Discover why West Ham star Jarrod Bowen avoids his FIFA Pro Player card and get expert tips for Weekend League success.
The Anonymity Strategy of a Premier League Pro
For professional footballers, featuring in the FIFA video game series represents a significant career milestone. Many eagerly use their exclusive ‘Pro Player’ cards within Ultimate Team mode. However, West Ham United and England forward Jarrod Bowen adopts a strikingly different approach, choosing to keep his gaming identity completely secret.
Jarrod Bowen’s rapid ascent in English football, marked by a sensational season with West Ham and a debut England call-up, contrasts with his deliberately low-profile presence on FIFA 22. Despite being an avid player, he consciously avoids using his unique Ultimate Team pro card.
The journey from non-league football to the Premier League spotlight is a narrative shared by few, making inclusion in FIFA a poignant achievement. Typically, footballers relish the chance to deploy their one-of-a-kind, 99-rated card—a digital badge of honor that verifies their identity and provides a substantial in-game advantage. Jarrod Bowen defies this norm. A dedicated participant in the competitive Weekend League, where he consistently secures around 14 victories, Bowen is a genuine fan of the game. Yet, he steadfastly refuses to field his own premium card.
EA SPORTSJarrod Bowen opts for anonymity over prestige in FIFA Ultimate Team. During an appearance on Ben Foster’s ‘Fozcast’ podcast, Bowen explained the core issue with using the pro card. “I play FIFA constantly,” he revealed. “I compete in the Weekend League every single week … I appreciated receiving a special Europa League card. While pro player cards are available, using one immediately reveals your identity. If I were to suffer a heavy defeat, opponents would quickly expose me online.”
Rating Predictions and the Future of Ultimate Team
Bowen also mentioned that EA SPORTS has discontinued the practice of gifting free ICON cards to professional players, a perk that was once common. He then shifted focus to forecasting his own player rating for the next installment of the game.
Having been rated 78 in FIFA 22, Bowen anticipates breaking into the coveted 80+ rating tier with an 81 overall score in FIFA 23. This projected upgrade is a justifiable reflection of his outstanding real-world performances throughout the season. As the franchise undergoes a historic rebranding from FIFA to EA SPORTS FC, the Ultimate Team ecosystem is likely to evolve. Despite these changes, Bowen will undoubtedly wish for access to more powerful, high-rated versions of his in-game cards to enhance his Weekend League campaigns.
Expert Tips for Weekend League Success
Bowen’s strategy highlights a crucial, often overlooked aspect of competitive FIFA: managing your online reputation. For players at any level, avoiding unnecessary attention can reduce pressure and tilt. Consider using a generic club name and badge instead of one tied to your favorite real-world team.
Common Squad-Building Mistakes to Avoid: Many players fixate on overall ratings or meta players without considering team chemistry and playstyle fit. A squad of 85-rated players with perfect chemistry will often outperform a disjointed team of 88-rated stars. Always plan your chemistry styles and position modifiers in advance.
Optimizing Your Weekend League Approach: Consistency is key. Like Bowen, setting a realistic win target (such as 14 wins) helps manage frustration. Spread your games across the weekend to avoid fatigue, and take breaks after consecutive losses to reset mentally. Analyze your gameplay by watching replays of conceded goals to identify defensive patterns you can improve.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Jarrod Bowen explains why he doesn’t use his pro card in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team Discover why West Ham star Jarrod Bowen avoids his FIFA Pro Player card and get expert tips for Weekend League success.