When Benzema first dropped as part of the Ultimate Scream Gauntlet tournament, many players viewed him as just another solid objective card. The three round tournament format required dedicated grinding, but those who completed the challenge were rewarded with something special. Starting as an 86 rated CAM with respectable 80 pace, the card showed promise due to his low driven shot playstyle+ but didn’t immediately scream meta. That all changed when the Beaver Moon rose on November 5th.
The genius of Ultimate Scream lies in its lunar cycle upgrade system. Each full moon triggers dramatic transformations, and Benzema hit the jackpot with his first upgrade. Among all the face stats he could have received shooting, passing, dribbling, defending, or physicality Benzema got the one that matters most in competitive FUT especially as a striker and that is his pace, boosted all the way to 99.
Me and my opponent scoring 10 goals with 99 Pace Scream Benzema pic.twitter.com/NyJ1XmfTvf
— Jake (@Jake_FutTrading) November 5, 2025
Walk into any Division Rivals match or Weekend League game, and you’ll likely encounter Benzema. The reason is simple: he offers elite tier performance without the elite tier price tag. While cards with 95+ pace cost millions of coins, Benzema was completely free for anyone willing to complete the Gauntlet objectives.
POV: Weekend league with Benzema getting 99 pace 😭 pic.twitter.com/AFNyI4KmuV
— KeanuJP – EAFC (@KeanuJP_) November 5, 2025
His versatility adds another dimension to his omnipresence. Though primarily a CAM, Benzema seamlessly transitions to striker, where his combination of blistering pace and clinical finishing makes him lethal. His 4 star weak foot and 4 star skill moves provide enough technical ability to navigate tight spaces, while his 79 physicality (85 in the upgraded version) allows him to hold off defenders despite not being the most imposing presence.
Smart players recognized Benzema’s potential early, but even those who slept on the initial release can appreciate his value now. The card continues to evolve a second full moon upgrade on December 4th (the Cold Moon) will grant Role++ upgrades across all positions, making him even more adaptable. Additionally, each full moon brings a temporary 99 rated face stat boost lasting seven days, meaning Benzema will receive another period of enhanced dominance.
Benzema’s widespread adoption has shifted team building strategies across FC 26. His French nationality and Al Ittihad club affiliation might seem limiting for chemistry, but creative squad builders have found ways to integrate him into hybrid setups. Popular formations like 4-4-2 and 4-2-3-1 accommodate his dual CAM/ST positioning perfectly, allowing players to start him in favorable chemistry positions before switching in game.
For a seven day window, every defender who dreaded seeing Piña’s name flash on the opponent’s loading screen must now contend with an even bigger, faster threat the Ultimate Scream Benzema.
