A new skill called Show Time has been added to eFootball 2026 for the first time in a while, and to mark the occasion, a special pack is available. The Epic Shadow Hunt pack includes legendary players like Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro, and introduces Daniele De Rossi to the game.
Okay, everyone’s talking about this new skill, Shadow Hunt, and it’s seriously cool! It’s all about getting back on your feet defensively and tracking down players who are making runs. And honestly, I can’t think of a better group of players to show it off with – it just fits them perfectly.
This set of cards isn’t just about individual card quality. It also considers how much of a difference Shadow Hunt makes during gameplay, whether the updated abilities significantly improve defense, and if these new cards are better options than the current best defenders.
eFootball 2026 Epic Shadow Hunt players
Fabio Cannavaro
- Position: CB
- Playing Style: Destroyer
- Show Time Skill: Aerial Fort and Shadow Hunt
Cannavaro cards are known for their strong defensive abilities, particularly when it comes to tackling and positioning. Even today, his stats remain among the best for a center back, emphasizing a proactive and assertive defensive style.
This defender is incredibly mobile, combining strong tackling, good awareness, balance, quick acceleration, and a willingness to engage in physical play. The ‘Shadow Hunt’ descriptor suits him well, as he was always excellent at recovering defensively and chasing down opponents.
It’s amusing that Cannavaro has the Aerial Fort skill, considering he’s a very short center-back. He and Baresi are actually the shortest players who possess this skill. While it’s helpful, it doesn’t suddenly make him dominant in the air against bigger opponents.
He still excels in aerial duels against similarly sized opponents thanks to his incredible jumping ability and timing. Statistically, this card is potentially one of the best Cannavaro versions available. The main question is whether players will feel comfortable using a shorter center-back in today’s game, which features a lot of crosses.
Suggested Skills: Heading, Fighting Spirit
Suggested Booster(s): Shutdown, Defending
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Fabio Cannavaro
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 |
Paolo Maldini
- Position: LB
- Playing Style: Defensive Full-back
- Show Time Skill: Long Reach Tackle and Shadow Hunt
Paolo Maldini was already a top-tier defensive fullback, and this new version seems to improve on his strengths. The combination of his long reach and ‘Shadow Hunt’ ability makes him an intimidating defender.
Given his already excellent defensive skills, his ability to quickly recover and intercept passes is remarkable. This linebacker card seems to have it all – speed, strong defense, good aerials, plenty of stamina, and even solid passing ability. It’s a truly complete package.
Maldini stands out from most defensive fullbacks because he’s also skilled going forward, showing excellent ball control and smart decision-making. This combination of defensive strength and offensive ability is exactly what many teams are currently looking for in a fullback.
Most high-level cards feature either attacking fullbacks or center backs pushed out wide. Maldini stands out as a traditional, defensively solid left back who also contributes to the attack, though that offensive ability isn’t strictly necessary. He can also play center back very effectively, and his stats are incredible in that position.
I still think he’s best used as a left back because there’s a lot of good cover at center back already, but truly elite left backs are hard to find. Most people are probably buying this pack just to get Maldini, to be honest.
Suggested Skills: Pinpoint Crossing, One Touch Pass, Aerial Superiority, Heading, Through Passing
Suggested Booster(s): Stealing, Defending, Shutdown
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Paolo Maldini (LB Build)
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 4 | 3 | 9 | 12 | 6 | 7 | 0 |
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Paolo Maldini (CB Build)
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 0 |
Daniele De Rossi
- Position: DMF
- Playing Style: Anchor Man
- Show Time Skill: Phenomenal Pass and Shadow Hunt
As this is Daniele De Rossi’s first card in the game, it’s hard to say exactly how it will perform, but his stats look promising. He’s set up as a classic, strong defensive midfielder – tough tackling, physically imposing, and capable of keeping the ball moving forward.
Phenomenal Pass is a good addition to skills for ST players. Shadow Hunt could potentially help with anticipating opponent moves and quickly tracking runners. However, a downside is that the DMF position is already very competitive in the game.
While Daniele De Rossi is a solid player, he faces stiff competition from other top defensive midfielders. His limited ability to perform under pressure – what we call ‘Show Time’ skills – is a significant drawback. Currently, only truly elite players offer good value, and De Rossi doesn’t quite reach that level.
Suggested Skills: Double Touch, Heading, Through Passing, Low Lofted Pass, Fighting Spirit
Suggested Booster(s): Hard Worker, Defending
Suggested Progression Points Allocation for Daniele De Rossi
| Shooting | Passing | Dribbling | Dexterity | Lower Body Strength | Aerial Strength | Defending | GK 1/2/3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 12 | 0 |
Should you spin for the Epic Shadow Hunt pack in eFootball 2026
This pack looks really good! Maldini and Cannavaro are fantastic defensive players and definitely deserve to be in the Special Series (SS) category. But everyone’s also thinking about the World Cup packs – you could get lucky and pull some really valuable Epic or Big Time cards with a 1500 coin pack.
| Tier | Players |
|---|---|
| SSS (Endgame) | Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro |
| SS (Excellent) | Daniele De Rossi |
| S (Strong) | None |
| A (Good) | None |
| B (Average) | None |
| C (Below Average) | None |
Pack Rating: 3.5 out of 5
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2026-05-19 12:14