A storm of controversy has erupted among football gaming fans after EA Sports FC 26 slapped Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak with a 76 physical rating, equal to that of a chiseled Cristiano Ronaldo, despite the Swedish striker’s slender, “pole-like” build. The rating, revealed in September 2025, has sparked cries of “Where’s the fairness” across social media, with gamers questioning whether FIFA’s stats favor certain stars or snub others. As Ronaldo, 40, continues to defy age with his sculpted physique, fans are asking: is Isak’s high physical score a glitch, or is EA Sports playing favorites?

Isak, 26, has shone at Newcastle, with his 6’4” frame and silky dribbling earning him an 88 overall rating in FC 26, a jump from last year’s 85. His physical stat of 76—covering strength, stamina, and aggression—matches Ronaldo’s, despite the Portuguese legend’s gym-honed six-pack and relentless conditioning. Ronaldo, now at Al-Nassr, boasts a 1.87m, 83kg build, with a record-breaking 2.93m jump in 2013, per Opta. Fans on X erupted, with one user raging, “Isak’s a stick figure—76 physical like CR7? FIFA’s lost it!” Another TikTok post quipped, “Ronaldo’s abs could bench-press Isak!” The debate raises a question: are FIFA’s ratings rewarding potential over reality?

The backlash stems from perceived bias in EA’s system. Isak’s pace (90) and dribbling (87) reflect his on-pitch flair, but his lean physique—described as “a beanpole” by fans—makes his physical parity with Ronaldo puzzling. Ronaldo’s physicality, built on 20 years of elite training, includes 151 headed goals out of 942 career strikes, per The Sporting News. Meanwhile, Isak’s 7.8 aerial duels won per 90 minutes lag behind Ronaldo’s 11.2, yet their physical scores align. “Who’s EA’s golden child?” one Reddit user asked, while another defended, “Isak’s stronger than he looks—FIFA’s spot-on!” Is this a case of stats reflecting gameplay impact, or a snub to Ronaldo’s iconic build?

Social media is ablaze with memes, including a viral video comparing Isak’s lanky runs to Ronaldo’s powerful sprints, captioned, “FIFA says they’re twins!” Another X post mocked, “Isak’s 76 physical? Did he eat Ronaldo’s protein shakes?” The controversy taps into broader gripes about FIFA’s rating system, with past debates over Lionel Messi’s 91 strength in FIFA 15 fueling skepticism. Fans wonder: does EA prioritize marketability, like Isak’s rising star status, over objective metrics?

The timing adds fuel. Ronaldo’s 88 overall rating, down from 90 in FC 25, reflects his age, yet his 76 physical score holds firm, backed by his 10 goals in 12 Saudi Pro League matches this season. Isak, fresh off a £63 million move to Liverpool, has 14 Premier League goals, but his frame sparks doubts about his physical parity. “FIFA’s hyping Isak to sell Ultimate Team packs,” one Instagram user claimed. The debate prompts reflection: should ratings focus on raw stats or a player’s overall impact?

As FC 26 hits consoles, gamers are testing Isak’s in-game strength against Ronaldo’s. Early YouTube clips show Isak shrugging off defenders, fueling arguments that his rating reflects agility over brute force. Still, the fairness question lingers. “Ronaldo’s a machine at 40—Isak’s nowhere close,” one TikTok comment read. With EA silent on the ratings process, fans are left speculating: is Isak the con cưng (favorite child), or does FIFA see strength where fans don’t? For now, the controversy keeps gamers buzzing, wondering who’s next in EA’s rating roulette.