While PES Productions redirected its full development team toward the next-generation eFootball platform, fans of the series received a parting gift: a definitive, fully updated version of PES 2020 at a reduced anniversary price, complete with the 2020/21 season's rosters, kits, player ratings and transfers. It was released to mark twenty-five years of the Pro Evolution Soccer series — and it turned out to be its final chapter as a traditional standalone paid release.

eFootball PES 2021 Season Update is built on the Fox Engine-powered gameplay of PES 2020, widely considered the series' high-water mark for on-pitch simulation quality. The weight of the ball, the physicality of first touches and the individuality of player movement had never felt more distinct from the FIFA formula. All signature modes return: Master League — PES's beloved long-form club management and player progression experience — alongside myClub (card-based team building), Matchday (live event competitions), and exhibition and online matches. Over eighteen fully licensed leagues, KONAMI's facial scanning technology and partnerships with Barcelona, Juventus, Arsenal and others provide visual authenticity. Ambassadors for the edition included Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Alphonso Davies and Marcus Rashford. The PES name was retired the following year when KONAMI relaunched the franchise as the free-to-play eFootball.

Key Features: • Fox Engine football simulation, updated 2020/21 season rosters and player data • Master League: long-form club management and player development - myClub card mode • 18+ fully licensed leagues - KONAMI facial scanning • Ambassadors: Messi, Ronaldo, Davies, Rashford