The inclusion of women player cards in EA’s FC24 Ultimate Team (FUT) represents a significant shift in sports video gaming, marking the first time female footballers have been integrated into this popular mode. This study explores the community’s evolving perceptions of this inclusion through a qualitative content and sentiment analysis of two key Reddit threads. The first thread, analyzed prior to the game’s release, captures initial skepticism and concerns, particularly around realism and the impact on FUT’s competitive integrity. The second thread, from the near endgame phase, reveals how these perceptions have shifted, with many players eventually embracing the diversity and new dynamics brought by female players. Despite the positive reception, challenges such as card saturation and ongoing debates about the balance between realism and fantasy remain. The study highlights the educational impact of including women in FUT, contributing to greater awareness of women’s football. The findings suggest that while the inclusion has been polarizing, it has also catalyzed important discussions about gender inclusivity in sports video games, setting the stage for further research and broader acceptance in the gaming community.