Building a competitive FIFA 22 Ultimate Team doesn’t always require millions of coins. Smart FUT managers know that there are plenty of cheap but overpowered (OP) players who can perform at the highest level without breaking your budget. Whether you’re just starting your FUT journey or looking to strengthen your squad on a tight coin balance, this guide highlights the best budget players in FIFA 22 for every position.

Why Focus on Budget Players?

In FIFA 22, player prices fluctuate based on demand, promos, and pack supply. While top-tier players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappé, or Neymar may cost millions, there are hidden gems available for just a few thousand coins—or even less—that can deliver similar performance on the pitch.

By using budget players, you can:

  • Save coins for future investments or SBCs.

  • Build balanced squads with great chemistry.

  • Stay competitive against higher-rated teams.

Best Budget Goalkeepers (GK)

  1. Nick Pope (Burnley, Premier League)

    • Height: 6’7’’

    • Strength: Incredible reach and shot-stopping ability.

    • Price: Very cheap, yet reliable.

  2. Alphonse Areola (West Ham, Premier League)

    • Strength: Quick reflexes and solid diving stats.

    • A must-have for starter squads.

Best Budget Defenders

Center-Backs (CB)

  1. Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich, Bundesliga)

    • Pace + physical = perfect for stopping quick attackers.

  2. Jules Koundé (Sevilla, La Liga)

    • Agile, fast, and cheap—ideal for defending against pace merchants.

  3. Joe Gomez (Liverpool, Premier League)

    • Great balance of speed and defending, always a FUT favorite.

Full-Backs (LB/RB)

  1. Renan Lodi (Atlético Madrid, La Liga, LB)

    • Affordable with pace and crossing ability.

  2. Nordic Mukiele (RB, Bundesliga)

    • Strong, fast, and a budget beast at right-back.

Best Budget Midfielders

  1. Renato Sanches (Lille, Ligue 1)

    • One of the most OP midfielders every year. Strong, agile, box-to-box.

  2. Franck Kessié (AC Milan, Serie A)

    • Great physical presence, wins duels, and distributes well.

  3. Eduardo Camavinga (Real Madrid, La Liga)

    • Cheap young midfielder with high potential in Career Mode, but also effective in FUT.

Best Budget Attackers

Wingers (LW/RW)

  1. Adama Traoré (Wolves, Premier League)

    • 96+ pace, unstoppable on the wings. Perfect for counterattacks.

  2. Hirving Lozano (Napoli, Serie A)

    • Another pace demon with great dribbling.

  3. Vinícius Jr. (Real Madrid, La Liga) (early FUT he was cheap)

    • 5-star skills, high pace—amazing value before his price rises.

Strikers (ST)

  1. Alexander Isak (Real Sociedad, La Liga)

    • Tall, fast, and clinical finishing.

  2. Donyell Malen (Borussia Dortmund, Bundesliga)

    • OP striker with excellent pace and dribbling.

  3. Jonathan David (Lille, Ligue 1)

    • 5-star weak foot, making him lethal inside the box.

Final Tips for Using Budget Players

  • Chemistry Matters: Even budget players shine if you give them 100 chemistry.

  • Play to Strengths: Use pacy wingers for counterattacks or strong midfielders for control.

  • Upgrade Slowly: As you earn more coins, replace your budget gems with higher-rated stars.

✅ Conclusion: Budget players are the backbone of many competitive FIFA 22 FUT squads. By choosing wisely, you can build a team capable of challenging elite opponents without draining your coin balance.