If you’re holding a PS5 controller and craving the joy of the beautiful game, you’re in luck. Soccer games on the PlayStation 5 have evolved into rich, immersive experiences that go far beyond passing and shooting.
Whether you’re someone who wants a polished, cinematic experience with real-world licenses, a tactical mastermind who prefers the behind-the-scenes grind, or just someone who wants to have fun with friends, there’s a soccer game for you.
Let’s lace up and explore the best soccer games currently available on the PS5. And yes, we’ll begin with the two titans of the pitch.
EA Sports FC 25 (Formerly FIFA)
The Glitz, the Glamour, the Gold Standard
For most of us, it’s still FIFA, even if the badge now reads “EA Sports FC.” Name change aside, the essence is still intact — the most expansive, polished, and officially licensed soccer sim money can buy.
Why it shines:
- Official Everything: Over 19,000 players. 700+ clubs. Real stadiums. Official leagues. It’s like having the entire footballing world in your living room. Champions League anthem? Yup. Premier League overlays? Got it.
- Next-Gen Beauty: FC 25 looks ridiculously good on PS5. The grass, the sweat, the light bouncing off a floodlit stadium — it’s as close as you’ll get to watching Sky Sports while controlling the outcome.
- HyperMotionV: This tech keeps getting better. It feeds motion data from real-life matches into the game, making every animation, including passes, sprints, and fouls, smoother and more realistic.
- DualSense Magic: PS5’s controller comes alive. You feel fatigue through trigger resistance, the vibration of tackles, and even the ball rolling underfoot. It’s not just a game. Its texture.
- Game Modes Galore:
- Career Mode lets you live out your managerial fantasies or rise as a superstar.
- Ultimate Team remains a card-collecting rabbit hole with limitless customizability.
- VOLTA brings street flair and a touch of FIFA Street nostalgia.
- Pro Clubs lets you play with (or carry) your mates in 11v11 chaos.
- Women’s Football gets real representation now — and not just in exhibition. Top leagues and a full career mode await.
Perfect for:
Anyone who wants to step into a real-life TV broadcast, experience football in 4K, and explore every corner of the modern game.
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eFootball 2025
The Rebuilt, Reimagined PES
PES. If you played Winning Eleven back in the day, you know the cult following Konami’s series once had. Now it’s called eFootball, and it’s free-to-play — an ambitious pivot that hasn’t always gone smoothly but still holds promise.
Why it’s worth a shot:
- It’s Free: No barrier to entry. Download it. Play it. No commitments.
- Realism Over Flash: While EA gives you the TV feel, eFootball leans more into the on-pitch experience. Ball physics is sharp. Player momentum feels weighty. You don’t just flick a button and teleport past defenders — you earn space and sweat for goals.
- Tactics Matter: Formations, instructions, player positioning — it’s chess in boots. If you enjoy setting traps and watching them unfold, this one’s for you.
- Player Personality: Messi in eFootball moves like Messi. Same with Lewandowski. There’s an individuality in animations that gives stars a signature flair.
Where it stumbles:
- Licensing Limitations: You’ll get Manchester United and Barcelona, but also a bunch of generic clubs like “Man Red” and “London FC.” It hurts immersion.
- Thin Game Modes: The “Dream Team” mode is the heart of it all, but beyond that, options feel light, especially offline.
- Progression Pressure: Being free means microtransactions show up. Building a competitive team can feel grindy unless you’re ready to spend some cash.
Perfect for:
Football lovers who value gameplay over glam, or budget-conscious gamers looking for a quality soccer experience without shelling out money.
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Sociable Soccer 25
Arcade Energy With a Nostalgic Smile
Ever wish you could recapture the chaos of Sensible Soccer or Kick Off? Sociable Soccer brings that frenetic, over-the-top fun to modern consoles, all while keeping things snappy and simple.
Why it’s worth a shot:
- Old School, New Skin: Fast, top-down gameplay with responsive controls. Perfect for pick-up-and-play.
- Couch Multiplayer Delight: Grab a few friends, some snacks, and it’s party time. No steep learning curve, just good fun.
- Licensed Players: Surprisingly, it’s got over 13,000 licensed players via FIFPRO. That’s a neat touch for an arcade title.
- No Nonsense Pricing: You buy it, you own it. No loot boxes, no slippery in-game economies.
Perfect for:
Anyone tired of intense simulations and looking for a joyful, light-hearted soccer romp? Great for younger kids, nostalgic adults, and late-night tournaments.
Football Manager 2025
The Brainiac’s Battlefield
Okay, this is not a soccer game in the traditional sense. You won’t be scoring screamers from 40 yards. But you will be deciding who gets to try them.
Why it’s worth a shot:
- Pure Management Bliss: Transfers, tactics, training, scouting, youth development, finances, press conferences — you control it all. It’s like running a club from the boardroom to the bench.
- Real-World Detail: Hidden attributes, contract clauses, rivalries, staff chemistry — the database is borderline encyclopedic.
- Addictively Deep: You might tell yourself you’ll play a quick session. Then suddenly, it’s 3 AM and you’ve just beaten Liverpool in the FA Cup quarterfinal with your second-tier underdog squad.
Things to note:
- You Don’t Play Matches: You watch, tweak tactics, and make substitutions, but you’re not controlling players directly.
- Steep Learning Curve: At first, it can feel like reading an alien language. But once it clicks, it’s addictive in a “just one more gameweek” kind of way.
- PS5 Version: The console version is more streamlined than PC but still deep and satisfying, especially with the new UI tailored to the DualSense.
Perfect for:
Armchair tacticians and data nerds. If you’ve ever shouted at a real coach for poor substitutions, now’s your chance to show how it’s done.
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UFL (Coming Soon)
A Dark Horse on the Horizon
Imagine if someone said, “What if we built a soccer game from scratch, listened to everything players hate about pay-to-win, and just… did it right?”
That’s what UFL is promising. It’s not out yet, but it’s creating a quiet buzz.
What we know:
- Free-to-Play: Like eFootball, but they’re aiming for a “fair-to-play” model that values skill over spending.
- Licensed Players, Growing Club Roster: The partnerships are growing, and the visuals look promising.
- 2025 Release Window: It’s expected to drop sometime this year. Fingers crossed.
Why it could be a game-changer: UFL could be the third force the football gaming scene needs — a fresh alternative without the baggage of annual franchises or aging engines.
Perfect for:
The curious and the hopeful. It’s not here yet, but it could become the underdog story we all love.
What’s the Best Soccer Game on PS5?
Honestly, it depends on your personality and playstyle. Let’s break it down:
Tired of the same old faces and mechanics? Keep your eyes peeled for UFL — it might just surprise everyone.
Want realism, licenses, and stunning graphics? Go with EA Sports FC 25.
Craving deep, grounded gameplay without spending money? Try eFootball 2024.
In the mood for casual, pick-up-and-play fun with friends? Sociable Soccer 25 is your jam.
Love scouting, tactics, and running a club from the office chair? Football Manager 2025 is your true love.
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