All-time great Cristiano Ronaldo dominated the FIFA ratings for over a decade, alongside his biggest rival and fellow footballing legend, Lionel Messi.
Football fans fully expected the Manchester United star to receive his fourth successive downgrade in as many FIFA titles, but one FIFA 23 stat, in particular, will no doubt shock the community.
What was once one of CR7's main strengths has now become a weakness...
CristiaNO pace
The ever-reliable FUT leaker, @DonkTrading has begun to reveal some player ratings and stats ahead of the release of FIFA 23, including none other than the Portuguese GOAT, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo's pace was always going to be adjusted to match his tiring legs, but a downgrade this drastic has come as a shock to the FIFA community.
CR7's pace has been SLASHED by six points down to 81 in FIFA 23.
So, Ronaldo is set to be handed his lowest EVER pace rating in a FIFA game.
Pace is always the first statistic you look for when selecting a card in Ultimate Team, with the mechanics of the game notoriously favouring speed as the meta every year.
The faster the player is, the more effective he is in-game.
This downgrade, therefore, could have a significant negative impact on Ronaldo's effectiveness as a FIFA 23 forward.
POORtuguese Legend
According to leaks, Ronaldo will be a 90 OVR this year, with the Portuguese superstar receiving his lowest rating since FIFA 11.
It looks as though the striker's dribbling will be downgraded from 88 to 85, whilst his passing will be dropped from 82 to 78.
However, all hope is not lost. The former Real Madrid number seven will reportedly retain his five-star skill moves and a four-star weak-foot, along with a high attacking work-rate.
Having scored 18 Premier League goals during the 2021/22 campaign, CR7 will deservedly be given 92 shooting in FIFA 23.
These are some of the most important attributes when it comes to 'meta' strikers in FIFA.
Reds Devil Downgrades
It's not just Ronaldo who is set to be downgraded this year, with players like Harry Maguire, Marcus Rashford and Raphael Varane all set to see their ratings dwindle.
Following a disappointing year for the Red Devils, we expect the majority of the starting XI's ratings slashed.
Rashford could fall the furthest, with the England international yet to find his form following a spell of injuries.
Notable Downgrades:
- Bruno Fernandes (88 OVR → 87 OVR)
- Raphael Varane (86 OVR → 85 OVR)
- Jadon Sanchco (87 OVR → 85 OVR)
- Marcus Rashford (85 OVR → 82 OVR)
- Luke Shaw (84 OVR → 82 OVR)
- Harry Maguire (84 OVR → 81 OVR)
- Aaron Wan-Bissaka (83 OVR → 80 OVR)
- Donny van de Beek (81 OVR → 79 OVR)