Best Club Teams In FIFA 23

The final game to feature the famed partnership of EA Sports and the official licensing body FIFA is finally here, with more teams and players than ever before. FIFA 23 is the end of an era, a game that sees the iconic soccer sim passing on and leaving space for multiple new iterations and challengers to take its place.

Even considerable fan backlash could not stop this year’s installment from proving as popular as ever in terms of sales and revenue, meaning that there will still be vast numbers of players looking to take to the field and crush their rivals into the dirt. Doing that, of course, requires the best team possible. Start a game of FIFA 23 with any of these sides and victory is well within reach.

Updated October 2, 2024 by Ben Painter: EA Sports FC 25 has just been released for fans. Casual players or fans not looking to shell out for the price of the latest entry may want to head back to an older edition of the game and play a few games of virtual soccer. FIFA 23 is the last of its name in the franchise before the name change to EA Sports FC, so this game is somewhat historic. This update adds five new entries that make up the top 25 best club teams to use in FIFA 23, in career mode, kick-off, seasons, or even just with friends.

1 SL Benfica

Overall Rating: 79

• Best Player: Alejandro Grimaldo/Rafa (83)
• Formation: 4-4-1-1 Attack
• Rating in FC 25: 78

The best team in Portugal in FIFA 23 is undoubtedly SL Benfica. The Liga Portugal side is based in the capital of Lisbon and has a very decent squad for gamers to use. Their standout player is Rafa, who is an 83-rated CF, capable of playing on either wing or behind the striker. He is an expert dribbler and creator, the beating heart of this team.

Their other top-rated player is also 83-rated and is Alejandro Grimaldo. The Spanish left back is rapid and thrives in bombing forward and joining in on the attack down the left-hand side. Joao Mario and Nicolas Otamendi are also top players. Benfica have a good squad all around.

2 Leverkusen

Overall Rating: 79

• Best Player: Florian Wirtz/Moussa Diaby (84)
• Formation: 3-4-3 Flat
• Rating in FC 25: 83

For FC 25, Bayer 04 Leverkusen got a big upgrade to their squad, deservedly so after they cruised to the club’s first-ever Bundesliga title, going the full season undefeated in the league. However, in FIFA 23, they are very modestly rated at 79.

This does not mean they don’t have some amazing players that gamers can get their hands on. Florian Wirtz is a versatile player who can operate on the wing, in the CAM position, and as a striker. Moussa Diaby is also awesome, one of the quickest players in the game, and he will certainly get in behind the opposition’s defense. Playing in a 3-4-3 formation, this side is hardworking and very attacking. Gamers will certainly score goals with this squad.

3 Lathium

Overall Rating: 79

• Best Player: Ciro Immobile/Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (86)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 78

Lathium, or as they are known in real life as SS Lazio (EA Sports do not own the license to use their official name or jerseys), is a side playing out of Rome in Italy’s Serie A. The main pull of this team is the duo of Ciro Immobile and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. The former is an out-and-out goal machine, while the latter is the driving force for the side in midfield. Both are at the top of their game in Italy.

Partnering the Serbian in midfield is Luis Alberto, who is more of a creative midfielder with a fantastic passing range and is a handy dribbler, too. Alessio Romagnoli is the main defender, who isn’t afraid to put in a heavy tackle and win an aerial duel. Lazio is fairly solid all around.

4 Real Betis

Overall Rating: 79

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• Best Player: Nabil Fakir/Sergio Canales (84)
• Formation: 4-2-3-1 Wide
• Rating in FC 25: 77

Spanish La Liga side Real Betis are one of the best club teams to use in FIFA 23. Nabil Fekir is the danger man for Betis. The French CAM has an eye for goal and great dribbling and passing stats. Sergio Caneles is also a pretty decent player, too, much more of a CM. He operates as an RM on this side, keeping things compact out wide and allowing the more creative players to make things happen.

Borja Iglesias is the man upfront, who is a more traditional number 9, strong, can hold the ball up well, and, most importantly, knows how to find the back of the net. The 4-2-3-1 wide formation is a standard system in the game, for good reason, as it is the most balanced using two CDMs to keep the defense secure.

5 Leicester City

Overall Rating: 79

• Best Player: James Maddison (84)
• Formation: 4-2-3-1 Wide
• Rating in FC 25: 76

The 2015/16 Premier League Champions may have lost N’Golo Kante and Riyad Mahrez by the time that FIFA 23 rolled around. But they replaced them well and, more importantly, kept hold of Jamie Vardy, who is the main attacking outlet in this Leicester City team.

James Maddison is the creator on this side. The English CAM is a great passer of the ball and operates well from set-pieces, whipping in deadly free-kicks and corners that can cause a real problem for opposition defenders. Sadly, they did get relegated this year but are back where they belong in the top flight for EA Sports FC 25.

6 Napoli

Overall Rating: 80

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• Best Player: Victor Osimhen (85)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 80

The Serie A Champions for that season, Napoli has an awesome squad in FIFA 23 that is balanced across the board with the key man being the striking option of Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian is fast, strong, quality in the air, and can finish all sorts of chances. He is the perfect striker on FIFA 23.

The midfield is solid, and compact, but also with an eye for a pass or goal. In defense, Giovanni Di Lorenzo is the standout here, with quality at both ends of the pitch. The only downside is their wingers, who are rated 81 each. The Georgian, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, did receive a big upgrade to 86 in FC 24, but in the previous entry, he had a modest rating.

7 Roma

Overall Rating: 80

• Best Player: Paulo Dybala (86)
• Formation: 3-4-2-1
• Rating in FC 25: 81

AS Roma may not have their star men, Francesco Totti and Danielle de Rossi anymore, but what they do have in FIFA 23 is a well-rounded team. The highlight of this is the new signing for this season, Paulo Dybala, who thrives in the role just off the striker with his superb dribbling and finishing stats.

The back three in defense are all solid, capable of defending well but also playing out from the back. Width comes from their wingbacks, which complements the two inside CFs very well and offers a lot of support to their one lone striker, Tammy Abraham. AS Roma has a lot of quality, and it is worth giving them a go in FIFA 23.

8 Villarreal

Overall Rating: 80

• Best Player: Dani Parejo (86)
• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Rating in FC 25: 78

The Yellow Submarine has a mixed team in FIFA 23. They have a few star players in Dani Parejo, the anchor of their midfield, expert finisher Gerard Moreno, and rock at the back Pau Torres. Other than that, their team is pretty average, although right midfielder Samuel Chukwueze is electric in this team, an absolute speed machine.

A formation change may need to occur here when using Villarreal. The 4-1-4-1 is pretty defensive, so switching to a 4-3-3 Holding or even 4-2-3-1 may be better to create more opportunities for goals and shape Villarreal into one of the best FIFA 23 teams.

9 Sevilla

Overall Rating: 81

• Best Player: Marcos Acuna (85)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Attack
• Rating in FC 25: 76

The seven-time Europa League champions are certainly one of the strongest teams in FIFA 23 with their 4-3-3 Attack formation, and they can be deadly going forward. Their best player, however, is their left-back, Marcos Acuna, who adds to their attacking prowess with his fantastic passing and crossing ability.

On average, they are even across the board, which works in their favor. Not many standouts here for Sevilla but with a robust midfield of Ivan Rakitic and Papa Gueye, they can keep things tidy, protect the defense and allow the attackers to work their magic up the pitch.

10 Milan

Overall Rating: 81

• Best Player: Mike Maignan (87)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Attack
• Rating in FC 25: 81

They may not be the giants of soccer that they once were, but AC Milan is still a great team to use in FIFA 23. Mike Maignan is their man in between the sticks and, what a goalkeeper he is, standing at a very impressive 87 overall. He is not their only player of world-class talent. Left winger Rafael Leo is rapid down the left side. Cutting inside on his right foot will certainly cause problems for the opposition.

Theo Hernandez and Fikayo Tomori are amazing in defense, quick, strong, and fantastic at their jobs on the field. Sandro Tonali keeps things tight in the midfield with his tidy passing and tenacious tackling. Up front is the legend, Olivier Giroud. He may not be quick, but he can get goals in this Milan team.

11 Borussia Dortmund

Overall Rating: 81

• Best Player: Gregor Kobel (86)
• Formation: 4-1-4-1
• Rating in FC 25: 81

Borussia Dortmund has not won the Bundesliga since 2012 with Bayern Munich absolutely cleaning up, however, Borussia Dortmund is still always up there in German football. Of course, they have one of the hottest prospects in world football in Jude Bellingham.

Not only that, Niklas Sule joined Bayern Munich in the summer to make up a massive name in their defense, along with Nico Scholtterbeck. Gregor Kobel is a fantastic goalkeeper who will be solid between the sticks. What Dortmund does well in is their youth Youssoufa Moukoko is just 18 and Karim Adeyemi is not far off that at 21. Perhaps when these names get a bit older, Borussia Dortmund will be higher up this list in future iterations.

12 RB Leipzig

Overall Rating: 81

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• Best Player: Christopher Nkunku (86)
• Formation: 4-2-2-2
• Rating in FC 25: 80

The German side has a well-balanced team in the game, but star forward Christopher Nkunku is the pick of the bunch, 86-rated, and a great player who turns this RB Leipzig side into an amazing one.

Willi Orban marshals their defense, Konrad Laimer is a solid player in midfield, and in the attacking midfield positions are Dominik Szoboszlai and Emil Forsberg who offer the creative quality to Nkunku and Andre Silva. Although it is lacking massive names in this team across the board, it is very solid and definitely worth using in FIFA 23.

13 Arsenal

Overall Rating: 81

• Best Player: Martin Odegaard (86)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 84

In real life, Arsenal is doing well in the Premier League, and it is all thanks to Mikel Arteta’s smart recruitment. Previously lacking an amazing striker the Gunners now have one with Gabriel Jesus with support from the flanks from Bukaya Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, this is just absolutely deadly.

Arsenal is well-balanced across the pitch, Aaron Ramsdale is a very good goalkeeper, and Martin Odegaard, Thomas Partey, and Granit Xhaka make a dynamic but compact midfield. William Saliba and Gabriel make their defense a solid one. Just like RB Leipzig, they don’t have many world-class players but as a whole, it is so balanced and Arsenal once again has a great team in FIFA.

14 Juventus

Overall Rating: 82

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• Best Player: Wojciech Szczesny (86)
• Formation: 3-1-4-2
• Rating in FC 25: 79

Although La Vecchia Signora aren’t what they used to be, with no Cristiano Ronaldo, no Giorgio Chiellini, no Andrea Pirlo, they still have some big names in and among their squad. Summer recruits Filip Kostic, Angel Di Maria, and Gleison Bremer are well-needed additions, and they have certainly improved this struggling squad.

Injuries have prevented Paul Pogba from making an impact in real life, but the Frenchman is still there for FIFA players to use and command the Juventus midfield. Dusan Vlahovic is one of the best strikers in the game and Juventus would be nothing without him. Juventus make use of wingbacks for their width and this tactic is worth using on FIFA 23.

15 Tottenham Hotspur

Overall Rating: 82

• Best Player: Harry Kane (89)
• Formation: 5-2-3
• Rating in FC 25: 81

With Harry Kane and Son Heung-min as part of the attacking lineup, there is no question that Spurs are up there with the best teams in FIFA 23. Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Rodrigo Bentancur make up a rock-solid midfield partnership that will break down attacks with ease.

The defense raises a few eyebrows but with Spurs playing a five at the back this makes up for the lack of quality with just the amount of numbers. Just play it to Son on the counter-attack and then find Harry Kane and the goals will come so easily.

16 Manchester United

Overall Rating: 82

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• Best Player: Casemiro (89)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 80

It still seems strange to live in a world in which Manchester United isn’t one of the dominant forces in European football, but that’s the bitter reality that fans of the Red Devils have been coming to terms with since Sir Alex Ferguson departed the club in 2013. Part of these struggles has stemmed from horrible recruitment, United’s management signing players at the wrong time to play in the wrong position and usually for the wrong price.

These days, however, United’s squad is one of unquestionable pedigree. The current frustration for the Old Trafford devoted is that on paper, the team’s assemblage of talent is practically second to none. Heavyweight names like Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford, Raphaël Varane, Christian Eriksen, and Bruno Fernandes should be setting the world alight, and even if they can’t do it on a real-life pitch, such a wondrous constellation of stars makes for a very effective FIFA side.

17 Chelsea

Overall Rating: 83

• Best Player: Ngolo Kante (87)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 80

Chelsea is a team in a funny place right now. The London side’s shock victory over Premier League rivals Man City in the 2020/2021 Champions League final is far from ancient history, yet it must feel like a lifetime ago for a side still struggling to recapture the glory days of true domestic and European dominance.

Still, Chelsea holds court as one of the finest club sides on the planet, even with some tricky goings-on behind the scenes. Dependable stars like N’golo Kante, Thiago Silva, and Kai Havertz keep the ratings high, whereas new signings Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Enzo Fernandez, and Marc Cucurella ensure a formidable starting eleven.

18 Atlético Madrid

Overall Rating: 83

• Best Player: Antoine Greizmann (86)
• Formation: 5-3-2 Holding
• Rating in FC 25: 82

Still one of the most overlooked and underrated teams in world football, Atlético often struggles to command the respect and affection shown to the club’s Primera Division rivals. Many outside of Spain still regard Atlético as merely the ‘other’ team of Spanish club football, a label that’s sure to infuriate the faithful at the Estadio Metropolitano.

In fact, Atlético’s is one of the most balanced squads in the entire game, not boasting any astonishing strengths in any particular fields but crucially harboring no real weaknesses either. Strong ratings of 84, 83, and 83 remain pretty consistent across the board thanks to the talents of José Giménez in defense, Koke captaining the midfield, and the likes of Álvaro Morata, and Antoine Griezmann in attack. Atlético Madrid is an acquired taste, but get Los Colchoneros firing, and the rewards are great.

19 Inter Milan

Overall Rating: 83

• Best Player: Milan Skriniar, Lautaro Martinez & Nicolo Barella (85)
• Formation: 3-1-4-2
• Rating in FC 25: 84

Inter Milan’s resurrection has been a long time coming. Still, after ten years of wandering the footballing wilderness, Simone Inzaghi is finally bringing the Italian giants back to where they belong at the sharp end of club football. It was, after all, Inter who broke Juventus’ decade-long monopoly of the Italian domestic league to finally give fans outside of Turin something to shout about.

It’s not hard to see how I Nerazzurri nearly recaptured the glory days of the late 2000s when Jose Mourinho was at the club’s helm and legends such as Wesley Sneijder, Diego Milito, and Samuel Eto’o were making Inter the dominant force in both Italy and Europe. Shrewd recruitment has seen the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Hakan Çalhanoğlu combine with already at the club Nicolò Barella and Lautaro Martinez to make a formidable squad at the San Siro, making Inter one of the best squads to use in FIFA 23.

20 FC Barcelona

Overall Rating: 83

• Best Player: Robert Lewandowski (91)
• Formation: 4-3-3 Holding
• Rating in FC 24: 82

A few years ago, FC Barcelona’s virtual side would unquestionably follow its real-life counterpart at the pinnacle of the FIFA rankings. Barca’s 2010s club side was arguably the best domestic team ever assembled, the talents of Xavi, Iniesta, Lionel Messi, Gerard Pique Pique, and David Villa combining to create something that looked like it had been artificially assembled in a FIFA career mode anyway.

Things haven’t gone so well since then for the Catalan giants thanks to financial troubles and an unsettled squad of what often seems to be misfit players unsure how to play the side’s very specific brand of football. Nevertheless, some exceptional recruitment in the form of Robert Lewandowski, Jules Koundé, Raphinha, Andreas Christensen, and Franck Kessié makes Barcelona extremely strong and well worth picking up and playing in their iconic 4-3-3 formation. On paper, at least.