EA Confirms FIFA 08 Cover Stars News

Having already graced more covers then we care to remember and becoming the pin-up of choice at EA Sports, Brazilian's prodigiously goofy talent Ronaldinho has been confirmed as the cover star for the forthcoming FIFA 08. Confirming an outing on the Xbox 360, PlayStation2, PSP, Nintendo DS, PC and for the first time on PlayStation3 and Wii, FIFA 08 is scheduled for release during the autumn and is currently in development at EA's Vancouver studios.

Different players from across Europe will be joining the Brazilian on the cover according to the territory of release, including 2006 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner Miroslav Klose of Werder Bremen on packaging in Germany, rising star Sergio Ramos of Real Madrid on the cover in Spain, attacking midfielder and captain of the Austrian national team Andreas Ivanschitz of Panathinaikos FC on the cover in Austria, and Swiss national Tranquillo Barnetta of Bayer Leverkusen on front packaging in Switzerland. Midfielder Florent Malouda of Olympique Lyonnais and winger Frank Ribery of Olympique Marseille will be paired with Ronaldinho on covers in France, whilst EA has yet to confirm who will be appearing on the front of the UK and North America versions.

Ronaldinho, Klose, Ramos, Barnetta and Ivanschitz are currently providing motion-capture data for the team at a private facility in Barcelona today, covering themselves in ping-pong suits and carrying out the slinky skills of a Nike advert.

"We are proud to call some of the world's best football athletes our partners. The access, guidance and insight they give us means that FIFA 08 will create a next gen experience that not only looks authentic, but that captures the emotion, finesse and beauty of the game," said Joe Booth, senior producer for FIFA 08. "Through sessions like today, and the continued investment in our next gen football engine, our world-class development team continues to revolutionize the authentic gameplay experience."

"Ronaldinho and all the FIFA 08 cover stars bring a passion for the sport that is raw and true. They enjoy helping us bring that real-world experience into the game," said Matt Bilbey, International Director, EA SPORTS. "Their expert skills, commitment to success and passion for football inspire our development team and help us make FIFA 08 the most natural-feeling football videogame in the world."