iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
On FUT.GG’s FC 27 PlayStyle list, Maradona (95), Ronaldinho (93) and Zico (91) lead players with regular Dead Ball; Smith (89), Koeman (89) and Alvarez (86) lead its Dead Ball+ list. These are third-party database leaders, not an official all-mode EA ranking. EA’s own localized ability page names a different trio: Claudia Pina, Lionel Messi and Bruno Fernandes. Which players count as “best” therefore depends on the source and filter.
Who leads the Dead Ball lists in FC 27?
FUT.GG’s FC 27 page separates regular Dead Ball from Dead Ball+. Its current data shows 451 players with regular Dead Ball and nine with Dead Ball+. The table below reproduces the leading examples shown on that page; ratings are the ratings presented there, not a tested set-piece performance score.
| List and source | Leading players shown | What the rating represents |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Dead Ball — FUT.GG | Maradona (95), Ronaldinho (93), Zico (91) | Player ratings shown on FUT.GG’s PlayStyle list |
| Dead Ball+ — FUT.GG | Smith (89), Koeman (89), Alvarez (86) | Player ratings shown on FUT.GG’s PlayStyle+ list |
| EA localized ability page | Claudia Pina, Lionel Messi, Bruno Fernandes | EA’s page names these as top-rated players with the ability; the page does not provide their ratings |
FUT.GG’s Dead Ball page and EA’s localized Dutch ability page surface different lists. They should not be combined into one ranking: the pages use distinct filters, and neither establishes a tested, across-mode gameplay order.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What does Dead Ball do?
FUT.GG describes Dead Ball as a set-piece specialist PlayStyle. It says the regular version improves set-piece speed, curve and accuracy, and makes the trajectory preview somewhat longer. Dead Ball+ raises those effects to exceptional and extends the preview to maximum length. In practical terms, the PlayStyle is relevant when taking set pieces; it is not a general measure of a player’s overall quality.
#1 Best Overall
- PHYSICAL DISC - Standard Edition for PlayStation 5 (disc) includes the full EA SPORTS FC 27 game. Not compatible with PlayStation 4 console.
- Experience The World's Game in EA SPORTS FC 27. Play in The Grounds, team up with friends in Clubs, learn from football mentors and express your style on and off the pitch
- Enjoy more authentic gameplay with dynamic corners, enhanced attacking intelligence, player-focused defending and community-inspired innovations that give you greater control in every match.
- Build your legacy in Manager Career with a rebuilt Transfer Market and Dynamic OVRs, then create your dream squad in Football Ultimate Team and showcase your achievements in the new FUT Gallery.
How to choose a set-piece taker
Start with the mode and card pool you actually use, then compare the candidates available there. A high listing on one database does not by itself prove that a player will be the best free-kick taker for your team or mode.
- Check the PlayStyle: Decide whether you specifically want regular Dead Ball or Dead Ball+. FUT.GG describes the plus version as providing stronger effects.
- Check card availability: Confirm that the relevant player item is eligible in your mode. A player name in a database list does not establish that every card type or live item is covered.
- Use verified in-game attributes: Compare the attributes available on the exact card you plan to use. The sources cited here do not provide a complete, comparable free-kick accuracy and curve table for all listed players.
- Separate ranking from judgment: “Best set-piece taker” can mean highest database rating, a preferred PlayStyle, or the best fit for a particular squad. The cited pages do not report a controlled gameplay comparison that resolves those meanings.
Why EA’s ratings page may show a different answer
EA says its ratings table covers Gold, Silver and Bronze Ultimate Team items available at launch. It excludes other item types, including Heroes, Icons and Campaign Player Items, and does not include live form updates in other modes. EA also notes that player details may change after the September database update. Its scope is narrower than an all-card, all-mode definition of “best.”
Rank #2
- STEP INTO THE GROUNDS — Experience a new social football playground where the streets meet the stadium through Kickabouts, 1v1 matches, Clubs, football mentors, progression systems, and player expression.
- ENHANCED GAMEPLAY CONTROL — Feel greater control across every mode with more fluid gameplay, dynamic corners, enhanced attacking awareness, player-focused defending, and community-driven gameplay innovations.
- REBUILT MANAGER CAREER — Sign the next superstar through a redesigned Transfer Market featuring realistic player values, active club bidding, advanced negotiations, performance clauses, buy-back clauses, and Dynamic OVRs.
- BUILD YOUR DREAM FUT CLUB — Grow your Football Ultimate Team with the new FUT Gallery, collect favorite Player Items, increase Gallery Level, earn rewards, and shape your club’s identity throughout the season.
- AUTHENTIC WORLD FOOTBALL EXPERIENCE — Play with more than 21,000 licensed players powered by real-world match data from the world's top leagues for unmatched authenticity.
EA Community Manager EA_Vendcera announced that the full FC 27 database was live with over 21,000 players. The announcement also said selected players in the Destined for Glory campaign would receive live upgrades based on real-world performance during the campaign dates of 25 September to 9 October 2026. These scope and update differences help explain why lists from EA and a specialist database need not match.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Player databases and ratings can change. The counts and ratings above are the figures displayed on FUT.GG’s live FC 27 page in data current to 7 October 2026; check the linked pages for the latest listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- ONLINE GAME CODE – Digital download only. No disc included. Internet connection and EA account required to redeem and play.
Rank #4
- ONLINE GAME CODE – Digital download only. No disc included. Internet connection and EA account required to redeem and play.
- Experience The World's Game in EA SPORTS FC 27. Play in The Grounds, team up with friends in Clubs, learn from football mentors and express your style on and off the pitch.
- Enjoy more authentic gameplay with dynamic corners, enhanced attacking intelligence, player-focused defending and community-inspired innovations that give you greater control in every match.
- Ultimate Edition includes 6,000 FC Points over 3 months, a FUT Player Evo Slot, 5 Manager Live Challenge Creation Slots, a 5-Star Senior Scout and all Standard Edition content.
- Pre-order the Ultimate Edition to receive up to 7 days Early Access, Season 1 Premium Pass, a FUT Player Dribbling Evo for FC 26 and a Career Dynamic OVR Pre-season Boost.
Rank #3
- ULTIMATE EDITION CONTENT — Includes 6,000 FC Points distributed over 3 months, a FUT Player Evolution Slot, 5 Manager Live Challenge Creation Slots, a 5-Star Senior Scout in Manager Career, plus additional Career and The Grounds content.
- STEP INTO THE GROUNDS — Experience a new social football playground where the streets meet the stadium through Kickabouts, 1v1 matches, Clubs, football mentors, progression systems, and player expression.
- ENHANCED GAMEPLAY CONTROL — Feel greater control across every mode with more fluid gameplay, dynamic corners, enhanced attacking awareness, player-focused defending, and community-driven gameplay innovations.
- REBUILT MANAGER CAREER — Sign the next superstar through a redesigned Transfer Market featuring realistic player values, active club bidding, advanced negotiations, performance clauses, buy-back clauses, and Dynamic OVRs.
- BUILD YOUR DREAM FUT CLUB — Grow your Football Ultimate Team with the new FUT Gallery, collect favorite Player Items, increase Gallery Level, earn rewards, and shape your club’s identity throughout the season.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
