FIFA 22 TOTY brings pure excitement to Ultimate Team players. Fans vote for the best performers from 2021 and EA rewards them with insane cards that dominate the pitch. These special items feature sky-high ratings, perfect stats, and game-changing abilities. They turn average squads into unstoppable forces. If you play FIFA 22 Ultimate Team, you remember exactly how Messi, Mbappé, and Lewandowski lit up the game when they dropped. This guide covers everything you need to know about FIFA 22 TOTY. You discover the full squad, their exact ratings, real-life stories behind the votes, in-game stats, smart ways to grab these cards, and pro tips to build your best team. Dive in and relive the hype or catch up if you missed the action.
What Is Team of the Year in FIFA Ultimate Team?
Team of the Year stands as one of the biggest events in FIFA Ultimate Team every season. EA Sports picks the world’s top football stars based on their real-life performances over the previous calendar year. Fans cast votes and decide the final lineup. The chosen players receive upgraded cards with massive overall ratings, boosted stats, and special chemistry links. These cards often become the meta for months. They outshine regular promo items and even many Icons.
In FIFA 22, TOTY arrived at the perfect time. The game already featured HyperMotion technology for realistic gameplay, and these cards took things to another level. Players with 95+ ratings flooded packs and Squad Building Challenges. Squads suddenly included world-class attackers who scored from anywhere and defenders who shut down every attack. TOTY cards also carried huge market value. Smart traders made coins while casual players chased their idols. The promo always creates massive hype, and FIFA 22 TOTY delivered more than ever because of the star power in the lineup.
How Fans Voted and EA Selected the FIFA 22 TOTY Squad
EA opened voting on January 10, 2022, and closed it on January 18, 2022. Fans from around the world picked from 80 nominees across every position. Millions of votes poured in during that week. The process stayed simple and fair. You visited the official EA FIFA Thunderball Tonight Live site, chose one player per position, and submitted your ballot. No limits applied on how many times you voted, but each vote counted once per account.
EA announced the official starting XI on January 20, 2022. The squad reflected pure fan power mixed with real 2021 dominance. Attackers earned spots because they scored record goals and created magic moments. Midfielders stood out for their vision, tackles, and game control. Defenders and the goalkeeper shone through clean sheets, key passes, and tournament heroics. Later, fans picked a 12th Man through a separate vote. Cristiano Ronaldo claimed that honor and joined the promo as an extra ST card. Honourable Mentions also dropped with slightly lower but still strong ratings for players who just missed the cut. This fan-driven system makes TOTY feel authentic. It celebrates the players you loved watching in 2021.
The Full FIFA 22 TOTY Squad: Player Breakdowns and Stats
The FIFA 22 TOTY squad features 11 starting players plus the 12th Man. Every card comes with upgraded stats that make them meta-defining. Below you find each player’s position, rating, club in 2021, real-life highlights that earned the vote, and in-game performance details. These breakdowns help you understand why each card feels so special on the pitch.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma – 96 OVR (Paris Saint-Germain)
Donnarumma earns his spot as the clear TOTY goalkeeper. In 2021 he starred for Italy at the Euros and won Player of the Tournament. He made crucial saves that helped Italy lift the trophy. At club level he joined PSG and kept clean sheets regularly. His 96-rated card boasts 98 diving, 90 handling, 90 kicking, 97 reflexes, 63 speed, and 92 positioning. You throw him in goal and watch him stop long-range shots with ease. Donnarumma stays calm under pressure and distributes the ball accurately to start counter-attacks. He fits perfectly in any high-rated back line.
Right Back: Achraf Hakimi – 93 OVR (Paris Saint-Germain)
Hakimi explodes down the right flank. He recorded the most touches in the opposition box among defenders in Europe’s top leagues in 2021. His pace and attacking runs create constant threats. The 93-rated card gives 99 pace, 80 shooting, 88 passing, 91 dribbling, 90 defending, and 90 physical. You push him forward and he beats full-backs with speed while delivering pinpoint crosses. His high stamina lets him bomb up and down the pitch all game. Hakimi links well with PSG players and becomes a must-have for pacey squads.
Centre Back: Marquinhos – 95 OVR (Paris Saint-Germain)
Marquinhos anchors PSG’s defense with smart positioning and leadership. He completed more passes than any teammate in 2021 while staying solid at the back. His 95-rated card offers 90 pace, 61 shooting, 85 passing, 86 dribbling, 97 defending, and 90 physical. You slot him into your back three or four and he wins aerial duels while intercepting through balls. The card feels composed on the ball and rarely makes mistakes. Marquinhos pairs excellently with other high-defending CBs for rock-solid partnerships.
Centre Back: Rúben Dias – 97 OVR (Manchester City)
Dias transforms Manchester City’s defense in 2021. He finished on the winning side in 32 league matches out of 39, the most for any defender in the big five leagues. His 97-rated card delivers 87 pace, 50 shooting, 84 passing, 81 dribbling, 97 defending, and Who Did Zara McDermott Cheat 96 physical. You use him as the ultimate ball-playing defender who wins every tackle and starts attacks from deep. The physicality makes him unbeatable in duels. Dias becomes the backbone of many meta squads and rarely gets beaten one-on-one.
Left Back: João Cancelo – 94 OVR (Manchester City)
Cancelo completes the most passes of any full-back in Europe’s top leagues in 2021. He overlaps, cuts inside, and creates chances from the left. The 94-rated card shows 95 pace, 85 shooting, 91 passing, 93 dribbling, 90 defending, and 87 physical. You treat him like a winger who defends too. His dribbling lets him glide past markers while his crossing finds strikers perfectly. Cancelo fits any system that needs attacking full-backs and links seamlessly with City or Portuguese players.
Central Defensive Midfielder: N’Golo Kanté – 96 OVR (Chelsea)
Kanté averages 1.8 interceptions per 90 minutes for Chelsea in 2021, the best among players with heavy minutes. He covers every blade of grass and breaks up plays constantly. His 96-rated card includes 90 pace, 84 shooting, 90 passing, 91 dribbling, 96 defending, and 90 physical. You drop him in front of your defense and watch opponents lose the ball. The card feels tireless with box-to-box energy. Kanté wins tackles, makes key passes, and becomes the engine that keeps your midfield dominant.
Central Midfielder: Jorginho – 97 OVR (Chelsea)
Jorginho makes 25 interceptions with Italy at the Euros, the most by any player in a single tournament edition. He controls tempo with precise passing and smart positioning. The 97-rated card gives 88 pace, 90 shooting, 98 passing, 93 dribbling, 86 defending, and 87 physical. You use him as the deep-lying playmaker who dictates games. His passing range finds teammates in tight spaces while his defensive work rate surprises attackers. Jorginho links perfectly with Kanté for a Chelsea midfield that feels unbreakable.
Central Midfielder: Kevin De Bruyne – 96 OVR (Manchester City)
De Bruyne creates 3.7 chances per 90 minutes in the Premier League in 2021, the highest rate in the competition. He assists goals and scores screamers from distance. His 96-rated card features 86 pace, 92 shooting, 98 passing, 93 dribbling, 80 defending, and 88 physical. You feed him the ball and he unlocks defenses with visionary passes or powerful shots. The card excels at long-range strikes and through balls. De Bruyne becomes the creative heartbeat of any squad and rewards patient build-up play.
Right Winger: Lionel Messi – 98 OVR (Paris Saint-Germain)
Messi wins Best Player at the 2021 Copa America for the second time in his career. He dazzles with skill and leads Argentina to glory. The 98-rated card boasts 93 pace, 97 shooting, 98 passing, 99 dribbling, 40 defending, and 76 physical. You give him the ball in tight spaces and he glides past multiple defenders. His 99 dribbling feels unstoppable while his finishing stays clinical. Messi turns games around single-handedly and remains one of the most fun cards to use in FIFA 22.
Striker: Robert Lewandowski – 98 OVR (Bayern Munich)
Lewandowski scores the most league goals in Europe’s big five leagues in 2021 with 43, setting a new Bundesliga record. He finishes chances with deadly accuracy. His 98-rated card offers 93 pace, 98 shooting, 87 passing, 95 dribbling, 50 defending, and 95 physical. You play him as the focal point and he powers through defenders before slotting home. The heading and shot power make him a nightmare in the box. Lewandowski pairs with any creative player and scores goals for fun.
Striker: Kylian Mbappé – 97 OVR (Paris Saint-Germain)
Mbappé becomes the youngest player to hit 100 Ligue 1 goals and then the youngest to score 100 for a single club. His speed terrifies defenses. The 97-rated card shows 99 pace, 95 shooting, 90 passing, 98 dribbling, 44 defending, and 88 physical. You release him on through balls and he outruns everyone before finishing with power. The card feels electric in attack and creates constant scoring chances. Mbappé shines in counter-attacks and becomes a must-have for fast-paced squads.
12th Man Striker: Cristiano Ronaldo – 97 OVR (Manchester United)
Fans vote Ronaldo as the 12th Man because of his timeless goal-scoring ability. He continues to deliver big moments in 2021. His 97-rated card includes 93 pace, 98 shooting, 88 passing, 95 dribbling, 39 defending, and 92 physical. You bring him off the bench or start him and watch him leap for headers or curl shots into the top corner. The card rewards clinical finishing and aerial dominance. Ronaldo adds leadership and extra firepower to any attack line.
How to Get FIFA 22 TOTY Players in Your Ultimate Team
EA releases TOTY cards in stages so you chase them over several days. Forwards drop first from January 21 to 23, 2022. Midfielders follow from January 23 to 25. Liverpool vs Tottenham Defenders and the goalkeeper arrive from January 25 to 27. The full team stays in packs until February 1. The 12th Man and Honourable Mentions join later from January 28 onward. You open packs during lightning rounds and daily promo offers to boost your chances.
Squad Building Challenges also give strong rewards. You complete themed SBCs for packs, player picks, and even special items. League upgrade SBCs help you grind fodder and earn extra packs. Dynamic objectives let you earn TOTY loans or Honourable Mention cards through simple in-game tasks. You save coins, complete daily challenges, and open saved packs at the right moment. Many players grind league SBCs weeks in advance to stockpile high-rated fodder. This preparation pays off when the promo drops and you craft your way to big pulls.
Smart Strategies to Prepare for and Dominate the TOTY Promo
You start preparing early by completing league SBCs and upgrade packs. These give you tons of 81+ and 83+ players to use as fodder later. You save every pack you earn from Division Rivals, Squad Battles, and Weekend League. Opening them during TOTY increases your odds of hitting a big card. You also build a strong hybrid squad before the promo so you stay competitive while chasing new TOTY items.
During the event you focus on market dips. Prices crash right before release as players sell their teams for coins. You buy low and sell high once the hype settles. You complete daily themed SBCs for free packs and kits. You use the TOTY Messi loan item from objectives to test him in your squad immediately. These small steps add up and help you build a competitive team without spending extra coins.
Building Dream Squads with FIFA 22 TOTY Players
You link these TOTY cards easily because many come from PSG, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Messi, Mbappé, Hakimi, Marquinhos, and Donnarumma create a strong PSG core. You add Cancelo, Dias, and De Bruyne for City chemistry. Kanté and Jorginho form the perfect Chelsea midfield duo. Ronaldo slots in as a super sub or starter for extra goals.
A strong formation like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 works perfectly. You place Kanté and Jorginho as the double pivot while De Bruyne roams as the box-to-box creator. Up front you pair Lewandowski with Mbappé and Messi on the wing. The defense stays solid with Dias and Marquinhos at centre-back plus Hakimi and Cancelo bombing forward. Donnarumma guards the net with confidence. This setup balances attack and defense while hitting high chemistry. You experiment with hybrids that include Icons or other promos for even stronger results. The cards feel so good that even budget versions of your squad perform at elite levels.
How TOTY Shook Up the FIFA 22 Market and Meta
The TOTY promo always crashes the market because players sell everything to open packs. High-rated golds drop in price while fodder rises as people complete SBCs. After release, the best TOTY cards like Messi and Lewandowski hold value or climb because everyone wants them. You time your trades carefully and flip players during the first few days for quick profits.
In the meta these cards change everything. Their pace, shooting, and dribbling make them overpowered compared to base or other special cards. Attackers score from impossible angles while defenders win every duel. Midfielders control the game like real-life maestros. You see TOTY teams dominate Weekend League and Division Rivals. The promo raises the skill ceiling and rewards players who master these high-rated items. Even months later these cards stay relevant in many squads.
What Makes FIFA 22 TOTY Special Compared to Other Years
FIFA 22 TOTY stands out because of the perfect mix of superstars at their peak. Messi and Lewandowski both hit 98 overall, the highest in the squad. Mbappé and Ronaldo add insane pace and power. The defense features world-class talents like Dias and Kanté who actually played at that level in 2021. Previous TOTYs sometimes felt unbalanced, but this one delivers stars across every position. The 12th Man vote adds extra fan engagement. Honourable Mentions give budget options that still perform well. Overall, FIFA 22 TOTY delivers one of the most memorable promos in Ultimate Team history and keeps players coming back for more.
Community Reactions and Lasting Memories from FIFA 22 TOTY
The community explodes with excitement when EA reveals the squad. Social media fills with pack-pull videos, squad builds, and celebrations. Many fans cheer for Messi and Mbappé while others debate Ronaldo’s 12th Man spot. Content creators drop squad battles and Weekend League reviews that show exactly how strong these cards play. Players share funny moments of Hakimi outpacing defenders or De Bruyne threading perfect passes. The promo creates lasting memories because it celebrates real football heroes inside the game. Years later players still talk about their best TOTY pulls and the squads they built during that week.
FAQs About FIFA 22 TOTY
1. What does TOTY mean and why does it matter so much in FIFA 22 Ultimate Team?
TOTY stands for Team of the Year. It matters because it rewards the very best real-life performers with the highest-rated special cards in the game. These items come with boosted stats that make them far stronger than regular players. You use them to build meta squads, climb divisions, and enjoy the most fun gameplay. The fan-voted selection adds excitement because your favorite stars often make the cut based on 2021 performances.
2. When did EA release the FIFA 22 TOTY squad and when did the cards become available in packs?
EA announced the official squad on January 20, 2022. Cards entered packs starting January 21, 2022, with attackers first. Midfielders followed on January 23, defenders and goalkeeper on January 25, and the full team plus 12th Man later in the week. The entire promo ran until February 4, 2022. You check in-game notifications or the store for exact lightning round times.
3. Who made the official FIFA 22 TOTY starting XI and who became the 12th Man?
The starting XI includes Donnarumma (GK), Hakimi (RB), Marquinhos (CB), Dias (CB), Cancelo (LB), Kanté (CDM), Jorginho (CM), De Bruyne (CM), Messi (RW), Lewandowski (ST), and Mbappé (ST). Cristiano Ronaldo earned the 12th Man spot through a separate fan vote and received his own 97-rated ST card.
4. What are the exact overall ratings for every FIFA 22 TOTY player?
Messi and Lewandowski sit at 98 overall. Ronaldo, Dias, and Jorginho reach 97. Mbappé, Kanté, De Bruyne, and Donnarumma hit 96. Marquinhos lands at 95 while Cancelo gets 94 and Hakimi 93. These ratings make every card feel elite and ready for competitive play.
5. How do you complete SBCs to earn TOTY-related rewards and packs during the promo?
You open the SBC menu and look for TOTY Challenge SBCs or league upgrades. These require specific player ratings or leagues but reward packs, player picks, and sometimes special items. You use fodder from previous grinds to complete them cheaply. Daily challenges also give free packs that help you build toward bigger TOTY pulls.
6. Which FIFA 22 TOTY players work best in meta squads and why?
Messi, Mbappé, and Lewandowski dominate attack because of their pace, shooting, and dribbling. Kanté and Jorginho control midfield with interceptions and passing. Dias and Marquinhos form the best defensive partnership thanks to high defending and physical stats. You combine them with strong links to reach full chemistry and create an unbeatable team.
7. Did the FIFA 22 TOTY promo cause big changes in the transfer market?
Yes. Prices for high-rated players crashed before release as people sold squads for pack money. Fodder prices rose during SBC grinds. After release the top TOTY cards held or increased in value while others settled. Smart traders bought during the dip and sold once hype peaked.
8. How can beginners prepare for a TOTY event like the one in FIFA 22?
Beginners complete every league SBC and upgrade pack weeks ahead. They save all earned packs instead of opening them early. They play Squad Battles and Division Rivals to earn coins and more packs. They build a basic hybrid squad that stays competitive. These steps give you the best chance to pull or craft a TOTY star without spending real money.
9. Are Honourable Mentions worth using in FIFA 22 squads compared to the main TOTY cards?
Honourable Mentions like Salah, Benzema, and Haaland come with ratings around 89-94 but still offer strong stats and chemistry links. You use them in budget squads or as strong substitutes. They perform well but lack the raw power of the 95+ TOTY main cards. They help you compete while saving coins for bigger upgrades.
10. What makes FIFA 22 TOTY one of the most memorable promos even years later?
The combination of legendary players at their peak, massive community voting, staged pack releases, and game-changing cards creates unforgettable moments. You still see videos of insane pack pulls and squad builds today. The promo celebrates real football excellence inside the virtual world and delivers the kind of hype that keeps players passionate about Ultimate Team.
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