Gaming | Top 5 FIFA games ranked

For fans of football gaming, the FIFA series (now known as EA FC) has long set the standard. 

From retro glory to next-gen realism, each release has left a lasting impression. But which entries stand out as true legends?

Here is personal ranking of Super News author Josh D and his top 5 favourite FIFA games ever, starting with the very best and working down.

1. FIFA 07 (PS2, GameCube, Xbox) – EA delivers a comeback

2006/2007 was the year of established organisations in football coming back to the top of their game. Manchester United won the title back from a Jose Mourinho inspired Chelsea and FIFA became the best football again after years of PES being top dog. 

FIFA 07 offered the perfect mix of accessible gameplay, immersive career mode and a soundtrack that defined an era. Released during a golden period for sports gaming, this edition thrived on the PlayStation 2 and original Xbox.

It introduced smarter AI and more realistic ball physics, creating a smoother, more lifelike experience. Career Mode developed into something that was arguably better than the "Master League" mode from Pro Evolution Soccer.

Even today, FIFA 07 is often remembered as the most balanced and enjoyable edition of the series.

2. FIFA 08 (PS3, Xbox 360) – Welcome to the world of High Definition

FIFA 08 marked the series' true transition into the HD era with stunning graphics, fluid animations and revamped controls. On the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, the game felt fresh and modern, introducing a new level of realism.

One of the standout additions was Be A Pro Mode, where players controlled a single footballer on the pitch for the full match. This innovation laid the groundwork for future favourites like Player Career and Pro Clubs. Slower, more tactical gameplay made every match feel meaningful, offering a different pace to previous entries.

3. FIFA 2003 (PS2, GameCube, Xbox) – A masterclass in presentation

At a time when Pro Evolution Soccer was a strong rival, FIFA 2003 raised the bar for presentation and polish. With a new TV-style broadcast feel, authentic club licensing and a sleek interface, it felt like a true football broadcast experience.

Gameplay also saw a leap forward. Passing was sharper, AI more intelligent and matches more competitive. The addition of the "Freestyle" control stick gave players more control in attack, allowing for greater creativity.

FIFA 2003 is fondly remembered as a turning point for the series in terms of both gameplay and style.

READ MORE | A closer look at some other football games throughout history 

4. FIFA 14 (PS4, Xbox One) – A new era

FIFA 14 was the first entry on the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, powered by the new Ignite Engine. This brought noticeable improvements in ball physics, player movement and visual detail.

The gameplay focused on build-up play and positioning, a change from the fast, counter-heavy style of previous editions. Ultimate Team began to dominate player interest, while Career Mode retained strong features. FIFA 14 may not have reinvented the wheel, but it laid a solid foundation for future titles on next-gen hardware.

5. FIFA: Road to World Cup 98 (PlayStation) – Pure nostalgia

For many fans, FIFA 98 holds a special place in gaming history. It featured all international teams, full World Cup qualification routes and even indoor 5-a-side matches, something that has never returned to the series.

The soundtrack, led by Blur's "Song 2", became iconic. The gameplay was fast and unpredictable, with arcade-style fun balanced by solid mechanics for its time. FIFA 98 wasn't the most refined, but it was one of the most memorable.