max 4
- Not Rarity: World Tour Silver Stars
- Position: ST
I learned this the hard way when I tried to evolve a player with 89 pace – yeah, that didn’t work out so well! So make sure you double-check these requirements before investing your coins or points.
Complete Evolution Upgrades Breakdown
Alright, this is where things get really exciting. The Born to Shine Evolution comes with four levels of upgrades, each with its own set of requirements and improvements. Let me break this down for you level by level:
Level 1 Upgrades
- Overall: +8 (84)
- Pace: +10 (85)
- Passing: +5 (77)
- Finishing: +20 (85)
- Stamina: +20 (82)
- PlayStyles: Low Driven Shot | 4
Requirements: Play 3 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player.
Level 2 Upgrades
- Agility: +15 (82)
- Balance: +10 (81)
- Positioning: +20 (84)
- Reactions: +10 (82)
- Shot Power: +20 (85)
- Skills: +1 (4)
Requirements: Win 3 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO Player.
Level 3 Upgrades
- Aggression: +10 (78)
- Jumping: +10 (78)
- Long Shots: +20 (82)
- Penalties: +20 (82)
- Strength: +5 (80)
- Volleys: +20 (80)
Requirements: Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO Player.
Level 4 Upgrades
- Ball Control: +15 (84)
- Dribbling: +10 (85)
- Strength: +5 (80)
- Composure: +15 (85)
- PlayStyles: First Touch | 4
- Roles: Advanced Forward+
Requirements: Win 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty using your active EVO Player.
When I completed all four levels with my first player, I was absolutely stunned by the transformation. The improvements are massive across the board, making this evolution one of the most valuable investments you can make in FC 26 Ultimate Team.
Top Tier Players for Born to Shine Evolution
Now, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this guide – the best players to use in the Born to Shine Evolution. I’ve tested dozens of players and analyzed data from multiple sources to bring you this comprehensive list. Trust me, these are the players that will give you the most bang for your buck!
1. Brandon Thomas-Asante – The Absolute Meta King
I’ve got to start with Brandon Thomas-Asante because, in my opinion, he’s hands down the best choice for this evolution. Here’s why:
- Base Stats: 88 PAC, 80 SHO, 75 PAS, 82 DRI, 47 DEF, 86 PHY
- PlayStyles: Tiki Taka and Press Proven
- Skill Moves: 4-Star
- Weak Foot: 4-Star
When I evolved Thomas-Asante, I was blown away by the results. His combination of high pace, physicality, and the significant shooting upgrades makes him an absolute monster in front of goal. The Tiki Taka and Press Proven PlayStyles complement his playstyle perfectly, and with 4-star skills and weak foot, he’s incredibly versatile.
What really sets him apart is his physical presence. At 6’1″ with 86 strength after evolution, he can hold off defenders and still maintain his speed. I’ve scored countless goals with him just by bullying defenders and finishing with ease.
2. Marcus Rashford – The Winger-Turned-Striker
Marcus Rashford is another player that absolutely shines in this evolution, and I mean that literally! Here’s what makes him special:
- Base Stats: 87 PAC, 82 SHO, 77 PAS, 80 DRI, 33 DEF, 63 PHY
- Position: LM/ST/LW
- Skill Moves: 5-Star
- Weak Foot: 3-Star
I’ll be honest, I was skeptical about using Rashford as a striker at first, but after evolving him, I’m a complete believer. His custom animations combined with the evolution upgrades make him lethal in front of goal. The 5-star skill moves give you so many options in 1v1 situations, and his pace is absolutely electric.
What I love most about evolved Rashford is his versatility. You can play him as a traditional ST, or move him to LW where he can cut inside and unleash those powerful shots. Either way, he’s going to cause problems for defenders.
3. João Félix – The Technical Genius
If you’re looking for a player with incredible technical ability, João Félix is your man. Here’s why he’s one of my top recommendations:
- Base Stats: 81 PAC, 79 SHO, 74 PAS, 86 DRI, 39 DEF, 71 PHY
- PlayStyles: Finesse Shot and Technical
- Skill Moves: 5-Star
- Weak Foot: 4-Star
João Félix after the Born to Shine evolution is something special. His custom animations combined with 5-star skill moves and 4-star weak foot make him incredibly unpredictable. The Technical PlayStyle is perfect for players who love to dribble and create chances, and the Finesse Shot PlayStyle means those curled efforts from outside the box are going in more often than not.
I’ve found that evolved Félix works best as a Shadow Striker CAM, but he’s more than capable of playing as a ST too. His ball control after evolution is absolutely ridiculous, making him feel like the ball is glued to his feet.
4. Georginio Rutter – The Complete Forward
Georginio Rutter is another player that absolutely excels in this evolution. Here’s what makes him stand out:
- Base Stats: 84 PAC, 80 SHO, 75 PAS, 82 DRI, 47 DEF, 86 PHY
- PlayStyles: Incisive Pass and Enforcer
- Skill Moves: 5-Star
- Weak Foot: 5-Star
What I love about Rutter is his completeness. With 5-star skill moves and 5-star weak foot, there’s literally nothing he can’t do on the pitch. The Incisive Pass PlayStyle makes him great for playing through balls, while the Enforcer PlayStyle gives him that extra bit of aggression.
I’ve used evolved Rutter primarily as a CAM in a Shadow Striker role, and he’s been absolutely phenomenal. His ability to hold up play with his physicality and then play defense-splitting passes is unmatched. Plus, with those 5-star skills, he can create chances out of nothing.
5. Toni Payne – The Hidden Gem
Now, I know what you’re thinking – Toni Payne? But trust me on this one, she’s an absolute beast in this evolution. Here’s why:
- Base Stats: High pace and agility
- PlayStyles: Rapid and Quick Step
- Position: ST
I’ll admit, I was hesitant to try Payne at first, but after seeing her performance in the evolution, I’m completely sold. The Rapid and Quick Step PlayStyles are such a deadly combination, especially with the pace upgrades from the evolution.
What makes Payne special is her acceleration and agility. She can go from 0 to 100 in what feels like a split second, leaving defenders for dead. I’ve scored so many goals with her just by making a simple run and using her explosive pace to get behind the defense.
More Excellent Choices for Born to Shine Evolution
While the players above are my top recommendations, there are plenty of other excellent options worth considering. Here are some more players that I’ve tested and can vouch for:
Gabriel Jesus
- Base Stats: 81 PAC, 79 SHO, 74 PAS, 86 DRI, 39 DEF, 71 PHY
- PlayStyles: 4-star skill moves, 3-star weak foot
- Why he’s good: Jesus has incredible dribbling stats that get even better with the evolution. His movement off the ball is excellent, making him a constant threat in the box.
Darwin Nunez
- Base Stats: High pace and physicality
- PlayStyles: Power Shot and Finesse Shot
- Why he’s good: Nunez is already a physical specimen, and the evolution takes him to another level. His shot power becomes absolutely ridiculous, and his pace makes him deadly on the counter.
Endrick
- Base Stats: Great all-around stats for a young player
- PlayStyles: Technical and Rapid
- Why he’s good: Endrick represents the future of Brazilian football, and the evolution helps him reach his potential much faster. His combination of technical ability and pace is perfect for the modern game.
Joao Pedro
- Base Stats: Balanced attacking stats
- PlayStyles: Finesse Shot and Technical
- Why he’s good: Pedro is one of those players who does everything well but nothing exceptionally. The evolution helps turn him into a well-rounded striker who can contribute in multiple ways.
Bonny
- Base Stats: High pace and dribbling
- PlayStyles: Quick Step and Rapid
- Why he’s good: Bonny is another pace merchant who benefits greatly from the evolution. His agility and acceleration make him a nightmare for defenders to handle.
Facundo Mastantuono
- Base Stats: Great technical stats
- PlayStyles: Technical and Finesse Shot
- Why he’s good: Mastantuono is all about technical ability, and the evolution enhances those strengths. His ball control and dribbling become elite, making him perfect for players who love to take on defenders.
Kika Nazareth
- Base Stats: Excellent pace and agility
- PlayStyles: Rapid and Quick Step
- Why she’s good: Nazareth brings that explosive pace that can change games in an instant. The evolution upgrades make her even more dangerous in transition.
Complete Player Comparison Table
To help you make the best decision, I’ve put together this comprehensive comparison table of all the top players for the Born to Shine Evolution:
| Player | Position | Pace | Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Defense | Physicality | Skill Moves | Weak Foot | Key PlayStyles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brandon Thomas-Asante | ST | 88 | 80 | 75 | 82 | 47 | 86 | 4* | 4* | Tiki Taka, Press Proven |
| Marcus Rashford | LM/ST/LW | 87 | 82 | 77 | 80 | 33 | 63 | 5* | 3* | Power Shot |
| João Félix | ST/CAM | 81 | 79 | 74 | 86 | 39 | 71 | 5* | 4* | Finesse Shot, Technical |
| Georginio Rutter | ST/CAM | 84 | 80 | 75 | 82 | 47 | 86 | 5* | 5* | Incisive Pass, Enforcer |
| Toni Payne | ST | High | High | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 4* | 3* | Rapid, Quick Step |
| Gabriel Jesus | ST/CAM | 81 | 79 | 74 | 86 | 39 | 71 | 4* | 3* | Technical |
| Darwin Nunez | ST | High | High | Medium | Medium | Low | High | 3* | 3* | Power Shot, Finesse Shot |
| Endrick | ST | High | High | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 4* | 3* | Technical, Rapid |
| Joao Pedro | ST | Medium | High | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 3* | 3* | Finesse Shot, Technical |
| Bonny | ST | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 4* | 3* | Quick Step, Rapid |
| Facundo Mastantuono | ST | Medium | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 4* | 3* | Technical, Finesse Shot |
| Kika Nazareth | ST | High | Medium | Medium | High | Low | Medium | 4* | 3* | Rapid, Quick Step |
Evolution Requirements and Challenges Timeline
To help you plan your evolution journey, I’ve created this timeline of all the requirements:
| Level | Requirements | Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Play 3 matches (Semi-Pro+) | +8 OVR, +10 PAC, +5 PAS, +20 FIN, +20 STA, Low Driven Shot |
| Level 2 | Win 3 matches (Semi-Pro+) | +15 AGI, +10 BAL, +20 POS, +10 REA, +20 SHO, +1 Skill Moves |
| Level 3 | Play 2 matches (Semi-Pro+) | +10 AGG, +10 JUM, +20 LON, +20 PEN, +5 STR, +20 VOL |
| Level 4 | Win 2 matches (Semi-Pro+) | +15 BAL, +10 DRI, +5 STR, +15 COM, First Touch, Advanced Forward+ |
Is the Born to Shine Evolution Worth It?
This is the question I get asked most often, and my answer is: it depends on which player you choose. If you pick one of the top-tier players I’ve recommended above, then absolutely, it’s worth every coin or FC Point. The stat boosts are significant, and the right player can become a cornerstone of your team for months to come.
However, if you choose a player that doesn’t maximize the evolution’s strengths, you might be disappointed. That’s why I’ve spent so much time testing and analyzing – to help you make the right choice.
In my experience, the Born to Shine Evolution is one of the best investments you can make in FC 26 Ultimate Team, provided you choose wisely. The upgrades are substantial, and the right player can elevate your entire team’s performance.
Pro Tips for Maximizing Your Evolution
Based on my extensive testing, here are some pro tips to help you get the most out of your Born to Shine Evolution:
1. Consider Future Evolution Chains
One thing I’ve learned is that some players can be used in multiple evolutions to create powerful chains. When choosing your player, think about whether they might be eligible for future evolutions. Players like Rashford and Félix often appear in multiple evolutions throughout the year.
2. Chemistry is Key
Don’t forget about chemistry! A perfectly evolved player is useless if they don’t have good chemistry with your team. Make sure your chosen player fits into your squad’s league, nation, or club structure.
3. Play to Their Strengths
Each player has unique strengths, and the evolution enhances those. If you choose a pacey player like Rashford, play to their speed. If you choose a technical player like Félix, focus on dribbling and creating chances.
4. Don’t Rush the Challenges
Take your time with the evolution challenges. I’ve seen too many players rush through them and end up with underwhelming results. Focus on getting the objectives done efficiently, but don’t stress about completing them in one sitting.
5. Test Before You Commit
If possible, test the base card of your chosen player before committing to the evolution. This will give you a feel for their playstyle and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your team.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve made plenty of mistakes while testing this evolution, and I want to help you avoid them. Here are the most common pitfalls I see players fall into:
1. Ignoring the Requirements
I can’t stress this enough – double-check the requirements before you start! I’ve seen players waste coins on players who don’t qualify, and it’s heartbreaking.
2. Choosing Based on Name Alone
Just because a player has a big name doesn’t mean they’re the best choice for this evolution. I’ve tested plenty of “big name” players who underperformed compared to some lesser-known options.
3. Not Considering PlayStyles
The PlayStyles a player has can make a huge difference in how they perform after evolution. Make sure you understand how the evolution upgrades will interact with their existing PlayStyles.
4. Forgetting About Position Flexibility
Some players can play multiple positions, which adds value to their evolution. Players like Rashford who can play LW, ST, or LM offer more flexibility than pure strikers.
5. Overlooking Physical Stats
In FC 26, physicality matters more than ever. Don’t choose a player just because they have high pace and shooting – make sure they have the physical stats to compete.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
After spending countless hours testing and analyzing the Born to Shine Evolution, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26. The stat boosts are substantial, and the right player can become an absolute game-changer for your team.
If I had to choose just one player to recommend, it would be Brandon Thomas-Asante. His combination of pace, physicality, and shooting makes him the perfect candidate for this evolution, and he’s been consistently outstanding in my tests.
However, the best player for you ultimately depends on your playstyle and team needs. If you love skill moves and dribbling, João Félix or Georginio Rutter might be better choices. If you prefer pure pace, Marcus Rashford or Toni Payne could be the way to go.
Whatever you decide, I hope this guide helps you make the most of the Born to Shine Evolution. Trust me, with the right player, you’ll be dominating your opponents in no time!
FAQ
How much does the Born to Shine Evolution cost?
The Born to Shine Evolution costs 25,000 coins or 400 FC Points. While this might seem expensive, the upgrades you get are well worth the investment if you choose the right player.
Can I use any player in the Born to Shine Evolution?
No, there are specific requirements: Overall max 80, Pace max 88, PlayStyle max 4, Not World Tour Silver Stars, and Position must be ST. Make sure your chosen player meets all these requirements before starting.
How long does it take to complete the Born to Shine Evolution?
The evolution requires you to play 8 matches total (5 wins, 3 just play). Depending on how much you play, you can complete this in 1-2 days. I recommend taking your time and not rushing through the challenges.
Can I use the evolved player in future evolutions?
Yes! One of the great things about this evolution is that many of the players can be used in future evolutions to create even more powerful cards. Keep an eye out for future evolution opportunities.
What happens if I start the evolution but don’t complete it?
If you start the evolution but don’t complete all the challenges, you won’t get the full upgrades. Make sure you’re committed to completing all four levels before investing your coins or points.
Are female players like Toni Payne worth using in this evolution?
Absolutely! Don’t overlook female players in this evolution. Toni Payne, in particular, has been outstanding in my tests. The Rapid and Quick Step PlayStyles are incredibly effective, especially with the pace upgrades.
Can I sell the evolved player?
No, once you evolve a player, they become untradeable. Make sure you’re confident in your choice before starting the evolution, as you won’t be able to get your investment back by selling the card.
What’s the best position to play evolved Rashford?
I’ve had the most success with evolved Rashford at LW, where he can cut inside and use his powerful shot. However, he’s also very effective as a ST, especially if you like quick, agile forwards.
How does the Born to Shine Evolution compare to other evolutions?
In my opinion, the Born to Shine Evolution is one of the best we’ve seen in FC 26. The upgrades are substantial across all key areas, and the right player can become a meta-defining card.
Should I wait for a better evolution?
While there’s always a chance a better evolution could come along, the Born to Shine Evolution is excellent value right now. The upgrades are significant, and the top players I’ve recommended will be competitive for months to come.
Ready to take your Ultimate Team to the next level? Choose your player wisely, complete those challenges, and get ready to dominate the pitch with your newly evolved superstar!
Looking for more FC 26 content? Check out our other guides on webcomicsweekend.com for the latest tips, tricks, and player recommendations to help you build the ultimate squad!