Nofil KhanAfter nearly eight years away, one of the most recognizable faces in modern football gaming might be making a comeback. Alex Hunter, the fictional protagonist of "The Journey" mode from the FIFA days, has been spotted in the official EA FC 27 Standard Edition cover art, sparking major conversation about what his return could mean for the new game.
Is Alex Hunter returning to EA FC 27?
While EA Sports has not released any official information, the inclusion of Alex Hunter on the cover seems like a very intentional easter egg.
For those who may have missed it, Hunter was the main character of a multi-year story mode that ran through FIFA 17, 18, and 19. Players controlled him as he navigated his career from a youth academy prospect to a global superstar. The story officially wrapped up in FIFA 19, and Hunter has not been seen in the franchise since.
Now that he has reappeared in the promotional material for FC 27, the community is debating whether he is returning to star in a brand-new single-player story, or if he will be part of something else entirely.
Will Alex Hunter be part of The Grounds?
Based on recent reports, Alex Hunter’s return might be tied directly to The Grounds, the heavily rumored open world mode expected to debut in EA FC 27.
Instead of a traditional, linear story mode like The Journey, speculation suggests that Hunter could serve as a key character or guide within the new social hub. If The Grounds functions as a large, interactive city where players can explore and play minigames, Hunter might appear as an NPC who introduces players to the district or hosts specific street football events.
It is also possible that EA is bringing him back to help bridge the gap between their older story modes and this new, community-driven social space.
Right now, it is unclear if we will actually get to play as Alex Hunter again, or if he is simply returning to the franchise as a recognizable face within the new game world. We will have to wait for EA’s full gameplay deep dives to know exactly how he fits into the picture.
What do you think Alex Hunter’s role will be in FC 27? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and stay tuned to the FUT.GG News page for more updates.