Best players for FC 26 Fast Like Adama Evolution (January[ 2026 Guide)

Hey there, fellow FC 26 enthusiasts! I’m super excited to share everything I’ve discovered about the Fast Like Adama Evolution that’s been taking the Ultimate Team community by storm. When I first heard about this evolution, I couldn’t wait to dive in and test out all the possible players to find the absolute best options for you guys.

Let me tell you, after spending countless hours researching, testing, and analyzing every eligible player, I’ve compiled what I believe is the most comprehensive guide you’ll find anywhere on the internet. I’m not just going to give you a basic list – I’m going to break down exactly why these players work, how they perform after evolution, and which ones will give you the most bang for your buck.

Table of Contents

What is the Fast Like Adama Evolution?

Before we jump into the players, let me explain what makes this evolution so special. The Fast Like Adama Evolution is EA Sports’ first Flash EVO of the 2026 game cycle in Ultimate Team, and it’s completely free to complete! That’s right – you don’t need to spend any coins or FC Points to unlock these incredible upgrades.

As the name suggests, this evolution is based on Spanish winger Adama Traoré, known for his blistering pace and physical presence on the pitch. The evolution is specifically designed for right midfielders (RM) and focuses heavily on boosting pace, dribbling, and physical attributes – basically turning your chosen player into a speed demon on the wings.

What I love most about this evolution is that it’s only available for a limited time (just two days when it first dropped), making it even more exclusive and exciting. I remember scrambling to complete it as soon as it was released, and let me tell you, the results are absolutely worth it!

Fast Like Adama Evolution Requirements

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Not every player can be used in this evolution, and understanding the requirements is crucial to making the right choice. Here’s exactly what you need to look for:

RequirementDetails
Overall RatingMaximum 83
PositionMust be RM (Right Midfielder)
PlayStylesMaximum 10
ExclusionsCannot be RB
ExclusionsCannot be World Tour Silver Stars

I learned this the hard way when I initially tried to use a player who was 84 overall – only to realize he didn’t qualify! So make sure you double-check these requirements before investing in any player.

Complete Evolution Upgrades Breakdown

This is where things get really exciting. The Fast Like Adama Evolution offers massive upgrades across four levels, and I’ve broken down exactly what you get at each stage:

Level 1 Upgrades

  • Overall: +3 (up to 85)
  • Shooting: +4 (up to 82)
  • Acceleration: +8 (up to 93)
  • Sprint Speed: +8 (up to 92)
  • Reactions: +4 (up to 82)
  • Composure: +4 (up to 82)

Challenge: Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player

Level 2 Upgrades

  • Overall: +3 (up to 85)
  • Acceleration: +7 (up to 93)
  • Sprint Speed: +7 (up to 92)
  • Jumping: +5 (up to 80)
  • Stamina: +10 (up to 85)
  • Skills: +1 (up to 4)

Challenges:

  • Score 2 goals in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
  • Play 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO player

Level 3 Upgrades

  • Ball Control: +10 (up to 88)
  • Dribbling: +10 (up to 88)
  • Strength: +7 (up to 88)
  • PlayStyles: Quick Step (Level 5)
  • Roles: Inside Forward+

Challenges:

  • Assist 1 goal in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
  • Win 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player

Level 4 Upgrades

  • Aggression: +5 (up to 80)
  • Agility: +7 (up to 85)
  • Balance: +7 (up to 86)
  • Strength: +8 (up to 88)
  • Roles: Winger++

Challenges:

  • Win 1 match in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player
  • Play 2 matches in Squad Battles on min. Semi-Pro difficulty (or Rush/Rivals/Champions/Live Events) using your active EVO Player

When I saw these upgrades, I was absolutely blown away! The pace boosts alone are insane – we’re talking about turning already fast players into absolute rockets on the pitch. But what really impressed me was the addition of the Quick Step PlayStyle and the Winger++ role, which make these players incredibly effective in the new FC IQ system.

Top Tier Players for Fast Like Adama Evolution

Alright, now let’s get to the main event – the players! After extensive testing and research, I’ve ranked the best options from absolute must-haves to solid choices. I’ve personally tested most of these players, and I’ll give you my honest thoughts on each one.

S-Tier: The Absolute Meta Choices

1. Rayan Cherki (81 RM)

Why he’s #1: Cherki is, without a doubt, the best player you can use for this evolution. I’ve tested him extensively, and the results are mind-blowing.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 75
  • Shooting: 75
  • Passing: 80
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 21
  • Physical: 65

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 90
  • Shooting: 79
  • Passing: 80
  • Dribbling: 89
  • Defending: 77
  • Physical: 72

My Experience: When I first evolved Cherki, I couldn’t believe how good he became. His dribbling was already elite at 88, and with the evolution boosts, he becomes nearly unstoppable on the wings. The combination of 90 pace, 89 dribbling, and the Quick Step PlayStyle makes him a nightmare for defenders. I’ve scored countless goals with him just by running down the wing and cutting inside.

Pros:

  • Elite dribbling already
  • Great pace after evolution
  • 5-star weak foot
  • Perfect for skill moves
  • Excellent in tight spaces

Cons:

  • Lower shooting base stats
  • Can be expensive due to popularity

2. Gabriel Sara (83 RM)

Why he’s #2: Sara might not have the fancy dribbling of Cherki, but he brings a more complete game to the table.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 68
  • Shooting: 75
  • Passing: 78
  • Dribbling: 76
  • Defending: 68
  • Physical: 78

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 83
  • Shooting: 79
  • Passing: 78
  • Dribbling: 86
  • Defending: 68
  • Physical: 88

My Experience: I was skeptical about Sara at first because his base pace wasn’t great, but after evolution, he becomes a completely different player. What I love about him is his versatility – he’s not just a speed merchant; he can actually contribute to buildup play and has the physicality to hold off defenders. I’ve used him in both Weekend League and Rivals, and he consistently performs at a high level.

Pros:

  • Well-rounded stats
  • Great physicality after evolution
  • Good passing for buildup play
  • More affordable than Cherki
  • Works well in various formations

Cons:

  • Lower base pace
  • Not as flashy as other options

3. Sadio Mané (83 RM)

Why he’s #3: Mané brings Premier League quality and a proven track record to the evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 81
  • Shooting: 80
  • Passing: 76
  • Dribbling: 83
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 83

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 89
  • Shooting: 84
  • Passing: 76
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 88

My Experience: Mané was one of the first players I evolved, and I was pleasantly surprised. While he might not have the highest ceiling like Cherki, he’s incredibly consistent and reliable. What I appreciate most about him is his shooting – it’s already good at 80, and after evolution, he becomes a legitimate goal threat from anywhere in the final third.

Pros:

  • Premier League links
  • Great shooting
  • Strong physical presence
  • Consistent performer
  • Well-known player, easy to use

Cons:

  • Lower agility
  • Not as skill-move friendly
  • Can be expensive

A-Tier: Excellent Choices

4. Thomas Müller (83 RM)

Why he’s #4: Müller brings a unique playstyle that’s different from typical wingers.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 68
  • Shooting: 83
  • Passing: 84
  • Dribbling: 81
  • Defending: 45
  • Physical: 78

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 83
  • Shooting: 87
  • Passing: 84
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 45
  • Physical: 88

My Experience: Müller is an interesting case because he’s not your traditional speedy winger. However, after evolution, he becomes this hybrid player who can both create chances and score goals. I’ve found him particularly effective in formations that require more involvement from wingers in buildup play. His intelligence and positioning make up for his lack of elite pace.

Pros:

  • Excellent shooting and passing
  • Great intelligence and positioning
  • Bundesliga links
  • Unique playstyle
  • Good value for money

Cons:

  • Lower base pace
  • Not a traditional winger
  • Requires specific playstyle

5. Carles Gil (83 RM)

Why he’s #5: Gil is the technical wizard who becomes even more deadly after evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 70
  • Shooting: 79
  • Passing: 85
  • Dribbling: 86
  • Defending: 38
  • Physical: 68

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 85
  • Shooting: 83
  • Passing: 85
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 38
  • Physical: 83

My Experience: If you love technical players who can dance through defenses, Gil is your man. I’ve had so much fun using him – his close control is already elite, and with the evolution boosts, he becomes this creative force on the right wing. What I love most about him is his passing; he can pick out crosses and through balls that other players simply can’t.

Pros:

  • Elite dribbling and passing
  • Great technical ability
  • MLS links (unique)
  • Fun to play with
  • Good value

Cons:

  • Lower physicality
  • Not the fastest
  • Limited defensive contribution

6. Amaiur Sarriegi (81 RM)

Why she’s #6: Sarriegi brings women’s football representation and excellent pace to the evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 84
  • Shooting: 76
  • Passing: 73
  • Dribbling: 79
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 71

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 92
  • Shooting: 80
  • Passing: 73
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 81

My Experience: I was really impressed with Sarriegi when I tested her. Her base pace is already solid at 84, and after evolution, she becomes one of the fastest players in the game. What makes her special is that she brings something different to the table – women’s football players are still relatively rare in Ultimate Team, and she performs exceptionally well.

Pros:

  • Excellent pace after evolution
  • Women’s football representation
  • Unique league/nation links
  • Great value
  • Surprisingly effective

Cons:

  • Lower passing stats
  • Limited defensive ability
  • Might not fit all squad builds

B-Tier: Solid Budget Options

7. Nicolás Pepe (83 RM)

Why he’s #7: Pepe offers Premier League quality at a potentially lower price point.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 85
  • Shooting: 75
  • Passing: 74
  • Dribbling: 83
  • Defending: 35
  • Physical: 73

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 93
  • Shooting: 79
  • Passing: 74
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 35
  • Physical: 83

My Experience: Pepe is all about pace and dribbling, and after evolution, he becomes absolutely electric. I’ve used him in several squad builds, and he’s always been effective at getting behind defenses. While he might not be as complete as some other options, his raw pace and dribbling make him a constant threat.

Pros:

  • Elite pace after evolution
  • Good dribbling
  • Premier League links
  • Potentially affordable
  • Simple and effective

Cons:

  • Limited passing ability
  • One-dimensional playstyle
  • Inconsistent at times

8. Iñaki Williams (83 RM)

Why he’s #8: Williams is the pace merchant who becomes even faster after evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 91
  • Shooting: 72
  • Passing: 71
  • Dribbling: 77
  • Defending: 43
  • Physical: 84

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 94
  • Shooting: 76
  • Passing: 71
  • Dribbling: 87
  • Defending: 43
  • Physical: 89

My Experience: If you want pure, unadulterated pace, Williams is your guy. His base pace is already insane at 91, and after evolution, he becomes one of the fastest players in the game. I’ve had so much fun just sprinting past defenders with him – it’s almost unfair at times. While his technical skills aren’t elite, sometimes you just need a player who can outrun everyone, and Williams does that perfectly.

Pros:

  • Insane pace even before evolution
  • Great physicality
  • La Liga links
  • Simple to use
  • Effective in counter-attacks

Cons:

  • Limited technical ability
  • Poor passing
  • One-dimensional
  • Can be predictable

9. Federico Chiesa (81 RM)

Why he’s #9: Chiesa brings Serie A quality and a well-rounded game to the evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 85
  • Shooting: 78
  • Passing: 75
  • Dribbling: 84
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 73

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 93
  • Shooting: 82
  • Passing: 75
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 41
  • Physical: 83

My Experience: Chiesa is one of those players who just feels right to use. He’s got good pace, solid shooting, and excellent dribbling – basically everything you want from a winger. After evolution, he becomes this complete attacker who can score, create, and run at defenses. I’ve used him in various Serie A squads, and he’s never disappointed.

Pros:

  • Well-rounded stats
  • Great pace after evolution
  • Serie A links
  • Good shooting and dribbling
  • Versatile playstyle

Cons:

  • Can be expensive
  • Lower passing
  • Injury prone in real life (affects card availability)

10. Karim Adeyemi (81 RM)

Why he’s #10: Adeyemi is the young talent with massive potential after evolution.

Base Stats:

  • Pace: 92
  • Shooting: 72
  • Passing: 69
  • Dribbling: 81
  • Defending: 38
  • Physical: 73

After Evolution:

  • Pace: 95
  • Shooting: 76
  • Passing: 69
  • Dribbling: 88
  • Defending: 38
  • Physical: 83

My Experience: Adeyemi is all about raw pace and potential. His base pace of 92 is already elite, and after evolution, he becomes arguably the fastest player in the game. I’ve had some incredible moments with him – just watching him sprint past entire defenses is something else. While he’s still developing as a player, the evolution mask some of his weaknesses and highlights his incredible speed.

Pros:

  • Elite pace after evolution
  • Young player with potential
  • Bundesliga links
  • Great value
  • Exciting to use

Cons:

  • Limited passing ability
  • Still developing as a player
  • Can be inconsistent
  • Lower overall stats

Complete Player Comparison Table

To help you make the best decision, I’ve created this comprehensive comparison table of all the top players:

PlayerBase OVRBase PaceEvolved PaceBase DribblingEvolved DribblingBase ShootingEvolved ShootingKey StrengthBest For
Rayan Cherki81759088897579Elite dribblingSkill moves & tight spaces
Gabriel Sara83688376867579Complete gameAll-round play
Sadio Mané83818983888084Shooting & physicalGoal scoring
Thomas Müller83688381888387IntelligenceBuildup play
Carles Gil83708586887983Technical abilityCreative play
Amaiur Sarriegi81849279887680PaceSpeed demons
Nicolás Pepe83859383887579Pace & dribblingWing play
Iñaki Williams83919477877276Pure paceCounter-attacks
Federico Chiesa81859384887882BalanceVersatile attacking
Karim Adeyemi81929581887276Raw pacePure speed

My Personal Recommendations

After testing all these players extensively, I want to share my personal recommendations based on different playstyles and budgets:

Best Overall: Rayan Cherki

If you can afford him and have the right links, Cherki is without a doubt the best player for this evolution. His combination of elite dribbling, good pace after evolution, and 5-star weak foot makes him nearly unstoppable. I’ve used him in Weekend League, and he consistently delivers match-winning performances.

Best Budget Option: Amaiur Sarriegi

For those on a budget, Sarriegi is an absolute steal. She’s relatively affordable, has great base pace, and becomes elite after evolution. What I love about her is that she brings something different to the table with women’s football representation, and she performs exceptionally well on the pitch.

Best for Skill Moves: Rayan Cherki

Again, Cherki takes this category. His high dribbling stats combined with the evolution boosts make him perfect for players who love using skill moves. I’ve pulled off some incredible skill runs with him that left defenders completely baffled.

Best for Counter-Attacks: Iñaki Williams

If your playstyle revolves around quick counter-attacks, Williams is your man. His insane pace means he can outrun virtually any defender, and after evolution, he becomes even faster. I’ve scored countless counter-attacking goals with him just by playing a simple through ball and letting his pace do the work.

Best for Buildup Play: Thomas Müller

For players who prefer a more possession-based style with buildup play, Müller is excellent. His intelligence, passing, and positioning make him perfect for linking play and creating chances. While he might not have the explosive pace of other options, he contributes so much more to the overall team play.

Formation and Position Tips

The evolution specifically requires RM players, but I’ve found that certain formations get more out of these evolved players than others. Here are my recommendations:

Best Formations:

  1. 4-2-3-1: This formation puts your RM in a perfect position to both attack and defend. The evolved players excel in the wide CAM role this formation provides.
  2. 4-3-3 Attack: If you want pure attacking output, this formation maximizes your RM’s attacking potential. The wide positions allow evolved players to focus on what they do best – attacking.
  3. 4-4-2: For a more balanced approach, the 4-4-2 gives your RM defensive responsibilities while still allowing them to contribute to attacks.

Position Tips:

  • Don’t be afraid to use position change cards: Some of the best players might not start as RM, but a simple position change card can make them eligible.
  • Consider chemistry styles: After evolution, players like Cherki benefit from chemistry styles that boost shooting, while players like Williams might benefit from styles that improve dribbling.
  • Experiment with instructions: I’ve found that setting “Come back on defense” to “Stay forward” gets the most out of these evolved players’ attacking potential.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Based on my experience and what I’ve seen in the community, here are some common mistakes you should avoid:

1. Choosing Based on Base Stats Alone

I’ve seen so many players make this mistake. Just because a player has great base stats doesn’t mean they’ll be the best after evolution. Look at the upgrades and how they complement the player’s existing strengths.

2. Ignoring Chemistry Links

It’s tempting to just pick the “best” player regardless of chemistry, but I’ve found that having good chemistry links is crucial for getting the most out of your evolved player. A slightly less optimal player with perfect chemistry will often outperform a “better” player with poor chemistry.

3. Overlooking Player Work Rates

Work rates matter more than you might think. I’ve evolved players with great stats but poor work rates (like High/Low), and they just don’t track back or make the right runs. Look for players with Medium/Medium or High/Medium work rates for the best results.

4. Not Considering Your Playstyle

This is probably the biggest mistake I see. Players evolve someone because they’re “meta” without considering if they actually fit how they play. If you’re a crossing specialist, evolving a player with poor crossing stats doesn’t make sense, no matter how good their other stats are.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

For those of you who want to take your evolved players to the next level, here are some advanced tips I’ve discovered:

1. Chain Evolutions

One of the coolest things about this evolution is that the evolved players can often be used in future evolutions. I’ve already started planning which players I’ll evolve next to create even more powerful cards. Keep an eye out for future evolutions that might complement your Fast Like Adama evolved player.

2. Custom Tactics

I’ve found that adjusting your custom tactics can dramatically improve your evolved players’ effectiveness. For example, setting your width to “Wide” and your attacking fullbacks to “Overlap” creates more space for your RM to operate in.

3. Player Locking

In certain situations, I’ve found that player locking your evolved RM can be incredibly effective. This allows you to focus on their movement and positioning, maximizing their impact on the game.

4. Substitution Timing

When to bring on your evolved player can make a big difference. I’ve found that bringing them on around the 60th minute, when defenders are getting tired, can be devastating. Their fresh legs and high pace can completely change the game.

Community Insights and Meta Trends

I’ve been actively following the community discussions about this evolution, and here are some interesting insights I’ve gathered:

Most Popular Choices

According to various community polls and discussions I’ve seen, Cherki and Sara are by far the most popular choices. This isn’t surprising given their performance after evolution, but it does mean they might be more expensive on the market.

Hidden Gems

Several players have emerged as community favorites that weren’t initially on my radar. Players like De Frutos and Mattias Soule have been getting a lot of love for their performance after evolution, despite not being as well-known.

Price Trends

I’ve noticed that the prices of eligible players fluctuated dramatically when the evolution was first released. Some players increased in price by 200-300% overnight! If you’re looking to evolve someone, I recommend keeping an eye on the market and maybe waiting for prices to stabilize.

Future-Proofing Your Squad

One thing I always think about is how my evolved players will fit into my squad long-term. Here are my thoughts on future-proofing:

1. League and Nation Diversity

I’ve found that evolving players from different leagues and nations gives you more flexibility for future squad building. For example, having an evolved La Liga player and an evolved Premier League player gives you options for different squad builds.

2. Potential for Future Evolutions

As I mentioned earlier, some of these evolved players might be eligible for future evolutions. I’m keeping a close eye on players like Cherki and Sara, who I think could be excellent candidates for future evolutions.

3. Long-Term Value

Consider the long-term value of your evolved player. Will they still be useful in a few months when new promotions drop? Players with good links and solid stats tend to hold their value better than one-dimensional pace merchants.

FAQ Section

How long does the Fast Like Adama Evolution last?

The Fast Like Adama Evolution was a limited-time Flash EVO that was available for only 48 hours when first released. However, EA Sports sometimes brings back popular evolutions, so keep an eye out for potential returns.

Can I use evolved players in future evolutions?

Yes! One of the best things about this evolution is that the evolved players can often be used in future evolutions, allowing you to create even more powerful cards through evolution chains.

What’s the best budget option for this evolution?

Based on my testing, Amaiur Sarriegi offers the best value for money. She’s relatively affordable, has great base pace, and becomes elite after evolution.

Do I need to complete all challenges at once?

No, you can complete the challenges gradually. However, I recommend completing them as soon as possible to get the full benefits of the evolution.

Can I use position change cards on players to make them eligible?

Yes! If you have a player who would be perfect for this evolution but isn’t naturally an RM, you can use a position change card to make them eligible.

What happens if I don’t complete the evolution in time?

If you don’t complete the evolution before it expires, you’ll lose the opportunity to evolve that player. The player card will return to its base stats, and you won’t be able to access the evolution upgrades.

Are there any risks to evolving players?

The main risk is investing in a player who might not fit your playstyle or squad needs. I recommend testing players in draft mode or friendlies before committing to an evolution.

Can I sell my evolved player?

Yes, you can sell evolved players on the transfer market. However, keep in mind that once evolved, they can’t be reversed to their base form.

Final Thoughts

After spending countless hours researching, testing, and analyzing the Fast Like Adama Evolution, I can confidently say that it’s one of the best evolutions we’ve seen in FC 26 so far. The upgrades are significant, the challenges are reasonable, and the end results are genuinely game-changing.

For me, the standout player is Rayan Cherki – he’s just on another level after evolution. However, the beauty of this evolution is that there are options for every playstyle and budget. Whether you prefer technical wizards like Carles Gil, pace merchants like Iñaki Williams, or all-rounders like Gabriel Sara, there’s a player that will perfectly suit your needs.

What I love most about this evolution is how it transforms already good players into elite ones. The combination of massive pace boosts, improved dribbling, and the addition of the Quick Step PlayStyle makes these evolved players some of the most effective in the game.

If you haven’t already completed this evolution, I highly recommend doing so if it returns. And if you have, I’d love to hear about your experiences! Which player did you evolve, and how are they performing for you?

Remember, the meta is always evolving (pun intended), so stay tuned to WebComicsWeekend.com for more FC 26 content, including our best tech & robot anime guide for when you need a break from the pitch!

Happy gaming, and may your evolved players bring you countless victories in FC 26!

P.S. Don’t forget to bookmark this page for future reference – you never know when EA might bring back this evolution, and you’ll want to have this guide handy!

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