“Careful, Mario! – FIFA 23 will feature Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond as a fictional manager in the latest EA Sports game
FIFA 23 will bring a host of new features, including the debut of women’s clubs and more realistic player interactions.
But what most fans won’t have anticipated is the introduction of a certain fictional manager and his team – Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond.
“Ted Lasso”, a comedy first airing in 2020, is based on the story of an American football manager hired to lead a British football team, despite being seriously underqualified.
Now, after two seasons, series star Ted Lasso – who is played by American actor Jason Sudeikis – and his AFC Richmond team will star in the new game.
“We are delighted to announce that EA SPORTS has integrated Ted Lasso and AFC Richmond into FIFA 23,” a statement read.
The much-loved soccer video game is set to release on September 27.
“It’s so cool to be in FIFA. I’m not sure it will help dispel the CGI rumors, but f*** it, so worth it,” said actor Brett Goldstein, who plays AFC Richmond player Roy Kent. “I
I can’t wait to beat my nephew in a match with me as Roy Kent and him as Jamie Tartt. He will be furious.
And ahead of its launch, Lasso’s account tweeted an image hinting that his character could be part of the new version.
“Careful, Mario! Lasso wrote Tuesday, “You’re not the only pixelated man with a mustache who never knows where the tube is taking him…”
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Alongside his tweet, Lasso posted a photo of himself appearing to get a face scan – something the game’s footballers have famously done when accurately depicted in the game.
Adding fuel to the rumours, the official EA SPORTS FIFA game account responded to Lasso’s tweet with a pair of emoji eyes.
Although Lasso’s FIFA cameo has not been officially confirmed, there has also been speculation that AFC Richmond – the team Lasso supports in the award-winning series – will also feature.
It was reported that the team was scouted when the FIFA 23 webpage initially went live, only to be quickly taken down.
Lasso may be a fictional character, but he’s actually inspired those who actually sit at the top of football – including Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who said he was inspired by the coach’s positive attitudes.
Meanwhile, Leeds boss and American Jesse Marsch has also cited Lasso from his time in the Premier League, saying Lasso fuels the stereotype of American coaches not doing well in England.
Sudeikis was also spotted in Brentford’s game against Arsenal recently, with fans joking that he was on a secret scouting mission alongside fellow star coach Beard.
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