EA FC content creators are facing serious accusations after Claudia Pina’s Ultimate Team card skyrocketed by 375% in just two days. The Barcelona striker’s card has become the hottest item in the mode, and the community suspects foul play behind the sudden surge.

Supply and demand — the most fundamental rule of capitalism — is something we all learn early on. In theory, it’s simple: the more there is of something, the lower its price; when something is scarce, its value soars. But reality is far more complex, and sometimes people can manipulate markets for their own gain. That’s exactly what EA Sports FC players believe is happening with one particular Ultimate Team card.

The card in question is Claudia Pina, forward for FC Barcelona Femení and one of the hottest commodities in Ultimate Team. When the app launched, she cost just 4,000 coins — now she’s close to 37,000. The chart shows a steady rise until September 28, when she was priced at 9,600 coins. Then, in just 48 hours, the price exploded by 375%.

What caused this? Many in the community point the finger at content creators and their Ultimate Team videos on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Searches for Claudia Pina are at an all-time high, and TikTok’s algorithm immediately serves related content once you type her name. As a card, she’s far from bad: with an overall of 86 and no evolutions or TOTW boosts, she boasts stats like 91 Long Shot, 88 Volleys, Control, and Dribbling, plus strong weak-foot ability. Still, her 79 pace and limited AcceleRATE make her less explosive in competitive play.

At 5’6”, she’s not physically dominant either. What makes her card stand out is the Low Shot in Gold PlayStyle. If you’ve played online, you know the low shot is the most broken mechanic this year — and Pina is a master at it. Only two Haaland cards, Benzema, and special icons like Stoichkov and Kluivert have this trait.

Market Manipulation or Broken Mechanic?

Another standout card in terms of value has been fellow Spaniard Ayoze, a Villarreal striker widely used by top players. Yet his price trajectory has been far more modest, rising from 3,000 to 11,500 coins — further fueling suspicion.

Two days ago, pro player Andoni released a video titled “FC26’s Best Card Costs Only 10k”, which became obsolete within hours after Pina’s price surge. Dozens of “icon or cone” style videos have since recommended her card across various regions. Like many suspect, Pina has become a prime target for speculators, who buy and sell cards to capitalize on short-term demand spikes.

This typically happens with rare or special cards — not ones with fairly average base stats. Conspiracy or not, it’s clear why the price has soared: it’s overvalued, and speculators are cashing in on the hype, as they always do in EA Sports FC.

Source: 3djuegos