EA SPORTS has officially revealed Saquon Barkley as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. It’s the first time in 20 years that a Philadelphia Eagle has earned the honour. Barkley appears on two covers, including one featuring his reverse hurdle from last season. Madden fans won’t have to wait long for more details. EA SPORTS is set to reveal new features on Wednesday, June 4.
The game launches worldwide on August 14 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.
Saquon Barkley Joins the Madden 99 Club
Barkley’s spot on the cover follows a historic 2024 season. He rushed for more than 2,500 yards, led the Eagles to a Super Bowl LIX victory, and pulled off a reverse hurdle that instantly became one of the year’s most talked-about plays. That moment now lives on as one of this year’s Madden NFL 26 covers.
EA SPORTS also named him the first member of the Madden NFL 26 ‘99 Club,’ the highest in-game rating reserved for the league’s most dominant stars. Barkley said making the cover and joining the 99 Club were both “dreams come true,” and he thanked his teammates, coaches, and fans.
Madden NFL 26 Arrives August 14, 2025
Madden NFL 26 launches worldwide on August 14 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC through the EA app, Steam, and Epic Games Store.
Pre-ordering the Deluxe Edition gets you three-day early access, 4600 Madden Points, and a few extras. You can also grab the EA SPORTS MVP Bundle on PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S, which includes both Madden NFL 26 and College Football 26 Deluxe Editions, along with bonuses for both games. EA Play members get a 10-hour trial and monthly in-game rewards.
EA SPORTS is set to reveal new features and more in this year’s game on Wednesday, June 4. Are you picking up Madden this year? Tell us which version you’re going with and if Barkley deserves that 99 Club rating.
Pre-Order Madden NFL 26 (Amazon US) – PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S or Nintendo Switch 2
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