FIFA 23 will bring a whole host of new features, including the debut of women's clubs and more realistic player interactions.
But what most fans won't have anticipated is the introduction of a certain fictional manager and his team - Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond.
'Ted Lasso', a comedy first aired in 2020, is based on the story of an American football coach hired to manage a British football team, despite being seriously under qualified.
Now, after two seasons, the show's star Ted Lasso - who's played by American actor Jason Sudeikis - and his team AFC Richmond will star in the newest game.
"We are delighted to announce that EA SPORTS has brought Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond into FIFA 23," a statement read.
The much loved football video game is set to be released on the 27th September.
“It is so f***ing cool to be in FIFA. I’m not sure this is going to help dispel the CGI rumours but f*** it, totally worth it,” actor Brett Goldstein, who plays AFC Richmond player Roy Kent said. “I
look forward to beating my nephew in a game with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He’s gonna be furious.”
Ahead of it's launch, Lasso's account tweeted a picture hinting his character could be part of the new version.
"Look out, Mario!" Lasso wrote on Tuesday, "You're not the only pixelated man with a moustache who never knows where the tube is taking him..."
Most read in Football
Along with his tweet, Lasso posted a picture of him appearing to get a face scan - something footballers in the game have famously done when accurately represented in the game.
Richmond's players will be placed into the 'Rest of World' League on FIFA 23 to be used on kick-off while the club can also be taken through a career mode campaign.
And now, the player ratings for the squad have been confirmed - as well as the maximum potential for Jamie Tartt and Co.
- ST: Jamie Tartt - 84 rated, 91 potential
- CDM: Roy Kent - 83 rated, 83 potential
- ST: Dani Rojas - 82 rated, 85 potential
- RM: Sam Obisanya - 81 rated, 88 potential
- CB: Isaac McAdoo - 80 rated, 83 potential
- CM: Moe Bumbercatch - 79 rated, 82 potential
- LB: George Goodman - 79 rated, 79 potential
- LM: Colin Hughes - 78 rated, 78 potential
- RB: Ash Dixon - 78 rated, 81 potential
- ST: Tanaka Roberts - 78 rated, 78 potential
- CDM: Richard Montlaur - 77 rated, 77 potential
- CB: Jan Maas - 77 rated, 79 potential
- GK: Thierry Zoreaux - 76 rated, 77 potential
- CB: Emmanuel Winchester - 76 rated, 78 potential
- CB: Joe Reynolds - 76 rated, 76 potential
- GK: Tom O'Brien - 75 rated, 78 potential
- RM: Ozzie Kukoc - 75 rated, 82 potential
- CB: Ugo Babatunde - 75 rated, 75 potential
- ST: Dejon Cockburn - 75 rated, 75 potential
Richmond manager Lasso will be available to use as as a manager in Career Mode in addition to getting his own Ultimate Team item.
He may be a fictional character, but he's actually inspired those who actually sit at the top of football - including Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who said he took inspiration from the coach's positive attitudes.
Meanwhile, Leeds boss and American Jesse Marsch has also cited Lasso since moving across to the Premier League, saying Lasso feeds into the stereotype of coaches from the US not faring well in England.
Sudeikis was also recently spotted at Brentford's game against Arsenal, with fans joking he was on a secret scouting mission alongside his fellow star Coach Beard.
ncG1vNJzZmiskaG4tLzOq6tnm5%2BifKe7zq2ZmqScZH5yhZhramtnlp6zonmRbGScmaKasrN5zKibnmWkmrFuuMCsqqhlkZuwbr7InJ%2Bmp56ZerS91JqbZp2RYsCxu9Gtqmg%3D