Football Manager 2023 is out now – and FM23 is already one of the most popular iterations of the game yet, with hours of game-time stacked up from managers in the beta version of the game.
It's one of the most anticipated dates in the football calendar and it's a game most enjoyed by non-gamers. Whether you always pick the same club or choose a random side to navigate up from the bottom, everyone has their own FM stories, after all.
With new features, new platforms and even licensing extending to big competitions, it's an exciting time to be a manager…
Order with discount
Football Manager 2023 dropped on November 8 (Image credit: SI)
When is Football Manager 2023 released?
Football Manager 2023 was released on November 8, 2022.
How can I buy Football Manager 2023 with a discount code?
You don't have to do a thing – the discount is already applied and you can download the game immediately for play via Steam. The game costs £41.39 with the discount – and given the expensive times that we live in, every little helps.
Platforms
Football Manager 2023 is available on PlayStation for the first time (Image credit: Sports Interactive)
What platforms with Football Manager 2023 be available on?
Football Manager 2023 is available on PC, Mac, smartphone, tablet and console.
It can be purchased on Steam, Epic Games, the Windows Store, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, the Apple Store, the Google Play Store and for the first time ever, FM will be available on PlayStation in the coming weeks.
How many versions of Football Manager 2023 are there?
There are four versions of Football Manager 2023. These, according to Sports Interactive are…
FM23: The full and unrivalled simulation experience FM23 Console: Streamlined and optimised for console play FM23 Mobile: The fastest way to reach the top of the game FM23 Touch: Designed for slick and seamless progress
The Champions League has arrived with Football Manager 2023
UEFA competitions feature in FM23(Image credit: Sports Interactive)
And not just Old Big Ears – all UEFA club competitions are now a part of Football Manager, with the Champions League, Europa League and Europa Conference implemented into the game.
The anthem will play before the game, while the line-ups will be displayed with the branding of the competition. Players will have sleeve patches and when – if – you get to lift the trophy, it'll be the actual one.
On top of all that, Manchester City now have a partnership with Sports Interactive, meaning that the Premier League champions are fully licensed with proper logos and kits.
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Women's football update
Women's football has been promised in Football Manager for a while now (Image credit: Sports Interactive)
Women's football is coming to Football Manager… just not yet.
Over a year ago now, FFT spoke to Miles Jacobson and Chelsea women's manager Emma Hayes about the introduction of the women's game to FM and how it would change the game forever. Some assumed that this new database would be included on FM22 – but with FM23 about to roll out, we're still waiting. This looks like it'll now be set for FM24, with Miles having explained to us why back in July 2021.
“We don’t talk about what we’re working on in the future, ever,” Miles told us. “But we need to build that data and we can’t be asking everyone to sign non-disclosure agreements.
“Let’s just be honest and upfront about what we’re doing and build up that network. The various people that we’ve spoken to – the first question they ask is about the data and whether they can have it because there just isn’t enough.”
Wonderkids
Jude Bellingham is one of the best-rated players on the game (Image credit: Future)
OK, you're going to want to know who to sign in Football Manager 2023, aren't you?
There is no official list of wonderkids but FFT has been researching. Our list of the 300 wonderkids you need to sign is the definitive guide of which players under the age of 21 to sign. We've identified the best 99 in FM23, followed by another 201 picks across all positions. Enjoy!
Who should I sign in Football Manager 2023?
Who should I sign in FM23?
James Ward-Prowse has exceptional set-piece stats in FM23(Image credit: Future)
Aside from the wonderkids, we've compiled handy guides on who to bring to your club.
If you're looking for the fastest players in the game, we've compiled a list of the stars with the best Pace and Acceleration stats. These are across all positions, whether you're looking for recovery pace in defenders or difference makers in attack. Likewise, our guide of the best finishers is particularly handy for any side you're building.
Brighton are one of our picks to manage in FM23(Image credit: Future)
Ahh, the age-old question. Who do I manage? This time around, we won't even blame you for taking charge of Manchester City, given that they're licensed within the game.
But if you're looking for something a little more challenging, we've found the 25 best clubs to manage in Football Manager 2023, from the Premier League to the depths of Liechtenstein. There's something for everyone in there, whether you're a beginner or seasoned gaffer.
We've also got a guide to every club's starting budgets in the top five European leagues, plus the Championship – just so you know exactly what you're getting yourself into.
Review
Manchester City vs Sevilla on FM23(Image credit: FM23)
"Football Manager 2023 is everything you'd expect. Packed with so many features that it'll keep you busy for roughly a year of your life, yet now more user-friendly, true to the real boardrooms and dressing rooms of the world – and with added anthems for the Champions League. It's an A+, for sure – and should be signed at all costs."
There are ways to cheat in FM23(Image credit: Sports Interactive)
To some it's sacrilege to even try looking for Football Manager 2023 cheats. What is this: Calciopoli? To others, there's nothing wrong with giving yourself a little bit of help in the game – especially if you're imitating life by doing something realistic.
Mark White has been at on FourFourTwo since joining in January 2020, first as a staff writer before becoming content editor in 2023. An encyclopedia of football shirts and boots knowledge – both past and present – Mark has also represented FFT at both FA Cup and League Cup finals (though didn't receive a winners' medal on either occasion) and has written pieces for the mag ranging on subjects from Bobby Robson's season at Barcelona to Robinho's career. He has written cover features for the mag on Mikel Arteta and Martin Odegaard, and is assisted by his cat, Rosie, who has interned for the brand since lockdown.
