EA Sports has dropped one of the most exciting Icon SBCs of the year. Franz Beckenbauer, the legendary German defender known as "Der Kaiser," now has a stunning Thunderstruck card available through Squad Building Challenges. Here's everything you need to know about this elite centre-back and how to add him to your squad.
Card Breakdown: Why Beckenbauer is Worth the Investment
This Thunderstruck version of Beckenbauer delivers exceptional all-around stats that make him one of the best defenders in FC 26 right now.
Key Attributes:
94 Defending — Elite-level tackling and positioning
89 Passing — Perfect for building from the back
85 Dribbling — Exceptional ball control for a centre-back
83 Pace — Quick enough to handle most attackers
83 Physicality — Solid presence in aerial duels
75 Shooting — Surprising threat on set pieces
PlayStyles That Set Him Apart
Beckenbauer comes loaded with PlayStyles that enhance his versatility:
Anticipate+ — The premium defensive PlayStyle for reading opponent movements
Incisive Pass — Sharp through balls from deep positions
Long Ball Pass — Accurate switches of play across the pitch
Jockey — Improved defensive stance and tracking
Block — Better shot-blocking animations
Intercept — Enhanced ability to cut passing lanes
Technical — Smoother first touch and ball control
Incredible Role Flexibility
What makes this card truly special is its role versatility. Beckenbauer excels in virtually every defensive and midfield position with ++ ratings across the board:
Defender++, Stopper++, Ball-Playing Defender++
Centre-Half++, Holding++, Deep-Lying Playmaker++
Box-To-Box++, Playmaker++, Wide Half++
Half-Winger++, Wide Back++, Box Crasher++
This flexibility means you can deploy him as a traditional centre-back, a holding midfielder, or even push him into more advanced roles when needed.
SBC Requirements and Cheapest Solutions
The Beckenbauer Thunderstruck SBC requires 13 squad submissions. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:
Squad Requirements:
Bayern München Squad — Minimum 1 FC Bayern player required
German National Team — Minimum 1 Germany player required
Bundesliga Connection — Minimum 1 Bundesliga player required
Additional squads with varying rating and chemistry requirements
Pack Rewards:
3x Premium Electrum Players Pack
5x Prime Mixed Players Pack
3x Prime Gold Players Pack
Plus a loan version to test the card first
Total Cost Analysis
Completing all 13 squads will set you back approximately 1.16 million coins. While this is a significant investment, the card's quality and longevity in the meta make it worthwhile for serious competitors.
Tips to Reduce Costs:
Use untradeable fodder from your club first
Complete during off-peak hours when player prices dip
Check for any overlapping requirements with other active SBCs
Save high-rated duplicates specifically for Icon SBCs
Is Beckenbauer Worth Completing?
For players seeking an elite, versatile defender who can also dictate play from the back, this Beckenbauer card is exceptional value. His combination of defensive solidity, passing range, and role flexibility makes him a squad cornerstone that will remain competitive for months.
The 94 defending paired with 89 passing creates a ball-playing defender archetype that fits perfectly in possession-based systems. Add the Anticipate+ PlayStyle and you have a defender who reads the game better than almost anyone else in FC 26.
Conclusion
Franz Beckenbauer's Thunderstruck Icon card represents one of the best value propositions among premium SBCs this cycle. With elite defensive stats, exceptional passing, and unmatched positional flexibility, Der Kaiser deserves a spot in any competitive Ultimate Team squad.
Looking to complete this SBC quickly? Visit FUTCOIN to buy FC 26 coins and secure one of the finest defenders in Ultimate Team history.
