The U.S. Women's National soccer team made history when they defeated Japan for the 2015 Women's World Cup, and now forward footballer Alex Morgan will continue to make history by becoming one of the first women to be featured on the cover of FIFA.
EA Sports announced that Morgan will be featured alongside soccer superstar Lionel Messi (who plays as a forward for FC Barcelona and Argentina's national team) on the cover of FIFA 16, making it the first time ever a female athlete is showcased on the game's box art.
"It is an incredible honor to be one of the first women featured on the cover of EA Sports FIFA," Morgan said in a press release. "I know people all over the world play this game and I'm really excited that FIFA 16 is putting such an important spotlight on women's soccer. And now to share the cover with today's greatest player is surreal."
While Morgan will grace the FIFA 16 cover in the U.S., the captain of the Canadian Women's National Team, Christine Sinclair, will be featured on the cover for copies sold in Canada (also alongside Messi).
"As soon as we knew Women's National Teams were joining FIFA 16, we immediately recognized that Christine and Alex would be the perfect cover athletes based on their accomplishments and what they represent for their respective countries and the sport of women's soccer," said David Pekush, senior manager of North America marketing for EA Sports. "They are exhilarating players and exude heart and courage on the pitch, and we are extremely proud to be working with them this year."
Proving that female athletes in soccer have what it takes to make it to the big leagues, the latest FIFA title will allow fans to play with 12 Women's National Teams including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Sweden and the U.S in kick offs, offline tournaments, and online-friendly matches.
Fans of the popular soccer video game will be able to enjoy an enhanced gameplay experience in FIFA 16 thanks to new features like Confidence in Defending and Control in Midfield, along with tools to create more Moments of Magic. Gamers can also use the new FIFA Trainer to improve their skills to compete at a higher level.
Morgan—the highest paid player in women's soccer—had an impressive season, playing the tournament with a knee injury, while still managing to score a goal against Colombia in the quarterfinals.
This is the first time women have been featured on the cover of the video game since FIFA first was released in 1993. The decision to feature both Morgan and Sinclair on the cover came after a petition surfaced online for the franchise to represent the female athletes. EA also lets gamers vote on which male and female soccer stars they wanted to see in the game. Stephanie Catley won the vote to be featured on the game's cover in Australia.
FIFA 16 with the first women to be featured on the cover will hit shelves on September 22 in the U.S. for PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PC.
Via: BBC
Photo: EA Sports
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