FIFA 17 Player Rating Calculator
Calculate your custom FIFA 17 player’s overall rating based on 30+ attributes with our advanced algorithm that mimics EA Sports’ rating system.
Player Rating Results
Comprehensive Guide to FIFA 17 Player Ratings
FIFA 17 introduced significant changes to how player ratings are calculated, with EA Sports refining their algorithm to better reflect real-world performance. This guide explains the intricate details of how overall ratings are determined in FIFA 17, including position-specific weightings, attribute contributions, and the hidden formulas that power the game’s rating system.
How FIFA 17 Player Ratings Are Calculated
The overall rating (OVR) in FIFA 17 is not simply an average of all attributes. Instead, it uses a weighted system where:
- Position matters most – A striker’s shooting contributes more to their OVR than their defending
- Key attributes are weighted – For example, pace is more important for wingers than central midfielders
- Hidden modifiers exist – International reputation and potential can slightly boost the final rating
- Age affects development – Younger players with high potential may receive slight OVR boosts
Position-Specific Weightings
Each position in FIFA 17 has different attribute weightings. Here’s how the main positions break down:
| Position | Pace | Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Defending | Physical |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striker (ST) | 20% | 30% | 15% | 20% | 5% | 10% |
| Winger (LW/RW) | 30% | 20% | 15% | 25% | 5% | 5% |
| Central Mid (CM) | 10% | 15% | 25% | 20% | 15% | 15% |
| Center Back (CB) | 15% | 5% | 10% | 10% | 35% | 25% |
| Goalkeeper (GK) | 5% | 5% | 10% | 5% | 5% | 10% |
The Mathematics Behind FIFA 17 Ratings
The exact formula used by EA Sports remains proprietary, but through extensive analysis of player data, we’ve reverse-engineered the following approximation:
Overall Rating = (Σ (attribute × position_weight)) × (1 + reputation_bonus) × (1 + age_factor)
Where:
- reputation_bonus ranges from 0.01 (1 star) to 0.05 (5 stars)
- age_factor is -0.02 for players 30+, +0.01 for players under 21
- Position weights are normalized so they sum to 1
Attribute Contribution Breakdown
Each of the six main attributes contributes differently based on position:
| Attribute | What It Measures | Most Important For | Least Important For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pace | Sprint speed and acceleration | Wingers, Fullbacks | Goalkeepers, Center Backs |
| Shooting | Finishing, power, long shots | Strikers, Attacking Mids | Defenders, Goalkeepers |
| Passing | Short/long passing, crossing | Midfielders, Fullbacks | Strikers (some exceptions) |
| Dribbling | Ball control, agility, balance | Wingers, Attacking Mids | Goalkeepers, Center Backs |
| Defending | Tackling, marking, intercepting | Defenders, Defensive Mids | Strikers, Wingers |
| Physical | Strength, stamina, aggression | Center Backs, Strikers | Wingers (some exceptions) |
Special Attributes and Their Impact
Beyond the six main attributes, several special factors influence a player’s overall rating:
- Weak Foot (1-5 stars): Adds 0-3 points to OVR (5 stars = +3)
- Skill Moves (1-5 stars): Adds 0-2 points to OVR (5 stars = +2)
- International Reputation (1-5 stars): Adds 0-4 points to OVR (5 stars = +4)
- Potential: Players with potential 10+ above OVR get +1 to OVR
- Age: Players under 21 get +1, over 30 get -1
- Form: In career mode, good form can temporarily boost OVR by 1-2 points
Real-World Examples and Analysis
Let’s examine how these calculations work with actual FIFA 17 players:
Cristiano Ronaldo (ST, FIFA 17 OVR: 94)
- Pace: 90 (20% × 90 = 18)
- Shooting: 93 (30% × 93 = 27.9)
- Passing: 82 (15% × 82 = 12.3)
- Dribbling: 90 (20% × 90 = 18)
- Defending: 35 (5% × 35 = 1.75)
- Physical: 80 (10% × 80 = 8)
- Base calculation: 18 + 27.9 + 12.3 + 18 + 1.75 + 8 = 85.95
- With 5-star reputation (+4) and weak foot (+3): 85.95 + 7 = 92.95 ≈ 93
- Note: EA often rounds up for elite players, hence 94 OVR
Lionel Messi (RW, FIFA 17 OVR: 93)
- Pace: 89 (30% × 89 = 26.7)
- Shooting: 88 (20% × 88 = 17.6)
- Passing: 87 (15% × 87 = 13.05)
- Dribbling: 97 (25% × 97 = 24.25)
- Defending: 38 (5% × 38 = 1.9)
- Physical: 65 (5% × 65 = 3.25)
- Base calculation: 26.7 + 17.6 + 13.05 + 24.25 + 1.9 + 3.25 = 86.75
- With 5-star reputation (+4) and weak foot (+3): 86.75 + 7 = 93.75 ≈ 93
Common Misconceptions About FIFA Ratings
Many players have incorrect assumptions about how ratings work:
- Myth: Overall rating is just an average of all attributes
Reality: It’s a weighted calculation with position-specific factors - Myth: Higher potential always means higher overall rating
Reality: Potential only affects OVR if it’s significantly higher than current rating - Myth: Age doesn’t matter for ratings
Reality: Players over 30 often have slightly lower ratings than their attributes suggest - Myth: All positions use the same calculation
Reality: Goalkeepers use completely different attributes (diving, handling, etc.) - Myth: Special cards (TOTY, TOTS) use the same calculation
Reality: Special cards often have boosted weights for certain attributes
How to Improve Your Created Player’s Rating
If you’re creating a player in FIFA 17’s career mode, follow these tips to maximize their overall rating:
- Focus on position-relevant attributes: Don’t waste points on defending if you’re making a striker
- Balance your attributes: Having one 99 attribute won’t help if others are too low
- Maximize weak foot and skill moves: These provide “free” rating boosts
- Set appropriate age: Under 21 gives a small boost, over 30 gives a penalty
- Choose the right position: Some positions (like CB) require higher attribute values to reach the same OVR as attackers
- Consider international reputation: Even if your player isn’t famous, giving them 3-4 stars helps
- Set potential slightly above OVR: This can provide a small boost to the current rating
The Evolution of FIFA Rating Systems
FIFA 17’s rating system represented a significant evolution from previous versions:
- FIFA 16 and earlier: Used simpler weighted averages with less position differentiation
- FIFA 17: Introduced more sophisticated position-specific weightings and reputation factors
- FIFA 18+: Added dynamic potential and more complex form calculations
The FIFA 17 system was particularly notable for:
- Greater emphasis on pace for wide players
- More realistic physical attribute impacts
- Better differentiation between similar positions (e.g., CDM vs CM)
- Improved handling of two-footed players
Advanced Tips for FIFA 17 Career Mode
For players looking to maximize their career mode experience with custom players:
- Create specialized players:
- For example, a “target man” striker with high physical and shooting but lower pace
- A “playmaker” midfielder with high passing and vision but average pace
- Exploit the potential system:
- Set potential 10-15 points above OVR for maximum growth
- Young high-potential players develop faster in training
- Use the loan system:
- Loan out young players to lower-league teams for faster development
- Players grow more when getting regular game time
- Manage form carefully:
- Players in “excellent form” get temporary OVR boosts
- Avoid playing tired players to prevent form drops
- Understand position changes:
- Changing a player’s position resets their development in new attributes
- Some positions are easier to reach high ratings (e.g., GK vs ST)
Comparing FIFA 17 to Other Sports Games
FIFA 17’s rating system differs from other major sports franchises:
| Game | Rating Scale | Key Factors | Position Differentiation | Dynamic Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA 17 | 0-99 | 6 main attributes + special factors | High (position-specific weights) | Form, age, potential |
| NBA 2K17 | 0-99 | Dozen+ attributes, badges | Medium (position groups) | Hot zones, tendencies |
| Madden NFL 17 | 0-99 | Dozens of attributes | Very High (position-specific) | Scheme fit, development traits |
| NHL 17 | 0-99 | Skating, shooting, etc. | Medium (forward/defense/goalie) | Morale, line chemistry |
| MLB The Show 17 | 0-99 | Batting, pitching, fielding | Low (position matters less) | Confidence, hot/cold streaks |
The Future of Sports Game Ratings
Since FIFA 17, rating systems have evolved to include:
- More dynamic attributes: Ratings that change based on real-world performance
- Deeper position specialization: Even more specific role definitions
- AI-driven calculations: Machine learning to better balance ratings
- Expanded special factors: More types of bonuses and penalties
- Greater transparency: Some games now show how ratings are calculated
However, FIFA 17’s system remains a favorite among purists for its:
- Relative simplicity compared to newer versions
- Good balance between realism and gameplay
- Clear position differentiation without over-complication
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Whether you’re creating the perfect virtual pro in FIFA 17’s career mode or just curious about how ratings work, understanding this system gives you a significant advantage. Remember:
- Position is everything – build your player’s attributes accordingly
- Small boosts add up – weak foot, skill moves, and reputation matter
- Age affects development – plan your player’s career arc carefully
- The calculator above uses the most accurate publicly-available approximation of EA’s algorithm
- For ultimate accuracy, compare your created player to similar real players in the game
By mastering FIFA 17’s rating system, you’ll be able to create more realistic players, make better career mode decisions, and gain a deeper appreciation for how EA Sports designs its games.