R9 Ronaldo Icon Review FC 28 — The Original Phenomenon

Icon Versions

All versions: 5★ Skill Moves / 4★ Weak Foot | Position: ST / CF | Height: 6'0"

Prime R9 In-Game

Why He's The Ultimate Striker

• Shooting (97): The most clinical finisher in FUT — power shots, finesses, volleys — everything goes in
• Pace (95): Rapid acceleration and top speed — bursts past CBs in a blink
• Dribbling (96): Combined with 5★ skills — unstoppable 1v1
• Physical (85): Unlike most skillers, R9 is strong — holds off defenders and wins headers
• 5★ skill moves: Elastico, scoop turn, running skills — the full package
• Height (6'0"): Perfect striker height — wins aerial duels and has reach
• Body type: Unique R9 body type — muscular yet agile, a paradox
• Icon links: Green link to every player — no chemistry issues

Weaknesses

• 4★ weak foot: Good but not perfect — occasionally misses on his left
• Passing (84): Decent but not a creator — better as a finisher than distributor
• Price: One of the most expensive cards — you need serious coins

Best Chemistry Styles

Final Verdict

Best Squads and Formations for R9

R9 works in literally any formation as a striker because his stat profile has no weaknesses. However, certain setups maximize his devastating potential. In a 4-1-2-1-2 narrow, R9 pairs with another rapid striker for constant two-on-two situations against the opposing center-backs. His strength means he can hold the ball up while his partner makes runs, or he can sprint in behind while his partner drops deep to link play. The narrow formation funnels attacks through the center where R9's finishing is at its most lethal position.

In a 4-2-3-1 as the lone striker, R9 becomes the focal point of every attack. Set him to stay central and mixed attack to let his AI decide between dropping deep and running in behind based on the game situation. His 5-star skills mean he can receive the ball in tight spaces, execute a quick skill move, and create his own shooting opportunity without needing a through ball from deeper players. This self-sufficiency is what makes R9 worth the premium price — he does not depend on service from teammates to produce goals.

Chemistry links are never an issue with R9 since he is a Brazilian icon. He green-links with every other icon and every Brazilian player, which includes some of the best midfielders and defenders in the game like Vinícius, Marquinhos, Casemiro, and Ronaldinho. Build a Brazilian spine with R9 up top, a Brazilian midfielder, and one Brazilian defender, then fill the remaining slots with whichever league or nation you prefer. This hybrid approach gives you maximum squad flexibility while keeping R9 on full chemistry where his already absurd stats receive additional chemistry style boosts.

R9 Version Breakdown: Baby vs Mid vs Prime

Baby R9 is the most accessible version at roughly one-third the price of the Prime, and he is still an exceptional striker. His 90 pace, 88 shooting, and 5-star skills make him competitive against any defender in the game. The main difference from the Prime is slightly lower physical presence and finishing consistency — Baby R9 misses chances that Prime R9 buries. For players who want the R9 experience without the multi-million coin commitment, Baby R9 delivers approximately 80% of the endgame performance at a fraction of the cost.

Mid R9 occupies a strange value position where he costs significantly more than the Baby but does not feel noticeably different in gameplay. The stat improvements are marginal — one to two points in most categories — and do not translate into a meaningfully different game experience. Most experienced traders recommend skipping Mid R9 entirely and either saving coins with the Baby or investing fully in the Prime. The Mid version is essentially a luxury upgrade that charges a premium price for incremental improvements that only the most discerning players would notice during actual gameplay.

Prime R9 is the undisputed king of FUT and has been for years. The combination of 96 finishing, 95 shot power, 92 pace, 91 dribbling, and 5-star skills creates a striker that no defender in the game can consistently contain. His custom body type gives him a unique movement pattern that feels faster and more agile than his stats suggest, and his shooting animation is among the quickest in the game, meaning he releases shots before defenders can close him down. If you can afford Prime R9, he will be the last striker you buy all year because no card released after him will match his complete dominance in every attacking attribute simultaneously.