Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: The FM26 young stars we predict for the game

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids are already being debated ahead of the next instalment of the much-acclaimed game dropping this autumn.

FM26 is expected to return to stores in the coming months after a year-long hiatus, in which the Sports Interactive team rebuilt the game engine and added much-anticipated features to the game that we know and love.

It's back and bigger than ever, with dozens of the best wonderkids on Earth ready to be unearthed.

FourFourTwo's picks

YOUR EXPERT

YOUR EXPERT

Mark White

A seasoned player of both Championship Manager and Football Manager, Mark White has nearly two decades of experience in the dugout, across leagues and levels of football.

Having been invited to the Sports Interactive office several times to play the game ahead of release, Mark considers his greatest FM successes to be leading Athletic Club to Europa League victory and taking Bournemouth to unchartered heights (before Andoni Iraola did it IRL).

FourFourTwo's recommendations for Football Manager 2026 wonderkids to sign

While the game may change from year to year, you get a window of about three or four games in which a wonderkid can be particularly consistent for your team.

Ivan Fresneda was one name was excellent in FM24 as a complete full-back able to play any role and be retrained on the opposite side: likewise, Sverre Nypan was extremely mouldable – though his price has skyrocketed with a Premier League move.

If you're looking for someone a little cheaper, we expect to see a number of South American starlets (as ever), from Riquelme of Fluminense to Ruan Pablo of Bahia – but think on the ones who may still be deemed as elite but lacking in game-time. Endrick and Arda Guler are far more gettable this time around, for my money – at least on loan.

As far as others go, Nelson Weiper is a superb physical threat in attack, Josh King is a thoroughly impressive midfielder and Conrad Harder is essentially a future Viktor Gyokeres.

Goalkeepers

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 goalkeepers I need to sign?

In Football Manager, goalkeepers typically hit their prime after the age of 25. However, there are some exceptional talents you should be tracking now.

Whether you're looking to sign a young shot-stopper for the future or just keeping an eye on players for when they reach their peak, it's wise to know who the promising prospects are. Just be cautious about who you sign and how much game time they get. Goalkeepers can see their potential drop if they're constantly warming the bench. To avoid this, you'll need to arrange loan moves for them, ensuring they get valuable minutes with managers who will actually play them.

Right-backs

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 right-backs I need to sign?

The full-back position in football is constantly evolving, making FM26's potential crop of wonderkid full-backs incredibly exciting. While some of these young talents might eventually become world-class centre-backs or even move into midfield in real life, in your save, you might even find yourself converting a player from another position to fill the right-back slot.

However, the players highlighted here are specialist full-backs destined for greatness in your save. With some fantastic deals available, it's definitely worth scouting a few to bolster your defensive flanks.

Centre-backs

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 centre-backs I need to sign?

Investing in a young centre-back can secure your defensive future for a decade. This is one of the most critical positions on the pitch, and fostering strong relationships between your central defenders to achieve those crucial ‘green lines’ is vital for team chemistry.

We're currently witnessing a golden age for young defenders in the real world, with modern centre-backs boasting improved composure, athleticism, and ball-playing ability. Thankfully, FM26 looks like offering a wealth of top-tier centre-back prospects, catering to both right and left-footed preferences.

Left-backs

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 left-backs I need to sign?

Left-back is a strange position in football: very few players actually end up playing there by choice until they make their names there.

So if you find a good one, stick with them, whether they're an overlapping wing-back type bombing up and down the touchline or an inverted full-back adding numbers in midfield.

DM

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 defensive midfielders I need to sign?

When it comes to the crucial no.6 position, it's essential to first assess exactly what your team needs deep in midfield. Are you looking for a pure destroyer to break up play, or something a bit more nuanced and subtle?

This selection of defensive midfielders features starlets with diverse abilities and specialisms. It's highly recommended to evaluate your specific tactical requirements before diving in, though many of these versatile players can also be remoulded to excel in other areas of the pitch and different roles.

CM

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 central midfielders I need to sign?

Central midfielders are often the most vital players on the pitch. They're the ones who dictate the tempo of the game, maintain possession, and frequently win the ball back. From Mezzalas to advanced playmakers, deep-lying playmakers to ball-winning midfielders, the variety is immense at no.8. Bringing a wonderkid midfielder into your squad can be a brilliant strategic move.

Given that midfielders typically cover the most ground, this is likely the position where you'll need the most depth throughout a long season. Fortunately, wonderkids don't demand excessive playing time upfront. By signing a youngster with high potential, you can develop a future superstar in the background, allowing them to eventually claim a first-team spot.

AM

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 attacking midfielders I need to sign?

While the no.10 position is sometimes considered endangered in modern football, many of these players aren't just pure attacking midfielders. Plenty boast the versatility to slot in on either flank, others are central midfielders in waiting, and some could even be converted into false nines.

And that's the true beauty of signing a wonderkid attacking midfielder: at this age, these players are far more malleable, allowing you to shape them into precisely the kind of player you envision. With numerous exciting talents ready to thrill your fans, bringing one of these lads into your team is an absolute must.

RW

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 right-wingers I need to sign?

There's a certain science to football. Left-footed players often possess an innate creativity – and it's no coincidence that many of the best right-wingers are left-footed, allowing them to cut inside and wreak havoc.

A good number of these stars will be creative sparks who can operate effectively as inverted wingers, while others will excel as inside forwards, directly threatening goal.

LW

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 left-wingers I need to sign?

In the modern game, most teams find their goals coming primarily from strikers, with the left wing often being the next biggest source. Whether you prefer a creative wizard or a prolific goalscorer out wide, there are plenty of young options who can provide strong competition for that vital position.

These players all possess incredible potential, with many capable of excelling in multiple roles. Wide positions in FM, too, mean that players can actively contribute to play and still achieve that coveted 7.0 match rating without necessarily scoring, a dream for those advanced forwards who sometimes find themselves isolated.

ST

Football Manager 2026 wonderkids: Who are the wonderkid FM26 strikers I need to sign?

From target men to advanced forwards, you can't teach finishing for some kids.

These young talents are all tipped to be the next big Golden Boot winners. Bringing one or two in as backup to your main strikers can really pay off, especially if you enjoy featuring younger players in cup competitions.