In a monumental moment for both his career and the Madden franchise, Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley has officially been announced as the cover athlete for Madden NFL 26. This marks the first time an Eagles player has appeared on the cover since Donovan McNabb in 2006, and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Barkley, who is coming off one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history.
A Season That Made History
Barkley’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of legendary. He rushed for a record-breaking 2,504 yards and added 18 touchdowns, setting a new NFL single-season rushing record and surpassing the previous high set by Terrell Davis. His performance anchored a powerhouse Eagles offense that surged all the way to a commanding 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.
Not only did he take home Super Bowl MVP honors, but Barkley was also named the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year and became one of the elite few to join the Madden NFL ‘99 Club’, signifying his top-tier player rating in the game.
The Cover That Captures a Moment
EA Sports made the perfect choice in using Barkley’s viral reverse hurdle—executed over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones in Week 9—as the centerpiece of the Madden NFL 26 cover. The standard edition of the game features a snapshot of this electrifying play, which Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni called “the best play I’ve ever seen.” The deluxe edition takes a more personal approach, showing a close-up of Barkley in full uniform, ready for action—symbolizing the focus, intensity, and greatness that he brings to the game.
Barkley’s Reaction
For Barkley, being selected as the face of Madden NFL 26 is a dream realized.
“Starring on the cover of Madden NFL 26 and being named to the Madden NFL ‘99 Club’ are both dreams come true,” Barkley said. “I’m grateful to my teammates, coaches, and Eagles fans for their support, and I can’t wait to see how fans react to the game this year.”
A New Era for the Running Back Position
With Barkley’s selection, Madden NFL continues to recognize the renewed importance of the running back in today’s NFL. Following Christian McCaffrey’s appearance on the Madden NFL 25 cover, Barkley becomes the second consecutive RB to be featured—signaling a shift in the game’s dynamics and spotlighting the resurgence of ground-and-pound football.
What to Expect from Madden NFL 26
Slated for release on August 14, 2025, Madden NFL 26 is shaping up to be the most authentic and dynamic edition yet. Featuring refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced graphics, and deeper franchise modes, the game aims to give players the ability to recreate some of the same jaw-dropping plays that made Barkley’s 2024 season unforgettable.
Fans can pre-order Madden NFL 26 now at EA.com and get access to exclusive content including bonus gear, Ultimate Team packs, and early access to the game.