Football video games come in two main flavors: American football (think Madden NFL) and soccer (which the rest of the world calls football — FIFA, now rebranded as EA Sports FC). Both dominate the sports gaming landscape, and chances are if your kid is into sports at all, they've either played or heard about these games from friends.
These aren't just "sports games" anymore. They're massive multiplayer ecosystems with card-collecting modes, online tournaments, live commentary, and yes — plenty of opportunities to spend real money. Madden has been around since 1988, FIFA/EA Sports FC since 1993, and they release new versions every single year with updated rosters and features.
Beyond the big franchises, there are also more kid-friendly options like Rocket League (soccer with cars — it's actually amazing) and Backyard Sports classics that some of us remember fondly.
It's their sport, on their terms. Kids who play soccer or football IRL love controlling their favorite players and teams. They can be Patrick Mahomes or Kylian Mbappé without leaving the couch. The graphics are stunning now — like watching an actual broadcast.
The Ultimate Team modes are addictive. Both Madden and FIFA have card-collecting modes (Madden Ultimate Team and FIFA Ultimate Team) where you build dream teams by opening packs, trading players, and competing online. It's part Pokémon card collecting, part fantasy football, and entirely designed to keep kids engaged. You can read more about how these modes work
if you're confused when your kid talks about "pulling a 99 overall."
Their friends are playing. By middle school, sports games are huge social currency, especially among boys. Kids play online together, trade tips about plays, and bond over shared frustrations with "scripted" gameplay (a conspiracy theory that the game intentionally makes you lose sometimes — it's a whole thing).
Ages 6-9: Stick with simpler options like Rocket League (rated E for Everyone) or mobile games like Retro Bowl. The main Madden and FIFA games are rated E for Everyone, but the complexity and online interactions make them tough for younger kids to navigate independently.
Ages 10-12: This is when most kids start getting into FIFA/EA Sports FC or Madden seriously. They can handle the gameplay mechanics and understand the strategy. But this is also when in-app purchases become a real concern. Ultimate Team modes are designed to tempt players into buying packs with real money. A 10-year-old doesn't always understand that $20 here and $20 there adds up fast.
Ages 13+: Teens are fully immersed. They're watching YouTube tutorials, following the esports scene, and probably asking for FIFA Points or Madden Points as gifts. At this age, it's less about "can they play" and more about teaching financial literacy around microtransactions and managing online interactions.
The games themselves are fine. The in-app purchases are the issue. Both Madden and FIFA are rated E for Everyone. There's no violence, no inappropriate content in the gameplay itself. But Ultimate Team modes use loot box mechanics — you buy packs hoping to get a rare player card, but it's basically gambling psychology. Several countries have investigated or banned loot boxes in games because of concerns about children.
You can disable in-app purchases. On Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, you can require password approval for purchases or disable them entirely. Do this before handing over the controller. Seriously. There are too many stories of kids racking up hundreds of dollars in charges.
Online play means online interactions. When your kid plays online, they're matched with strangers. Both games have voice chat options and text messaging. The community can be... let's say "passionate." Expect trash talk, occasional toxicity, and the full spectrum of internet behavior. You can disable voice chat in settings, and honestly, for kids under 13, that's probably the move.
The yearly release cycle is a cash grab. EA releases a new Madden and FIFA/EA Sports FC every single year. The changes are often minimal — updated rosters, minor graphics improvements. But kids feel pressure to get the new version because that's where their friends are playing and where the online community migrates. It's $60-70 annually for what's essentially a roster update. Some families set a boundary: "We buy every other year" or "You can get the new one if you trade in the old one."
These games can actually teach strategy. On the positive side, football games do require planning, pattern recognition, and strategic thinking. Kids learn plays, understand formations, and develop quick decision-making skills. Some kids genuinely get more interested in the real sport because of the game.
Football games aren't inherently problematic — they're well-made, engaging, and can even be educational about sports strategy. The real parenting challenges are:
- Managing in-app purchases (disable them or require approval)
- Monitoring online interactions (consider disabling voice chat for younger kids)
- Setting boundaries around the yearly release cycle (you don't have to buy every version)
- Watching for addictive Ultimate Team behavior (are they obsessed with opening packs?)
If your kid loves soccer or football, these games can be a great way to engage with their interests. Just go in with eyes open about the microtransaction ecosystem and online environment.
- Check your console's parental controls and disable or require approval for purchases
- Play a few games together so you understand what your kid is experiencing
- Have a conversation about spending — if they want FIFA Points, can they earn them through chores? Do they understand the odds of getting a good player?
- Consider alternatives like Rocket League (free-to-play, less aggressive monetization) or older versions of FIFA/Madden (you can find them cheap and play offline)
- Set time limits — these games are designed to keep you playing "just one more match"
Want to dive deeper into specific games? Check out our guides for Madden NFL, EA Sports FC, and Rocket League.