eFootball 2026 continues its run of themed Epic packs, and this time the spotlight shifts to the middle of the pitch with the Epic National Midfielders pack. This pack will feature Franck Ribéry, Gennaro Gattuso, and the newly added Christian Karembeu.
On paper, it’s a well-rounded trio. You’ve got a creative dribbler in Ribéry, a defensive star in Gattuso, and a bit of everything with Karembeu. So while the names are strong, the real question is whether this pack actually improves your midfield in matches. Let us take a look.
eFootball 2026 Epic National Midfielders players
Franck Ribéry
- Position: LMF
- Playing Style: Cross Specialist
- Showtime Skill: Momentum Dribbling and Edged Crossing
This looks like a fantastic card on paper. Compared to his previous release, where he had Creative Playmaker, the change to Cross Specialist with Edged Crossing is a noticeable shift in how the card is built, and he is that LMF, so more on the wings to cross.
Passing numbers are very strong, especially for crossing situations, so that part of the profile is clearly built here. At the same time, dribbling stats remain at the expected top level, so the technical side is still a big strength.
The removal of Acceleration Burst and the addition of Momentum Dribbling slightly shift the focus, which I feel is a downgrade because that’s a top-tier skill that made a difference. Physically, he isn’t the strongest, which is something to keep in mind.
Also, to really complete this card, skill tokens will be important, and at least five. Weak foot not being a problem is handy again, as he can play on both sides of the pitch.
Suggested Skills: One Touch Pass, Sole Control, Marseille Turn, Long Range Shooting, Fighting Spirit
Suggested Booster(s): Ball Protection
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Franck Ribéry
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Gennaro Gattuso
- Position: DMF
- Playing Style: Destroyer
- Showtime Skill: Fortress and Long Reach Tackle
This is a very typical Gattuso-type card, given the profile. The defensive side is clearly the main focus, with very high awareness, engagement, tackling, and aggression. For a player who isn’t the tallest or doesn’t have elite leg reach by default, Long Reach Tackle carried over from his previous card is a good thing.
Aerially, the card doesn’t look particularly strong, so that’s one limitation to consider. However, on the ground, he looks extremely solid, and I can vouch for the aggressive performances that he will deliver some great performances.
There aren’t strong Lofted Pass numbers, which is okay again, Low Pass is strong enough to build up play. Something I’ve experienced in his AC Milan version is the aggressive pressing and leaving gaps on the pitch, so my build has Track Back skill for him. You can go ahead with it if you feel the same once he goes live.
Suggested Skills: Track Back, Double Touch, One Touch Pass, Through Passing, Heading
Suggested Booster(s): Shutdown, Duelling, Defending, Physicality
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Gennaro Gattuso
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 8 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
Christian Karembeu
- Position: RMF
- Playing Style: Box to Box
- Showtime Skill: Fortress and Low Screamer
This is a new addition, and on paper, it looks quite interesting. The profile suggests a very versatile midfielder who can contribute in multiple areas. Even though he is listed as RMF, the stats indicate he can be built and used more like a CMF, especially considering his defensive numbers and overall balance.
Defensively, he looks strong enough to contribute, while also having good passing and decent dribbling. This combination gives him that all-around midfielder feel. In terms of comparison, I can say the profile slightly leans toward something similar to Lothar Matthäus.
Definitely not a direct comparison, but in the sense of being able to do a bit of everything, though not necessarily matching the same level in goal threat or aerial ability. Dribbling is solid enough that building into it could help with ball retention and control in midfield.
Since this is his first card in the game, it could feel a bit different compared to more established options, but overall, the card looks promising as a flexible midfield option.
Suggested Skills: Through Passing, One Touch Pass, Heading, Long Range Shooting, Pinpoint Crossing
Suggested Booster(s): Duelling
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Christian Karembeu
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 10 | 8 | 4 | 10 | 0 | 8 | 0 |
Best pick from the Epic National Midfielders pack in eFootball 2026
All players are strong picks, but there’s a small gap that makes these cards sit below the endgame tier. Hence, my suggestion is to skip. There are better players coming, I feel, so this one can be the one to skip.
Here’s my final cards tier list and pack rating.
| Tier | Players |
|---|---|
| SSS (Endgame) | None |
| SS (Excellent) | Franck Ribéry, Gennaro Gattuso, Christian Karembeu |
| S (Strong) | None |
| A (Good) | None |
| B (Average) | None |
| C (Below Average) | None |
Pack Rating: 2.5 out of 5
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