Anthony Joshua and Diplo will appear as playable characters in FIFA 21’s Volta mode

Boxing superstar and two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has made an unexpected splash in the football and gaming world after becoming a player character in FIFA 21's Volta mode.

.@KMbappe ⚽@diplo 🎵@anthonyfjoshua 🥊

The first wave of #Groundbreakers is here 🌊 👉 https://t.co/gKEEv2LQB7#FIFA21#VOLTApic.twitter.com/XAuYhUOmIx

— EA SPORTS FIFA (@EASPORTSFIFA) September 24, 2020

Joshua's shock appearance is not something anyone would have hoped and expected. But it's certainly a welcomed addition to the game, and EA Sports aren't the only ones excited. The champ himself also expressed his joy on social media and even shared a little clip with some footage.

Who wants smoke? 🔥 @EASPORTSFIFA#FIFA21#VOLTApic.twitter.com/QWIY1KNiln

— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyfjoshua) September 24, 2020

Joshua will feature alongside a team of legends and current players including Eric Cantona, Joao Felix, Kaka, Kylian Mbappe, Thierry Henry, and Trent Alexander-Arnold. It’s weird seeing his name mixed with theirs, but it has a nice ring to it.

(Photo: EA Sports)

But Joshua won't be the only player on the team who isn't a part of the footballing world. Diplo, one of the most popular and critically acclaimed DJ's and producers in the world, will be making an appearance as well.
(Photo: EA Sports)

Described as the "Groundbreakers," players will be able to play against their team in Volta Mode and even recruit them into their squads. It might not the revolutionary change that players and fans had hoped for, but it is an interesting one, and it could be the first of many.

EA Sports recently appointed Arsenal's Héctor Bellerín as the creative director for Volta, hoping that his passion and creativity can help make it better than it was last year. It could happen, but only time will tell.

• Read more: Is there a FIFA 21 demo to download and try out?

Until then, at least we've got a chance to play as some legends outside of the football world, and more might come down the road.