FC 26 Winter Wildcards Icon Michael Essien SBC: Requirements, Cost & Review
By Alfie Carrington•12/26/2025•2 min read
A legendary midfielder returns to the pitch in FC 26 Ultimate Team! The highly anticipated Winter Wildcards Icon Michael Essien SBC is now live, offering players the chance to add the powerhouse Ghanaian to their squad. This non-repeatable Squad Building Challenge rewards a special untradeable Winter Wildcards Icon Michael Essien, along with a 5-match loan version to test him out. Get ready to bolster your midfield with one of football's most dynamic legends!
How to Complete the Michael Essien SBC
On a Loan
Complete this challenge to earn the 5-Match Loan version of Time Warp Icon Michael Essien.
3,800
3,800
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 81
The Blues
Complete this challenge themed around Michael Essien's days at Chelsea.
28,000
30,000
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Player Chelsea
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 85
League Finesse
Complete this challenge themed around Michael Essien's days in Ligue 1.
25,500
27,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Player Ligue 1 McDonald's
- •Team Rating: Min. 86
League Legend
Complete this challenge themed around Michael Essien's days in Premier League.
42,000
47,000
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Player Premier League
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
Top Form
Exchange a squad featuring a TOTW player.
55,500
60,500
Requirements
- •Min. 1 Players Team of the Week
- •Team Rating: Min. 87
88-Rated Squad
Exchange an 88-Rated Squad.
73,500
78,000
Requirements
- •Team Rating: Min. 88
Michael Essien SBC Cost and Rewards Analysis
The Winter Wildcards Icon Michael Essien SBC consists of six challenges. To complete this iconic challenge, you're looking at an estimated cost of around 228,300 on console and 246,800 on PC, though prices can fluctuate. Each challenge also offers valuable pack rewards. You can earn a Small Electrum Players Pack, Premium Gold Pack, Small Prime Electrum Players Pack, Premium Mixed Players Pack, and a Small Prime Gold Players Pack along the way. These packs contribute to an overall 6,600 in value, helping to offset the total cost of acquiring Michaël Essien for your Ultimate Team.
Is the Winter Wildcards Icon Essien Worth It?
Michael Essien is renowned for his incredible work rate, defensive prowess, and surprising offensive contributions. As a Winter Wildcards Icon, expect this version to receive significant boosts that will make him a top-tier option in the FC 26 midfield meta. His ability to dominate the center of the park, break up play, and drive forward with the ball makes him a fantastic all-around player. The 5-match loan is a great opportunity to see how he fits into your existing squad before committing to the full SBC.
This SBC is available until January 16, 2026, giving you ample time to gather the necessary fodder and coins. Don't miss out on adding a true legend to your FC 26 Ultimate Team!