Below is the first image showing the French cover of PES 2010. As previously announced, the stars in France are Messi and Gourcuff.

We’ll have a higher resolution pic once we get our hands on it.

It is expected that a winner will be announced later today. Stay tuned!

Del Piero has today been confirmed as the cover star for PES 2010 in Italy, starring alongside Messi. For the full press release hit the jump! (rough translation)

Juve star to be Italian Cover Star

Juventus’ talisman Alessandro Del Piero will join Messi as cover star for the Italian version of the game.

To define Alessandro Del Piero (Conegliano, 9 November 1974) there are no more adjectives.

Pure class striker that can play both with beautiful feet, with a vision of the game, willing to sacrifice, ruthless put, Alex is a World Champion (2006), a monument of Italian and international football.

Juventus in the team since 1993, where the role of captain, holding the absolute record of marks (262 goals) and the primacy of appearances in official matches (603).

Considered among the best talents of Italian football, has now, the world convened for three and four Europeans. In 2004 it was included in the list of 125 greatest living players.

PES has always been synonymous with football and virtual really are excited to appear on the pack PES 2010!” Said Ale Del Piero. “I’ve been playing PES and always tie my name to the most popular football simulation of Italy can only make me happy.” Konami really able to capture on-screen magic that only those who love football can understand and are anxious to see how the virtual Del Piero!

“Del Piero’s persona so perfect all the skills that a sample should have” said Jon Murphy PES European Team Leader. ‘It is universally recognized as an outstanding and represents the ideal testimonial for PES 2010

Fernando Torres signs for PES 2010

Liverpool and Spain striker joins Lionel Messi as the face of PES 2010, as Konami lifts lid on even more gameplay advances

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has announced that Liverpool FC and Spanish international striker Fernando Torres is to join Lionel Messi as the cover stars of PES 2010.

Torres, 25, has enjoyed an incredibly successful season both at club and international level, and will now join UEFA Champions League winner Messi on the front of PES 2010’s packaging and marketing materials. Fernando Torres was born in Madrid in 1984, and gained acclaim by helping Spain win the Under 16 UEFA European Championships in 2001 scoring the only goal in the final against France. His pace and prowess in front of goal saw him signed by Atlético de Madrid as an 11-year-old, making his mark in the first team from the age of 17 and scoring 82 goals in 214 league appearances for the club. This form took him to Liverpool for a £26m fee in 2007, where his prolific strike rate has continued and has seen him cement his place in the senior Spanish national squad. Torres was a pivotal figure in Spain’s successful EURO 2008 campaign where he again scored the only goal in the final against Germany.

“Everyone knows that when it comes to football simulation, Konami’s PES series is by far the most realistic title available,” commented Torres. “The new game looks absolutely stunning, and I look forward to seeing myself in action in PES 2010.” “Fernando Torres has established himself as one of the most exciting strikers in the game,” added Jon Murphy, PES European Team Leader. “He encapsulates everything that is good about the modern game, showcasing both pace, skill and vision – three elements that play a major part in PES 2010 as a football simulation.”

In addition to the announcement of Torres’ involvement, Konami has also unveiled key new additions to PES 2010’s content:

• Enhanced Realism: PES 2010 delivers a pace of game in tune with football played at the highest level. Triangulation of passes and use of off-the-ball runs are key to breaking down the opposition, forcing the player to use the strengths of their team mates to create scoring opportunities. Gone are ‘soft’ goals that can be used to break the deadlock; instead, only working the channels and the precision play expected of great players will make a difference.

• Player Characteristics: Key skills of the many players have now been attributed names, allowing users to incorporate them into their play strategy. Cover star Torres, for instance, is renowned for his ability to receive a pass in the penalty area, and to drop the ball to a teammate in a good position for a goal-scoring opportunity. As such, he is labeled a ‘Fox in the Box’ and Goal Poacher’, in line with his prowess in both scoring and setting up goals. Player characteristics are more vividly reproduced by these names.

• Instant Tactical Switching: Konami has already unveiled its new tactical bar system related to PES 2010’s attacking and defensive elements, but can now reveal additional information. Each team has unique settings matching their real-life playing styles. Torres at Liverpool, for instance, will recreate the Merseyside club’s sophisticated play and high numbers in attack, their pressing from midfield, strong defensive line, and width across the pitch. For the offense, the default settings support wide attacks and the aim to move in the back of the opponent’s defense line. The user can summon the bar instantly during a match to adjust team tactics to enhance their defence or strengthen attacks.

• Master League: The Master League now incorporates both the Champions League and Europa Leagues in its content, offering a complete season for players to enjoy. Success in the Master League will see players streamed into these competitions. The lure of European football can also be used to attract stronger players to your side, with transfer dealings and contracts now significantly more realistic in their use.

• Commentary: PES 2010 reunites Jon Champion and Mark Lawrenson in the game’s virtual commentary box, but in a more effective way than before. The commentary is now more tied to the action, with comments detailing player ability, significant match history and analysis, within a more concise and detailed delivery designed to mimic the presentation of games.

Click To Enlarge (1920 x 1080)

The incredibly detailed pic is an actual in-game image, and shows graphical detail beyond anything Konami has reached in the past. It also comes with an accompanying press release:

Messi brought to vivid life in PES 2010

Konami showcases massively enhanced graphics engine as

PES revamp continues apace

Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH has released the first in-game image of its forthcoming PES 2010 title, demonstrating the stunning new level of detail and graphical refinement the new game enjoys.

The work in progress image shows cover star Lionel Messi in action in the new game, and showcase a massive advance in aesthetic detail. Crucial to the new game’s look are all-new dynamic lighting effects, where the position of the sun or the illumination from the floodlights is reflected in real time within the shadows cast both on the pitch, stadium, the ball and players.

The newly-expanded Tokyo-based PES Productions team has also worked hard to create the most vivid player recreations to date. Player expressions are now fully implemented, while the level of detail has been extended to individual skin textures and different weaves for the various kits to mimic the breathable material so many manufacturers now use.

Further details will be released in the coming weeks.

We’ll have further insight throughout the day. For now just sit back and admire the view ;)

We here at WENB also want to say thank you to Konami UK for giving the site the opportunity to be the first to launch the news. Their commitment to the community is paramount, and choosing us to launch the news is clear indication of that. With that, we want to say thanks to all the fans for their continued support. Long may the exclusives continue!