As the FC 25 Ultimate Team season winds down, EA Sports has surprised fans with one of the most exciting Squad Building Challenges (SBCs) yet, the 99-rated Pro World ICON Laurent Blanc. Known for his legendary presence as a defender, Blanc now arrives in Ultimate Team as a top-tier option for those looking to strengthen their backline with a world-class center-back.

For FC 25 players, this SBC is particularly enticing. It's not just about adding a defensive legend to your squad, it's about doing so at a relatively affordable price compared to many high-end ICON releases. With some smart squad-building, trading, or efficient use of FIFA 25 Coins, you can secure Blanc's card and enjoy the benefits of his defensive dominance.

The Cost and Structure of Blanc's SBC

Completing Laurent Blanc's SBC requires finishing 15 challenges, with a total estimated cost of around 890,000 FIFA 25 Coins. While that figure may sound steep, it's actually quite reasonable in the current Ultimate Team market, especially given that this is a 99-rated Pro World ICON card.

The SBC will remain available for one month, giving FC 25 Players enough time to prepare squads, save packs, and generate the fodder needed to cut down on costs. Many gamers use high-rated untradeables collected from recent objectives and SBCs, which reduces the overall coin investment significantly.

Challenge Breakdown and Rewards

The challenges are structured in a way that blends both high-rated squads and themed submissions. Here's how they're organized:

Early challenges like Born Legend and Rising Star require Bronze and Silver squads, offering small packs as rewards. These are straightforward and cheap to complete.

Mid-tier challenges introduce requirements such as an 87-rated squad (which grants a 5-game loan version of Blanc) and several 91–93-rated squads. These are the bulk of the SBC and where most of your FIFA 25 Coins will be spent.

The final stages include 94-rated squads, which push the cost higher but also reward tradeable Mega Packs and Rare Electrum Players Packs.

Altogether, you'll earn multiple packs during the grind, many of which are tradeable. This means you can potentially pull valuable players to offset your spending, making Blanc's SBC even more efficient in terms of coin management.

How Blanc Performs

On the pitch, Laurent Blanc's 99-rated card brings exactly what you would expect from a world-class center-back. Standing 6 feet tall, he offers commanding physical presence while also boasting excellent technical ability for a defender. Unlike some ICONs who are one-dimensional, Blanc can defend, pass, and even contribute to set-pieces when needed.

Strengths

Defensive Intelligence: Blanc has key playstyles like Anticipate, Intercept, and Block, which make him incredibly effective at cutting out passes and winning duels. His ability to read the game is one of his biggest assets.

Passing Ability: Unlike many defenders, Blanc has solid distribution. He can start attacks from deep with accurate long balls, making him perfect for possession-based players.

Physical Presence: With elite strength, tackling, and stamina, he's extremely reliable in physical battles. Even against elite attackers, Blanc rarely loses shoulder-to-shoulder challenges.

5-Star Weak Foot and Skill Moves: This unique combination adds versatility, giving him the confidence to play out of pressure without being predictable.

Weaknesses

Blanc's only noticeable limitation is his lack of the Quick Step playstyle. Compared to top-tier defenders like Yaya Touré or other elite center-backs, he doesn't feel quite as agile when jockeying or turning against quick strikers. Against rapid forwards, his transition speed can sometimes feel a step behind.

That said, his anticipation and positioning often compensate, meaning he still performs at an elite level. For many FC 25 players, this trade-off won't be a deal-breaker.

Who Should Complete This SBC

Casual Players: If you're looking for a reliable defender to stabilize your backline without draining your coin balance, Blanc is an excellent choice. His SBC is forgiving enough that you can chip away at it over time.

Competitive Players: For those chasing elite ranks in Division Rivals or FUT Champions, Blanc might not be the absolute best meta option due to his agility limitations, but he's still a top-tier defender who will deliver consistent performances.

Collectors and ICON Fans: For FC 25 players who love ICONs, Blanc is a must-have. A 99-rated version of such a legendary player doesn't come around often.

Final Thoughts

The FC 25 Pro World ICON Laurent Blanc SBC is one of the best late-season challenges EA Sports has dropped. At under 900,000 FIFA 25 Coins, it's a reasonable investment for a 99-rated defender who brings strength, intelligence, and reliability to any squad.

While he may lack the agility of the fastest defenders, Blanc makes up for it with anticipation, positioning, and physical dominance. For many FC 25 players, this SBC is the perfect balance between affordability and quality, offering a legendary name with endgame stats.

If you've been waiting for the right time to upgrade your defense without spending millions, this SBC is your chance. Laurent Blanc is more than just an ICON, he's a rock at the back, ready to guide your squad through the final battles of the season.