Creating the Ultimate Totti in FIFA: A Step-by-Step Guide

Francesco Totti, *Il Re di Roma*, *Er Pupone* – the King of Rome, the Big Baby. No matter what you call him, Francesco Totti is a legend. A one-club man who embodied loyalty, passion, and incredible skill, Totti’s influence on Italian football is undeniable. While he’s no longer gracing the pitch, his legacy lives on, and what better way to honor him than by recreating him in FIFA? This guide will walk you through, step-by-step, how to create a player in FIFA that embodies Totti’s unique abilities and playing style, bringing a touch of Roman magic to your virtual squad.

This guide will cover several aspects of creating Totti, including:

* **Choosing the Right FIFA Mode:** Selecting the best mode for player creation.
* **Base Settings:** Setting the foundation for your Totti replica (Name, Position, Nation).
* **Physical Attributes:** Shaping the physique to match Totti’s build.
* **Player Attributes:** Fine-tuning the skills to emulate his passing, shooting, dribbling, and more.
* **Traits and Specialties:** Adding the crucial details that make him truly Totti.
* **Tactical Instructions:** Setting player instructions that reflect Totti’s in-game role.
* **Hidden Gems (Optional):** Further customization for realism.

Let’s begin!

## 1. Choosing the Right FIFA Mode

The method you use to create Totti depends on which FIFA game mode you prefer. Here are the two most common options:

* **Career Mode:** This mode lets you create a player and integrate them into your own career. You can either start a new career as a manager or player and add your created Totti to your team. This is arguably the best way to experience playing with your created Totti as it allows for natural progression and integration into a team setting. This also lets you control his development over time, adapting his skills to your gameplay style.

* **Kick-Off Mode (Create Squads):** This option allows you to create a custom squad that can be used in Kick-Off matches. This method is quicker if your goal is simply to use Totti in single matches with friends or against the AI. To access it, navigate to ‘Customise’, then ‘Profile’, then ‘Create Squads’. You can add your created player to any existing team in the game or create a completely new team.

For this guide, we will primarily focus on **Career Mode** as it offers a more comprehensive and engaging experience. However, the attribute settings will be equally applicable to Kick-Off mode.

## 2. Base Settings

This is where you lay the foundation for your virtual Totti. Accuracy is key to capturing his essence.

* **Name:** This is straightforward. Set the first name to “Francesco” and the last name to “Totti.” The in-game commentary will recognize the name which adds to the authenticity.
* **Nickname:** While FIFA doesn’t offer all nickname options, consider using “Totti” or another nickname that fits within the game’s constraints.
* **Position:** This is crucial. Totti primarily played as an **Attacking Midfielder (CAM)** or **Striker (CF/ST)**. We recommend starting him as a **CAM**, then developing him into a **CF** or even a **False 9** striker later in his career. His vision and passing ability make him a natural CAM. You can also experiment with a **Second Striker (SS)** role.
* **Preferred Foot:** Totti was right-footed. Ensure this is correctly set.
* **Date of Birth:** September 27, 1976. Getting this right adds to the authenticity.
* **Nationality:** Italian. Selecting Italy is essential for accurately representing his background.
* **Team:** This is where you can choose to immediately place him on Roma (if available in the current FIFA version) or another Serie A team. Alternatively, you can start him without a team and wait for a club to sign him in Career Mode, mimicking his real-life loyalty. If you choose this option, select “Free Agent” when creating the player.
* **Kit Number:** Choose 10, Totti’s iconic number. If 10 is already taken on the team you choose, select a memorable number like 20 (early in his career) or another number that aligns with your personal preference.

## 3. Physical Attributes

While Totti wasn’t known for blistering pace or incredible athleticism, his physical presence was still important. Aim for a balance that reflects his strength, stamina, and build.

* **Height:** Totti was approximately 1.80 meters (5’11”) tall. Adjust the height slider accordingly.
* **Weight:** Totti had a relatively stocky build. Set the weight to around 82 kg (181 lbs). Don’t make him too skinny; he was known for his strength on the ball.
* **Body Type:** This is important for visual representation. Choose a body type that reflects his physique. “Stocky” or “Normal (Slightly Built)” are good options. Experiment with different body types to find one that best suits your visual preference. Note that different FIFA versions might have different body type options, so adapt accordingly.

## 4. Player Attributes

This is where the magic happens. Carefully adjust the attributes to mimic Totti’s playing style. Remember that he was a master of passing, shooting, and dribbling, but not necessarily a speed demon.

Here’s a breakdown of key attributes and suggested ranges (scale of 1-99):

* **Pace:** 70-75. Totti was never about pure speed. Focus on acceleration rather than sprint speed. Acceleration: 75-80, Sprint Speed: 65-70. He relied on his technique and positioning more than raw pace.
* **Shooting:** 88-92. Totti was a clinical finisher with a powerful and accurate shot.
* **Finishing:** 90-94. Crucial for capturing his goal-scoring ability.
* **Shot Power:** 92-96. He was known for his thunderous strikes.
* **Long Shots:** 88-92. Totti scored many spectacular goals from outside the box.
* **Volleys:** 85-89. He had excellent technique for volleys.
* **Penalties:** 90-94. He was a reliable penalty taker.
* **Passing:** 92-96. Totti’s vision and passing range were world-class.
* **Vision:** 95-99. Absolutely essential for replicating his playmaking ability.
* **Crossing:** 80-85. While not his primary skill, he could deliver a good cross.
* **Short Passing:** 95-99. He excelled at intricate passing combinations.
* **Long Passing:** 90-94. He could pick out players with pinpoint accuracy over long distances.
* **Curve:** 88-92. He could bend the ball with incredible precision.
* **Dribbling:** 85-89. He possessed excellent close control and technique.
* **Agility:** 78-82. He wasn’t the most agile, but he had good balance.
* **Balance:** 82-86. Crucial for maintaining possession under pressure.
* **Reactions:** 88-92. He had quick reactions to anticipate play.
* **Ball Control:** 92-96. Essential for controlling difficult passes.
* **Dribbling:** 85-89. He could beat defenders with subtle movements and skillful touches.
* **Composure:** 95-99. Key for performing under pressure situations.
* **Defending:** 40-50. Totti wasn’t known for his defensive contributions.
* **Interceptions:** 45-50
* **Heading Accuracy:** 75-80. Decent heading ability for a forward.
* **Marking:** 30-40
* **Standing Tackle:** 35-45
* **Sliding Tackle:** 25-35
* **Physicality:** 75-80. He had decent strength and stamina.
* **Jumping:** 70-75
* **Stamina:** 80-85. He had good stamina, allowing him to play for long periods.
* **Strength:** 82-86. Important for holding off defenders.
* **Aggression:** 78-82. He had a competitive edge.

**Important Considerations When Setting Attributes:**

* **FIFA Version:** Attribute ranges might need slight adjustments based on the specific FIFA version you’re playing.
* **Player Development:** In Career Mode, your player’s attributes will naturally increase over time. Don’t make him overpowered from the start. Aim for a high potential rating so he can develop into a world-class player.
* **Personal Preference:** Feel free to adjust the attributes slightly to better suit your play style. However, try to stay true to Totti’s core strengths.

## 5. Traits and Specialties

Traits and Specialties in FIFA add specific characteristics and behaviors to players, making them more unique and realistic. Choosing the right traits is essential for capturing Totti’s playing style.

**Recommended Traits:**

* **Finesse Shot:** Totti was known for his accurate and powerful finesse shots. This trait is a must-have.
* **Long Shot Taker (CPU AI Only):** This trait encourages the CPU to attempt long shots with your player, reflecting Totti’s tendency to score from distance. This only applies when the CPU controls the player (e.g., in Career Mode when you’re not controlling him directly).
* **Playmaker (CPU AI Only):** This trait makes the CPU prioritize passing and creating chances, reflecting Totti’s playmaking abilities. This trait also only applies when the CPU controls the player.
* **Outside Foot Shot:** This trait allows the player to use the outside of their foot to take shots, adding unpredictability and flair.
* **Technical Dribbler:** This trait improves close control and allows for more skillful dribbling, mimicking Totti’s technique on the ball.

**Specialties (If Applicable in Your FIFA Version):**

* **Playmaker:** This specialty highlights his exceptional vision and passing abilities.
* **Distance Shooter:** This specialty emphasizes his ability to score from long range.
* **Finesse Shot:** This specialty reinforces his accurate and powerful finesse shots.

**Traits to Consider (Optional):**

* **Leadership:** While not always reflected directly in gameplay, Totti was a natural leader on the pitch. You could add this trait for added role-playing immersion, though it won’t impact gameplay.
* **Solid Player:** Helps prevent the player from getting knocked off the ball easily.

**Traits to Avoid:**

* **Speed Dribbler:** Totti wasn’t a pacey dribbler, so avoid this trait.
* **Power Header:** Heading wasn’t a significant part of his game.
* **Early Crosser:** Crossing wasn’t his primary strength.

## 6. Tactical Instructions

Tactical Instructions in FIFA allow you to customize how your player behaves on the pitch. Setting these correctly will ensure that your created Totti plays like the real one.

These instructions are primarily relevant for Career Mode, where you have control over your team’s tactics.

**Recommended Tactical Instructions (for CAM/CF Role):**

* **Attacking Support:** Set to “Stay Forward” or “Balanced.” “Stay Forward” will keep him higher up the pitch, ready to receive passes and score goals. “Balanced” will allow him to drop deeper to help with build-up play.
* **Interceptions:** Set to “Normal” or “Aggressive.” “Normal” will instruct him to intercept passes when appropriate, while “Aggressive” will make him more proactive in attempting interceptions (but also riskier).
* **Chance Creation:** Set to “Balanced” or “Free Roam.” “Balanced” will make him follow the team’s attacking structure, while “Free Roam” will allow him to move more freely around the pitch, finding space and creating opportunities. This is recommended to let him utilize his vision and creativity.
* **Crossing Runs:** Set to “Get Into Box for Cross.” This will instruct him to make runs into the box when the ball is wide, increasing his chances of getting on the end of crosses.
* **Defensive Support:** Set to “Stay Back While Attacking” if you are playing him as a CAM and want him to focus on attacking duties. If playing him as a CF/ST, “Get Back on Defence” can be used, but it is less recommended.

**Explanation of Choices:**

* These instructions aim to maximize his attacking contribution while minimizing his defensive responsibilities. He is best utilized as a creative force in the final third.
* “Free Roam” allows him to exploit spaces and create unpredictable attacking movements, reflecting his ability to find pockets of space and dictate play.
* “Stay Forward” ensures that he is always a threat in the opposition’s half.

## 7. Hidden Gems (Optional): Further Customization for Realism

While the above steps cover the core aspects of creating Totti, here are some additional details you can tweak to enhance realism and capture his unique personality:

* **Work Rate:** Set his work rate to “Medium/Medium.” He wasn’t a tireless runner, but he wasn’t lazy either. This reflects his balanced approach.
* **Weak Foot:** Totti had a decent weak foot. Set it to 3 or 4 stars for better versatility.
* **Skill Moves:** Totti was a skilled player, but he wasn’t overly flashy. Set his skill moves to 3 or 4 stars. Focus on practical skills like ball rolls, step-overs, and feints that he used to create space.
* **Accessories:** Customize his appearance with accessories that match his style. In older FIFA versions, you could add wristbands or specific boot types to reflect his preferences. Consider his hairstyle as well. A slightly longer, unkempt hairstyle might be appropriate for capturing his look.
* **Player Celebrations:** Assign him a signature celebration that reflects his personality. A simple thumbs-up or a gesture towards the crowd would be fitting.
* **Player Story (If Available):** Some FIFA versions allow you to create a player story. Write a short bio that highlights his loyalty to Roma, his incredible skill, and his impact on Italian football. This adds a personal touch to your created player.

## Tips for Using Your Created Totti in FIFA

Now that you’ve created your virtual Totti, here are some tips for effectively using him in-game:

* **Utilize His Vision:** Exploit his exceptional vision by playing through balls to teammates, creating scoring opportunities.
* **Take Long Shots:** Don’t hesitate to unleash his powerful long shots from outside the box.
* **Control the Tempo:** Use his passing ability to dictate the pace of the game. Slow down play when needed, and speed it up when the opportunity arises.
* **Exploit Free Kicks:** Utilize his excellent free-kick accuracy to score from set pieces.
* **Find Space:** Use his intelligent movement to find pockets of space in the opposition’s defense.
* **Protect the Ball:** Use his strength and balance to hold off defenders and maintain possession.
* **Develop His Weak Foot:** Focus on training his weak foot to make him a more versatile attacker.
* **Experiment with Positions:** Try playing him in different attacking positions to find what works best for you. He can be effective as a CAM, CF, or even a false nine.

## Conclusion

Creating Francesco Totti in FIFA is a rewarding experience for any football fan. By carefully adjusting his attributes, traits, and tactical instructions, you can create a virtual player that embodies his unique skill set and playing style. Whether you use him in Career Mode or Kick-Off Mode, playing with your created Totti is a great way to relive his magic on the pitch and honor his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time. Remember to adapt the settings based on the specific FIFA version you are playing and personalize his appearance and style to truly capture his essence. Now go forth and create *Il Re di Roma* in your FIFA game!