FC 25 Marathon Man Evolution Guide
In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Marathon Man Evolution, including eligibility requirements, upgrade levels, and which FC 25 players are the best choices to maximize your FIFA 25 Coins investment.
What is the Marathon Man Evolution in FC 25
The Marathon Man Evolution is a five-level upgrade path that enhances specific attributes, roles, and PlayStyles of a CM card. This evolution allows FC 25 players to take an underused or mid-tier central midfielder and convert them into a box-to-box powerhouse.
It costs 60,000 FIFA 25 Coins, and by completing the required gameplay milestones, players will receive boosts to pace, passing, defending, physicality, PlayStyles, and even evolution rarity (upgrading to a TOTS-tier card).
Marathon Man Evolution Entry Requirements
To begin this evolution, your chosen player must meet the following criteria:
Overall Rating: Max 91
Primary Position: CM
Max PlayStyles: 10
Max PlayStyles+: 3
Pace: Max 88
Dribbling: Max 87
Defending: Max 89
This ensures balance across evolution choices while preventing the overuse of already elite meta cards. The aim is to reward tactical, smart upgrades rather than simply buffing the best players.
FC 25 Marathon Man Evolution
There are five upgrade levels, each unlocking progressively better attributes and roles. Here's a detailed look:
Level 1 Upgrades
New Role: Deep-Lying Playmaker+
PlayStyle: Intercept
+2 Overall (e.g., from 92 to 94)
+3 Pace, +3 Physicality, +8 Defending
Level 2 Upgrades
PlayStyle+: Intercept+
New PlayStyle: Long Ball Pass
+7 Physicality, +8 Passing
Level 3 Upgrades
PlayStyle+: Long Ball Pass+
New PlayStyle: Quick Step
+6 Pace, +3 Passing, +8 Defending
Level 4 Upgrades
New Role: Playmaker+
New PlayStyle: Relentless
+4 Physicality, +8 Passing
Level 5 Upgrades
New Rarity: TOTS Evolution
New Role++: Box-To-Box++
PlayStyle+: Quick Step+
New PlayStyle: Chip Shot
+4 Pace, +8 Defending
Each step makes your evolved CM card increasingly competitive in top-level gameplay, providing meaningful upgrades that go far beyond basic stat bumps.
Gameplay Requirements for Each Evolution Level
You won't just pay FIFA 25 Coins and receive upgrades instantly—you'll need to put in work on the pitch:
Level 1 & 2: Play 2 matches in any mode using your active EVO player.
Level 3: Play 2 matches in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles (Min. Semi-Pro).
Level 4 & 5: Win 1 match in Rush, Rivals, Champions, or Squad Battles (Min. Semi-Pro).
This ensures a fair and competitive progression system that encourages active gameplay rather than just transactional upgrades.
Best FC 25 Players to Use in Marathon Man Evolution
Given the strict eligibility requirements and CM-only focus, choosing the right card is essential. Here are some top-tier recommendations that will provide outstanding value for your FIFA 25 Coins:
Ruud Gullit (Base Icon)
Already versatile and physical, this evolution turns him into an all-time midfield legend.
Yaya Touré (Prime Hero)
With excellent base stats, the upgrades make him unstoppable as a box-to-box tank.
James Rodriguez (NumeroFUT)
Great passing and shooting already; the evolution gives him much-needed physicality and pace.
Bruno Fernandes (TOTW)
Technically gifted, this upgrade sharpens his defending and makes him an ideal creative anchor.
Manuel Locatelli (TOTW)
A budget-friendly option that becomes a defensive wall post-evolution.
Declan Rice (Winter Wildcards)
Powerful and balanced, this evolution enhances his ability to dominate midfield duels.
Paul Scholes / Xabi Alonso / Lothar Matthäus (Icons & Heroes)
Classic midfield generals with strong traits; the evolution modernizes them for the current meta.
Is Marathon Man Evolution Worth
Absolutely—if you select the right player. When executed correctly, the Marathon Man Evolution turns a solid card into an elite one. With upgrades mirroring TOTS-level enhancements, this evolution is a low-cost path to high-tier performance.
For FC 25 Players looking to compete in FUT Champs or Rivals, investing FIFA 25 Coins into this evolution offers much better returns than buying packs or chasing transfer market inflation.
Final Thoughts
The Marathon Man Evolution is one of the most efficient and satisfying evolutions in FC 25 so far. It rewards dedication and gameplay while providing tangible benefits to your Ultimate Team.
By choosing the right CM card and progressing through each level, FC 25 players can unlock a game-changing asset for just 60,000 FIFA 25 Coins—a bargain in today's FUT economy.