Team of the Week 9 has officially arrived in FC 26, and it may be one of the most exciting releases of the entire cycle. EA Sports has finally granted Lionel Messi his long-awaited in-form item, delivering a card that fans have been expecting for weeks. Joining him is Manchester City's lightning-quick winger Jeremy Doku, whose explosive Premier League performances have earned him a well-deserved spot in the squad. PSG's midfield conductor Vitinha also headlines this TOTW with a remarkable 90-rated upgrade, instantly making him one of the most valuable TOTW midfielders in the game.

 

With 23 upgraded cards available in packs from November 13 to November 20, 2025, TOTW 9 brings a mixture of world-class superstars, rising talents, and underrated gems, each with the potential to slot directly into competitive squads or become smart market investments. Whether you're grinding Rivals, stacking Weekend League wins, or managing your FC 26 Coins with discipline, this TOTW drop has something for every type of Ultimate Team player.

 

A TOTW Headlined by Global Talent

 

What makes TOTW 9 particularly impressive is the variety of leagues, nations, and playstyles represented. From elite European attackers to dynamic midfielders and tightening defenders, EA Sports crafted a well-rounded squad with notable upgrades in every area of the pitch. This blend not only boosts the excitement of pack openings but also offers squad-builders more chemistry options when creating hybrids centered around top-tier FC 26 Players.

 

At the top of the list is Vitinha, whose 90-rated item is a massive jump that elevates him into the elite midfielder category. Following him closely are Klara Bühl of Bayern Munich, earning an 88 rating after a string of sensational domestic performances, and of course Lionel Messi, finally receiving his first base-level TOTW card of the FC 26 cycle.

 

Lionel Messi's TOTW Return

 

Few players generate as much excitement as Lionel Messi, and TOTW 9 marks the superstar's long-awaited appearance in this year's in-form lineup. After delivering clutch performances in the MLS playoffs, Messi receives an 87-rated in-form that refines everything he already excels at: flawless dribbling, intelligent movement, precise passing, and deadly finishing.

 

This TOTW item continues Messi's tradition of dominating the meta. His unique animations, high agility, and PlayStyles make him feel smoother in-game than many higher-rated cards. While he may not boast the raw pace of some younger attackers, his ability to manipulate space and unlock defenses remains unmatched. For players with enough FC 26 Coins to purchase him, he becomes an instant game-changer in competitive play.

 

Jeremy Doku's Well-Earned Recognition

 

Jeremy Doku has rapidly become one of the Premier League's most electric players, and TOTW 9 rewards him with a card that reflects his blistering pace and unpredictable dribbling. His in-form item delivers boosts to acceleration, sprint speed, close control, and agility, attributes that perfectly capture his real-world playstyle.

 

Doku's TOTW upgrade is particularly attractive to players who favor fast-build offenses or counter-attacking tactics. His ability to glide past defenders makes him a nightmare to contain in one-on-one situations. For those assembling Premier League or Belgian hybrid squads, he's one of the most exciting FC 26 Players added through TOTW in recent weeks.

 

Vitinha: The TOTW Superstar

 

While Messi and Doku bring star power, Vitinha may be the best overall card in TOTW 9. His upgraded 90 rating pushes him into the same territory as the highest-regarded midfielders in the game. With top-tier passing, balance, composure, and ball-retention attributes, Vitinha instantly becomes a dream addition for creative midfield setups.

 

Players who prefer possession-based systems or need a midfielder who can dictate tempo will find this TOTW version extremely valuable. His chemistry links also make him adaptable, especially for squads that rely on Ligue 1 or Portuguese player networks.

 

Why TOTW 9 Matters for the Transfer Market

 

Every TOTW release affects the Ultimate Team economy, and TOTW 9 is no exception. With Messi, Vitinha, and Doku all likely to command high prices, players managing their FC 26 Coins will want to be strategic. Messi's demand will spike immediately, while Vitinha's price may stabilize at a premium given his rarity and strong meta positioning.

 

Mid-tier TOTW players also become crucial for SBC fodder during high-demand moments. Savvy traders may find profitable opportunities by flipping TOTW cards during peak traffic windows or holding them for future Squad Building Challenges.

 

TOTW 9: Best Value Items

 

Even outside of the headliners, TOTW 9 offers several hidden gems worth exploring. Some defenders receive pace and defensive boosts that make them ideal for budget squads. A handful of strikers get finishing upgrades that can outperform their ratings in the right hands. For player collectors or those building themed squads, TOTW 9 introduces flavorful options that keep Ultimate Team feeling fresh.

 

For many players, this TOTW represents the perfect balance of star power and affordability, allowing both hardcore competitors and casual fans to discover exciting cards that fit their playstyle or squad-building approach.

 

Final Thoughts

 

The FC 26 TOTW 9 squad is one of the season's standout releases, bringing iconic names, emerging stars, and competitive options all in one drop. With Messi finally receiving a long-awaited TOTW upgrade, Doku displaying his electrifying form, and Vitinha rising to elite status with a 90-rated item, this week's lineup has reshaped market values and squad-building meta discussions across the community.

 

Whether you're opening packs, trading smart with your FC 26 Coins, or simply seeking top-tier FC 26 Players to elevate your squad, TOTW 9 provides some of the most compelling content in Ultimate Team so far.