Bayern Munich Sign Multi-Year Partnership With EA SPORTS FC
Bundesliga club Bayern Munich has signed a multi-year partnership with video game makers EA SPORTS FC. The deal replaces a previous agreement with video game makers KONAMI. As a result, Bayern's Allianz Arena wasn't part of Electronic Arts' successful football video game franchise.
"We are incredibly proud to welcome FC Bayern München as an exclusive partner of EA SPORTS FC,' James Taylor, Director of Football Partnerships at EA SPORTS, said in a statement. 'As one of the most iconic clubs in world football—with a legacy of excellence, a global fanbase, and an unmatched influence on the sport—FC Bayern München represents the very best of the game. It's a privilege to bring their story, players, and passion to life for millions of fans in EA SPORTS FC 26 and beyond."
Although Bayern players and the badge were always correctly displayed thanks to the EA SPORTS FC Bundesliga partnership, the Allianz Arena wasn't part of the deal. That's going to change now going forward.
'Passion, commitment, and emotion are the hallmarks of football, both on the pitch and in the virtual world—and the gaming community is growing with every move,' Executive Vice Chairman of FC Bayern Michael Diederich said. 'We at FC Bayern are all excited to share these attributes with our new partner EA SPORTS FC. Together, we want to further expand our interaction with the next generation of football fans: on the pitch and on the game console."
As part of the deal, Bayern Munich star Jamal Musiala will feature on the cover of EA SPORTS FC 26 alongside Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham this year. Furthermore, the FC Bayern Women's team will also now feature as part of the game.
'I'd play the game with my friends, my dad, and my sister. These players—Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi, Neymar, Cristiano Ronaldo—were untouchable in my eyes,' Musiala said in an interview with The Athletic that was published simultaneously with the cover release by EA SPORTS FC.' I'd watch their skills, then go out to the garden or the park, dribbling through cones, seeing what I could learn from them. So this is a big moment for me, a dream come true.'
Musiala is the first Bayern Munich player to be on the cover of EA Sports flagship video game and the first Bundesliga player since Marco Reus in 2017. The Bayern Munich playmaker signed a new contract with Bayern Munich earlier this year that is considered the most extensive package in the history of the Rekordmeister.
Although Musiala will be available for selection in EA SPORTS FC 26, the 22-year-old will be missed on the real field for the foreseeable future. Bayern's new no.10 suffered a serious ankle injury at the FIFA Club World Cup this summer that will keep him out for an expected four to five months.
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