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Fifa 17: Anthony Martial, Eden Hazard, James Rodriguez and Marco Reus in contention for front cover spot as Lionel Messi misses out

EA Sports leave decision for cover star up to gaming fans by setting up online vote between four world-class players

Toby Gannon

Published: 19:35, 5 Jul 2016
Updated: 7:02, 6 Jul 2016

Fifa 17 front cover

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EA SPORTS are giving fans the opportunity to vote for the cover star of Fifa 17.

The gaming giants have whittled it down to four players - Anthony Martial, Eden Hazard, James Rodriguez and Marco Reus.

Manchester United's Anthony Martial is in contention for the Fifa 17 front cover — Manchester United's Anthony Martial is in contention for the Fifa 17 front coverCredit: Getty Images

As is Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, despite a poor season at Stamford Bridge — As is Chelsea winger Eden Hazard, despite a poor season at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty Images

Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez could feature on Fifa 17 front if fans vote so — Real Madrid ace James Rodriguez could feature on Fifa 17 front if fans vote soCredit: Getty Images

And Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus could also be voted onto the cover — And Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus could also be voted onto the coverCredit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi's omission is a huge shock considering the Barcelona superstar has featured on the last four seasons.

The 29-year-old striker has been the face of the popular footballing game since 2013.

Manchester United ace Martial enjoyed a brilliant debut season in the Premier League last time out, scoring 17 goals for the Red Devils.

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Eden Hazard, on the other hand, endured a woeful campaign. The Chelsea winger scored just four Prem goals towards the end of the season but has rediscovered his form for Belgium at Euro 2016.

Rodriguez also fleeted in and out of form at Real Madrid. The Colombian fan-favourite began well under Rafa Benitez but found himself out of favour under Zinedine Zidane.

[youtube //www.youtube.com/watch?v=paxJt8kMAWY&w=620&h=349]

Lionel Messi will be omitted from the front cover for the first time in four years — Lionel Messi will be omitted from the front cover for the first time in four yearsCredit: Getty Images

Marco Reus dazzled in the Bundesliga, scoring 19 goals in all competitions for Borussia Dortmund.

Sadly, the German winger was omitted from Joachim Low's Euro 2016 due to lack of fitness following a groin injury.

You can vote for Fifa 17's next cover star .

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