Football Manager, from FM19 to FM24, has been a go-to game for scouting and recruiting the most signed wonderkids, offering players the chance to shape the future of football with some of the brightest young talents from across the globe.
Football Manager is more than just a game; it’s a gateway to building virtual dynasties with rising stars who offer exceptional potential, Footballrover reports.
The most coveted signings in the game haven’t just been real-life superstars, but also these wonderkids, who play a central role in the game.
From rock-solid defenders to explosive forwards, each edition unveils a new generation of stars that captivate the imagination of managers everywhere.
What makes a wonderkid?
A wonderkid in Football Manager refers to a young player with extraordinary potential.
These players are coveted not just for their current abilities but for their long-term growth and versatility.
Attributes like high determination, excellent physical stats, and adaptability make them valuable assets in-game.
For managers, wonderkids represent the thrill of uncovering future legends, be it a prolific goal-scorer or a defensive stalwart.
Signing these young stars early ensures they develop under your guidance, becoming indispensable assets for your team.
Why Football Manager’s wonderkids are so irresistible
As Football Manager evolves, so does the list of rising stars players can recruit to dominate the virtual pitch.
From FM19 to FM24, some names have remained consistently in demand due to their rapid growth and game-changing ability.
Erling Haaland’s goal-scoring prowess, Jude Bellingham’s midfield mastery, and the ever-promising João Neves in FM24 are just a few examples of players that have stood out in the last six editions.
But what makes these players irresistible to managers, and why do they dominate the virtual transfer market?
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic wonderkids in Football Manager history, starting with FM19 and moving through to FM24.
Most signed wonderkids in FM19
Matthijs de Ligt
A highly rated central defender, de Ligt was known for his impressive physicality, leadership, and tactical awareness.
At just 20 years old, he was already considered one of the best young defenders in the game.
His high potential ability made him a top prospect for the future, with strong attributes in tackling, marking, and heading.
He was also capable of playing both as a ball-playing centre-back or a more traditional defender, making him a versatile option for any team.
Sandro Tonali
Tonali was an exciting young talent in FM19, with a comparison to Andrea Pirlo due to his deep-lying playmaking ability.
His strengths lie in his passing, vision, and decision-making, making him an ideal player for controlling the tempo of the game from midfield.
At just 19, he had a very high potential ability, which allowed him to develop into a world-class midfielder over time.
His work rate and tackling also made him a capable defensive midfielder, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Kieran Tierney
Tierney was highly valued as a left-back, known for his excellent stamina, pace, and work rate.
He was strong both defensively and going forward, with solid attributes in crossing and tackling.
In Football Manager 2019, Tierney was already seen as a very promising full-back, capable of playing in both a wing-back role or a more traditional full-back position.
His high potential allowed him to develop into one of the best left-backs in the game, with leadership and consistency growing as he matures.
FM20’s most signed players
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland was a towering striker with incredible pace, strength, and finishing ability. In FM20, he was considered one of the most exciting young forwards in the game.
With high potential, Haaland is a consistent goal-scorer, capable of dominating defenders in the air and on the ground.
His technical attributes, including finishing and heading, made him a top target for any club looking to strengthen their attack.
Sandro Tonali
Sandro Tonali remained a highly talented Italian midfielder known for his vision, passing, and technical skills from way back in FM19.
In FM20, Tonali was praised for his potential as a deep-lying playmaker, with excellent attributes in passing, creativity, and tackling.
His ability to control the tempo of the game and his intelligence on the ball made him a standout in midfield.
Many managers saw Tonali as the future star, capable of dominating the midfield for years to come.
Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho was one of the most highly rated young wingers in FM20, known for his dribbling, pace, and creativity.
With excellent attributes in flair, technique, and crossing, Sancho was a potent threat on the wing.
His ability to create chances and score goals made him a highly sought-after player.
In FM20, Sancho’s potential for growth was immense, and he was often seen as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
Most signed stars in FM21
Eduardo Camavinga
In FM21, Eduardo Camavinga was a highly rated young central midfielder known for his exceptional work rate, composure, and ball control.
At just 19 years old, he had the potential to develop into one of the best midfielders in the game.
His versatility allowed him to play in various roles in midfield, whether as a defensive midfielder or a box-to-box player.
His quickness, vision, and ability to break up play made him a dynamic asset to any team looking to build around youth.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland in FM21 was a goal-scoring machine with exceptional physical attributes, including blistering pace, strength, and agility.
His finishing, composure, and heading ability made him a dominant force in front of goal. He was already a superstar before FM21 was released.
At just 21 years old, Haaland was already one of the most promising strikers in world football, and his potential to improve further was enormous.
With his strong work ethic and knack for finding the back of the net, he was just too perfect for teams that play a direct or counter-attacking style.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma in FM21 was regarded as one of the best young goalkeepers in the game.
Standing at 6’5″, he had excellent shot-stopping abilities, a commanding presence in the box, and the agility to react quickly.
His impressive reflexes, one-on-one ability, and solid distribution made him a well-rounded goalkeeper.
At just 22, Donnarumma had already shown his ability to perform at the highest level, with the potential to become one of the top goalkeepers in the world over the years.
FM22 continued the trend of most signed stars
Karim Adeyemi
The Borussia Dortmund forward was a highly promising young forward known for his blistering pace, technical ability, and dribbling skills.
He was versatile, capable of playing as a winger or a striker. His physical attributes made him a threat in one-on-one situations, and he possessed a keen eye for goals.
In FM 2022, he showed great potential for development, particularly in finishing, off-the-ball movement, and composure.
Erling Haaland
In FM22, Haaland was well established, a goal-scoring machine, known for his exceptional physicality, strength, and speed.
In FM 2022, he had elite finishing and heading abilities, making him a constant threat in the box.
His aerial presence, combined with his rapid pace, made him one of the most dangerous forwards ever in the game.
Haaland’s work rate and attitude ensured he was consistently improving, and he had the potential to become one of the game’s top strikers.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham was known in his Borussia Dortmund days as a dynamic and technically gifted central midfielder with excellent passing, vision, and dribbling.
In FM 2022, his potential was huge, and he was considered one of the best young midfielders in Europe.
Bellingham’s well-rounded skills allowed him to contribute both defensively and offensively, with a high work rate and determination.
His ability to control the tempo of the game, combined with his maturity, made him a valuable asset for any team.
FM23 brought new batch of top players
Jude Bellingham
In Football Manager 2023, Jude Bellingham was portrayed as a highly versatile midfielder with excellent technical, physical, and mental attributes.
He stoodout with impressive dribbling, passing, and vision, making him a playmaker capable of controlling the tempo of matches.
His versatility allowed him to play both central and attacking roles, excelling in transitions.
Bellingham’s potential for growth was remarkable, and he was viewed as a future superstar with leadership qualities and maturity beyond his years, making him a valuable asset on any team.
Joško Gvardiol
Joško Gvardiol was a hugely promising young central defender in Football Manager 2023, noted for his strong defensive attributes, including tackling, positioning, and heading.
His physicality was one of his standout traits, with good pace and strength that make him difficult to bypass.
Gvardiol was also capable of carrying the ball forward, offering a threat in possession.
He was often described as a reliable and composed defender, with huge potential for development, positioning him as one of the top defensive prospects in the game.
Alex Scott
Alex Scott was widely regarded as a dynamic midfielder in Football Manager 2023, recognised for his creativity, vision, and technical skills.
He excelled in the number 10 role, capable of delivering key passes and contributing to his team’s attacking play.
Scott had good dribbling, flair, and decision-making, which helps him break down opposition defences.
Although not particularly strong in physical attributes, his intelligence on the ball and ability to influence the game made him a highly valuable player, especially in a team focusing on fluid attacking play.
His potential in the game also made him a player worth developing for the future.
FM24: The latest must-have wonderkids
Valentín Barco
The 20-year-old Argentine from Brighton remains one of the brightest talents in FM24.
Primarily a left-sided player, he can operate across various positions on the left wing and defence.
His versatility, combined with his impressive technical skills and potential, makes him an exciting prospect for any team looking to develop a future star.
Barco’s release clause is set at around €9.25 million, offering great value for clubs looking to invest in a high-potential player.
Roony Bardghji
Roony Bardghji, now 19, has shown tremendous promise as a winger for Copenhagen.
His early FM24 stats already reflect his potential to make an impact at high levels, with skills suited to both starting for smaller clubs or coming on as an impactful substitute for bigger teams.
His price range is between £7-11 million, making him a potential bargain for those able to secure his services early.
João Neves
At just 20, João Neves is already making waves at PSG. He excels as a ball-winning midfielder, with excellent defensive stats and a strong presence in the middle of the park.
Neves has immense potential and is expected to develop into one of the top midfielders in Europe.
His current value in FM24 is £43 million, reflecting his high potential and importance to Benfica.
Why these players dominate Football Manager
The most signed FM players often share common traits:
- High Potential Ability (PA): Indicates their capacity for growth.
- Versatility: Ability to adapt to multiple positions.
- Affordability: Some wonderkids start with lower transfer fees, making them budget-friendly.
These factors ensure their popularity in the virtual transfer market, with managers rushing to secure them before competitors.
Which FM wonderkid is your favourite?
From FM19 wonderkids like Matthijs de Ligt to FM24 stars such as João Neves, these players have captured the imagination of managers worldwide.
But the list doesn’t end here—Football Manager continues to deliver hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
What’s your go-to wonderkid in Football Manager?
Share your favourites in the comments below, or let us know which young star helped you build your dream team!
By discussing your experiences, you’ll help fellow managers uncover the next big thing in Football Manager wonderkids.
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