Who will be the next Franco Mastantuono on Football Manager 2026? Who will be the wonderkids and talents that ‘everyone’ will buy? Will Football Manager 2026 feature the next Lionel Messi or the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Let us take a closer look at the next generation of football talents erupting around the world.
Here we have hand-picked 19 potential Football Manager 2026 wonderkids that we believe could become some of the greatest signings on FM26 (since FM25 was cancelled) and that might excel at the end of 2024/25 season, or break through in 2025/26 season.
By profiling the next generation of wonderkids, you will get an early access to some of the best young players born in 2008 or late 2007 that that is NOT included in Football Manager 2024 by default.
However, by downloading our FM24 NextGen Wonderkids Database you can learn a lot more about these teenage sensations ahead of Football Manager 26 release and get ready to go wonderkids hunting in your first FM26 save.
So, without further ado, here’s our selection of the potential FM26 wonderkids we believe you need to know about for Football Manager 26 release.
Table of Contents
The best potential wonderkids for Football Manager 26…?
Amir Ibragimov / 16 / Man Utd
Position: AMRLC/ST
Preferred Foot: Right
The new striker sensation in Manchester United’s Carrington Academy, Amir Ibragimov could become one of the most interesting wonderkid strikers in England on Football Manager 26. Born in Dagestan, Russia, Amir is the oldest of three extremely talented brothers within the youth ranks of Man Utd.
Amir Ibragimov is an inverted winger who can play on either flank but is mostly used on the left wing so he can cut inside onto his strongest foot. Currently part of Manchester United U18 and featuring in two occasions for the Under-21 side in Premier League 2, the talented youngster could soon be following in the footsteps of Alejandro Granacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Wayne Rooney by making his first team debut.
As part of Manchester United’s new golden generation, the Russian wonderkid was part of the Under-18 side who won the U18 Premier League six points ahead of Man City.
Even though he’s of Russian descent, he holds an English passport making him eligible to represent the English national team. In April he represented England U16 and scored a goal against Italy U16 coming in for 14-year-old Max Dowman (Arsenal), who we unfortunately not won’t see in Football Manager until FM26.
Amir Ibragimov is a technical gifted forward with an eye for the goal. His composure and technique make him a natural set-piece taker, whether it being free-kicks from outside the penalty area or penalties.
His finishing abilities makes him a potent threat from all ranges – whether it being making a long-range shot from outside the penalty box or putting the ball into the back of the net as a fox in the box.
Standing out for his agility, ball control and trickery with the ball at his feet, his low centre of gravity, acceleration and dribbling abilities can dazzle any opposing defender. Highly press-resistant and excelling in small acres of space, Amir’s technique is truly remarkable considering his age.
In Amir Ibragimov, Manchester United has their own Francesco Camarda. I’m sure we haven’t heard the last of one dubbed to be the greatest talent coming through the Academy in years!
Ibrahim Mbaye / 16 / Paris Saint-Germain
Position: AMRL
Preferred Foot: Right
Paris Saint Germain has done a remarkable job of producing French wonderkids in the past few years, even though their squad has been filled with world-class players, such as Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Marco Veratti. Over the last few years, Paris SG has handed first-team debut to four players at the age of 16! The latest is Paris SG’s emerging talent Ibrahim Mbaye, who made a record-setting debut on August 16th, 2024 against Le Havre!
The 16-year-old forward capable of playing on either wings, took the record of the youngest-ever starter for Paris SG from Warren Zaire-Emery when he was selected in the starting line-up by Luis Enrique at the age of 16 years, 6 months and 23 days.
Ibrahim Mbaye was recommended in our top 10 potential FM25 wonderkids TikTok earlier in June and is one of those players born in 2008 capable of playing football at the highest level.
The natural right winger born in Trappes, made some highly impressive matches for the Paris SG’s Under-19s team last season. In the National U19, he made 13 assists and scored 8 goals over 17 appearances. He even played in the UEFA Youth League.
Used to playing against players above his age group, Ibrahim Mbaye is a remarkable player to have in counter-attacking situations. Standing out for his quickness, agility and sublime ball control to be that press-resistant player any sides need in attacking transition situations, he could quickly become Paris SG’s next Mbappe.
His lightning speed, technique and dribbles enables him to help his team to enter the final third by either cutting inside from the left wing and onto his strongest foot, or carry the ball towards the byline before combining with a one-two with his forward partners and attacking midfielders who comes to support.
Highly attacking, and focused on making direct runs towards the goal as soon as he receives the ball, Ibrahim Mbaye got everything you want from a forward these days, even though he has areas of his game he needs to improve upon.
How he moves, when he makes runs and the decision-making of either playing a one-two to swiftly progress play, or retain possession by holding up the ball and play a back pass to create space in behind, makes him into a very masure player for his age.
His eye for the goal, finishing technique and natural fitness could make him into a world class striker. At the same time, I love him for his incredible close control, wonderful trickery and capabilities in one-on-one situation – being able to get out of pressure with ease.
Ibrahim Mbaye is definitely one to watch for Football Manager 26! The wonderkid could easily become one of the highest rated French wonderkids with that five star potential! We expect to see him with a PA of between 155 and 175 on FM26 but this may change by the game’s release..
Sami Bouhoudane / 16 / PSV
Position: ST
Preferred Foot: Right
The Netherlands have always been a nation to be reckoned with when it comes to producing talents. From Ruud Gullitt, Dennis Bergkamp, Marco van Basten to Xavi Simons and Jorell Hato, the big three in Dutch football has always managed to generate players for the international scene.
The latest Dutch wonderkid striker is Sami Bouhoudane. Born in Bergen op Zoom and of Moroccan descent, Sami Bouhoudane is currently the youngest member of the Dutch Under-17 national team as well as being an important player at PSV Under-18 and the club’s Youth League squad.
Eventhough he competes againt Emre Ünüvar for the place in Netherlands Under-17 squad, he has managed to score 2 goals in 8 appearances. For the different youth sides of PSV, he has scored 12 goals in 19 appearances making him into a highly interested prospect for the future. Who knows what the future holds for this Dutch talent…?
Ryan Roberto / 16 / Flamengo
Position: AML
Preferred Foot: Right
From the Academy that brought us Vinicius Junior, Lucas Paquetá, and one of my favorite players, Romario, comes a new highly-rated talent labelled the next gem of the Flamengo Academy.
Ryan Roberto is a 16-year-old inside forward who is progressing in the shadow of the two Brazilian wonderkids Estevão and Endrick. Originally coming from At. Paranaense, and wanted by Man City and Palmeiras before signing a professional contract with Flamengo, the teenage phenomenon stands out for his sublime ball control, creativity, flair and great abilities in one-on-one situations.
Tending to cut inside from the left wing onto his strongest foot, Ryan Roberto excels in tight spaces by using his technique, agility and dribbling to come into goalscoring opportunities, or for opening up space for his teammates by attracting the opposing defenders closer to him – just like a young Ronaldinho.
When watching footages of the player, his composure, decision-making with the ball in terms of when to make progressive carries by cutting inside or down the touchline, make a feint and hold up the ball or play a short simple pass to one of his teammates to escape pressure makes everything he does easy. It’s not like his runs ends up in cul-de-sac either as he understands when to make a through ball, when to finish off the chance or when to turn with the ball. He’s a team player.
Currently part of the Flamengo Under-17 team and the Brazilian Under-17 national team, Ryan Roberto is lurking in the shadows as the next Brazilian wonderkid to take Europe with storm in the future! Just wait and see!
Chido Obi-Martin / 16 / Man Utd
Position: ST
Preferred Foot: Right
You must have been living under a rock for the last 12 months if you haven’t heard of Chido-Obi Martin by now. Born in November 29th, 2007 he just missed the cut to be included for FM24 and is one year older than some of these other potential FM26 wonderkids we’ll be profiling.
Chidozie Obi-Martin is a Danish born centre-forward of Nigerian descent. Born in Glostrup in Denmark, the 188cm tall striker came through the FC København Academy before making a move to Arsenal at the tender age of 14.
At Arsenal, Chido Obi has really excelled over the last year or so. Throughout the 2023-24 season he has netted goal after goal. 10 goals in 14 appearances for the Danish Under-17 team has been followed up by becoming the top goalscorer of the English U18 Premier League by netting 32 goals in just 18 appearances(!). Actually, we need to head back to 2018/19 season to find a player1 scoring as many goals as Chido Obi-Martin has done this year.
His four goals in 58 minutes against Norway U17 was quite remarkable. However, he topped that achievement by scoring 7 goals against Norwich in a 9-0 trashing. A true hat-trick was made in just under 17 minutes, and this was completed just a few weeks after he bagged five goals in one match against West Ham for Jack Wilshere’s Under-18 side.
Chido Obi can be described as a complete forward. Able to score goals from all ranges, use his physic in the build up as well as in front of the goal, his remarkable determination to score goals draws similarities to Erling Haaland. Apart from being able to finish with a well placed shot from outside the penalty box, his abilities in holding up the ball and use his agility and dribbling to get out of pressure and link-up play makes him into a modern forward any team desires.
His silky touches and movements with the ball after dropping deep to get the ball, as well as his finishing abilities inside the penalty box reminds me a bit of Nwanwko Kanu.
This summer, Chido Obi-Martin rejected any contract extensions from Arsenal and is set to move to Manchester United. The incredible gifted striker looked at the INEOS project as quite interesting for his development and with promises of becoming the third forward in back-up to Rasmus Højlund and Joshua Zirkzee, Chido-Obi can potentially make his Premier League debut for 2024-25 season, and finally break through in international football.
READ MORE | Potential Breakthrough Talents for 2024-2025 Season
Guille Fernández / 16 / Barcelona
Position: MC (AMLC)
Preferred Foot: Right
After a few years in decline, Barcelona’s La Masia Academy is yet again brimming with talents! Renown for their ability to produce technical gifted players who excels in passing and ball control, one of the best football academies in the world is making a mark with their abilities on developing youth. In the footsteps of Lamine Yamal, Gavi, Pedri, Pau Cubarsi and Marc Bernal, there are a number of shining products currently emerging.
The next crown jewel of the La Masia Academy might very well be Guillermo Fernández Casino. Celebrating his 16th birthday at the time of writing, the incredible gifted central midfielder could be the next La Masia product ready for first team action – and one Hansi Flick might want to promote for the 2024-25 season.
Last season, Guille Fernández quickly made a rise from the Under-16 team to the Barcelona Athletic. Cabaple of playing in the number 8 or number 6 position or up front as an attacking midfielder, the talented midfielder has received 197 numbers for Barcelona’s B-team and managed to make 1 assist over 7 appearances.
As part of the Spanish Under-17 team participating at the UEFA Euro Under-17 Championship, he was used as both AMC, AML and MC – showcasing his versatility and capabilities.
In terms of style of play, Guille Fernández could be compared to Pedri or Phil Foden – one who can both create chances and score goals. Like any gem developed at Barcelona, he possesses extraordinary ball control and is able to make progressive carries into the final third and become an attacking threat on his own.
His first touch, technique, agility and balance makes it seem like he dances between the opposing players as he moves with the ball – before finishing off the attack with a well-executed long shot from the edge of the penalty box.
His creativity, flair and technique might be what Barcelona needs as Gavi is out with a long-term injury – making Guille Fernández very well being one of the potential players to make his professional breakthrough in La Liga for 2024-25 season.
As always, Guille Fernández is not the only La Masia talent on our books. Guille has actually a cousin who is highly-rated at Barcelona; Toni Fernández who is also part of the Spanish Under-17 national team.
We can’t wait to watch Guille Fernández in Football Manager 26 – and if you can’t wait for FM26 release, you always have the option to download the FM24 NextGen Wonderkids Database to discover him and other potential FM26 wonderkids in FM24.
RELATED | Best Football Manager 2024 Wonderkids
Justin Lerma / 16 / Independiente del Valle*
*Transfer Agreed with Borussia Dortmund 2026
Position: M/AMC
Preferred Foot: Right
Labelled as the new Kendry Paez, the new Ecuadorian wonderkid Justin Armando Lerma Soliz is definitely one to watch for Football Manager 2026! The 16-year-old attacking midfielder made his professional debut for Independiente del Valle on the 14th of April 2024 when he came off the bench against Universidad Católica, which made Borussia Dortmund quick to tie him up, after monitoring his progress over a longer period.
Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl describes Justin Lerma as “one of the best South American players of his generation” and continue saying; “we are delighted to have acquired such an outstanding talent for Borussia Dortmund.”
Since then, the huge talented attacking midfielder has received another three appearances in the top flight of Ecuadorian football, and the plan is that he will continue his development until he turns 18 before leaving for Europe.
Justin Lerma is a 184cm tall attacking midfielder who stands out for his playmaking abilities and versatility. Able to play as a central midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation, attacking midfielder or a wide playmaker in a 4-2-3-1 system, Justin Lerma excels with his ball control, driving runs with the ball and his quickness to pregress play from build up to final third with his carries and movements.
With the ball at his feet he reminds me a little bit of Jamal Musiala as he dominates the left half space by carrying the ball towards the penalty box causing chaos in the opposition’s defensive organisation.
Watch highlights of Justin Lerma
Although it may sound like Justin Lerma is fairly selfish, he also possess a great football IQ considering his age which comes to light in his abilities to make progressive passes and through balls to better positioned players as he closes in on the penalty box, or he sees his carries can’t do more damage.
His technique, ball control and flair can be the perfect companion to Kendry Paez! In fact, it will be highly interesting to follow the Ecuadorian National team as the years advance – perhaps these two Ecuadorian wonderkids can help Ecuador in the future to win the nations first ever Copa America trophy?!
Francesco Camarda / 17 / AC Milan
Position: ST
Preferred Foot: Either
Francesco Camarda has been on everyones lips since he was 14 and finally the wait to get Francesco Camarda in Football Manager is closing in! The 184cm tall AC Milan striker has a reputation for scoring goals and could become the greatest Italian striker the nation have ever seen! We’re talking about a potential Ballon D’Or winner if he continues on his current path.
Now, it’s not much to say that you probably already don’t know about Francesco Camarda, but his 11 goals scored in 17 appearances for the Italian Under-17 national team paints the picture of yet another wonderkid with extreme skills in the final third, whether we are speaking of finishing, composure, movements or the ability to link-up play. His football IQ and tactical understanding – knowing where to run, which spaces to move into and when, gives me Cristiano Ronaldo vibes. When posed with a chance, his two-footedness and extreme talent to sniff out chances makes it difficult for the opposing goalkeeper to know what to expect from him.
With the ball, he can easily take out two or three defenders with progressive carries – creating chances on his own, or move into channels and finish with a powerful shot or rounding the goalkeeper. And, future defenders around the world will definitely fear coming up against Francesco Camarda due to his unpredictability and determination to score goals.
Over the last few years the young Italian wonderkid striker has been playing regularly with players two or three years older than himself … and despite of that it is claimed that he has managed to score an unbelievable 483 goals in 87 appearances across the different youth sides of AC Milan.
This season he has only managed to score 7 goals in 30 appearances for AC Milan Primavera – the Under-19 side but he has all the potential in the world to make it into a world-class player just like Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Karim Benzema or Cristiano Ronaldo.
Personal Achievements:
- Awarded the player of the tournament in the UEFA Euro Under-17 Championship earlier in May, when he used his composure to help Italy win the final on penalties against England.
- Becoming the youngest debutant in the Italian Serie A when he came on the pitch against Fiorentina on November 25th, 2023 at the age of 15 and 8 months.
- According to Transfermarkt, he is currently ranked the 8th most valueable player under 17 with a value of €10Million – same as River Plate Wonderkid Mastantuono.
Are you excited about getting Italian teenage sensation Francesco Camarda on Football Manager 2025?
Felipe Esquivel / 16 / River Plate
Position: AMRL
Preferred foot: Either
Talking about River Plate wonderkids! Following in the footsteps of Franco Mastantuono, there is a new kid on the block at River Plate that caught our attention. Along with 16 year-old Juan Cruz Meza, we have the rising talent of Felipe Esquivel.
Like Gianluca Prestianni, or Lionel Messi, he is a right winger who has sublime technique, low centre of gravity and the technical abilities to dazzle the opposing defender with his creativity, flair and dribbles.
The current Argentinian Under-17 international excels in tiny spaces with his agility, balance in one-on-one situations. Eventhough it’s easy to draw similarities to Messi because of his nationality, there are differences in his style of play too. A player who loves to use the Rabona to make crosses into the box or use it as a trick to catch the opposition defenders or the goalkeeper off guard. What’s surprising to me is the accuracy of his Rabona crosses… and he even scored a goal by using the Rabona coming up against the goalkeeper in a one-on-one situation by flicking the ball over his body! Truly remarkable to watch!
His tendency to use tricks and create spaces for himself by dribbling and feinting before making a cross or a shot on goal makes him into a highly technical and creative player – something any team needs these days.
He can finish off chances both with his right and left foot and loves to place the ball into the back of the net. Footages shows a player who likes to wind up the opponents to create space for his teammates, or cut inside with the ball to shoot from outside the penalty box – just like Lionel Messi in his Inside Forward role.
Able to play both on the left or right wing, and could probably be moved into the attacking midfielder or the false 9 position as he gains more experience, Felipe Esquivel could very well be the next Argentinian wonderkid on the move to one of the European top clubs.
Now, Felipe Esquivel is not the only Argentinian wonderkid to watch for Football Manager 2026. We could have also mentioned central midfielder Tomás Parmo (Independiente), striker Thomas de Martis (Lanus) or midfielder Jerónimo Gómez Mattar (Newell’s Old Boys).
Remember the name(s)!
Jorthy Mokio / 16 / AFC Ajax
Position: DC/DL (DCL in back three)
Preferred Foot: Left
If you’re looking for talented centre-backs for Football Manager 2026, one to watch is Jorthy Mokio. The 16-year-old centre back plying through the Gent Academy. Standing at 182cm tall, the Belgium wonderkid centre-back is a player who stands out for his great physic and natural fitness. With left-footed central defenders highly sought after, Barcelona have been monitoring the progess of this huge talent making waves in Belgium.
Jorthy Mokio has been part of the KAA Gent first team since February 2024 but is yet to make his debut in Jupiler Pro. However, he has entered the pitch on four occassions for the Jupiler Pro Europa League Play off qualification where he has received a total of 129 minutes.
The current Belgium Under-17 international can play as an outer left centre-back in a back three or in the DCL position. With a huge body frame, aggression and bravery, he is a difficult player to come up against.
His tendencies to make progressive passes, making interceptions and tackles makes him a reliant defender. He’s not a stranger to move forward as a wide centre-back either as his passing abilities and abilities to counter-press helps any possession-oriented teams to thrive.
His aerial ability and physic also makes him to a potent threat at attacking dead ball situations, or as a great marker at defensive set-pieces to clear the ball from danger – whether it’s using his head to get it out or to track opposing threats. Besides great positioning, he also possess great tactical understanding and awareness.
The dominant centre-back is labelled as one of the most promising defenders of his generation and AFC Ajax should feel lucky to tie up this versatile ball-playing defender for 2024-25 season.
Gabriel Mec / 16 / Gremio
*Future move to Chelsea agreed
Position: AMRC
Preferred Foot: Either
Labelled as the new Ronaldinho, Gabriel Mec is one of the new Brazilian wonderkids you need to remember the name of! In the wake of Endrick’s and Estevão’s rise as teenage phenomenons, this sensational talent coming through at Gremio will be one to watch for FM25!
Bagged with flair, technique and agility he fits the mould of what we would expect from any Brazilian wingers. Gabriel Ferreira de Carvalho aka Gabriel Mec is a two-footed attacking midfielder who can also play in all other positions up front. Already part of the Under-20 side of Gremio, the huge talent thrives one-on-one situations and when he can take advantage of his agility, quick feet and dribbling abilities to get into the final third.
With the ball at his feet he features many of the same capabilities of Vinicuis Junior. Apart from his quickness and acceleration, he also got the creativity and vision to make through balls and progressive passes. Time and time again we’ve seen him making no-look passes that opens up the entire defensive block, or being on the finishing end of a through ball where he moves into channels and confidently places the ball in the back of the net with a finishing technique many of us average human beings would admire.
The creative inside forward or trequartista could potentially become one of the greatest bargains from South America on Football Manager 2025 if Sports Interactive’s researchers doesn’t fully value him – just like Estevão at the beginning of FM24 cycle.
Levi Acheampong / 16 / AFC Ajax
Position: M/AMC
Preferred Foot: Right
Along with Emre Ünüvar, Eternal Barron and Sean Steur, Levi Acheampong might be one of the greatest talents in the AFC Ajax Academy – at least of their generation. Born on January 24th, 2008, the attacking midfielder was rewarded with a professional contract that will keep him at AFC Ajax until 2027 earlier in August 2024.
Currently part of Ajax’s Under-17 team, the technical gifted midfielder of Ghanesian descent, is the next in line to follow in the footsteps of Gabriel Misehouy. The Dutch talent could take Eredivisie with storm if his progress continues – now, he’s a rough diamond in the making.
Standing out for his magnificent ball control, first touch, dribbling technique, passing and vision, he could be rated as an advanced playmaker or shadow striker. Smart movements, great acceleration and quick feet helps any sides to maintain their quick-short passing football. At the same time, he has that flair, unpredictability and wonderful technique to play those killer passes and magnificent through balls that opens up the entire defensive block.
Watch out for Levi Acheampong in the future. Dubbed to be one of those cheap wonderkids gems on Football Manager 2025, the Dutch wonderkid could quickly become the next youngster to come through the de Toekomst Academy.
Honest Ahanor / 16 / Genoa
Position: D/M/AML
Preferred Foot: Left
Searching for the next Destiny Udogie or Patrick Dorgu, then look no further… the next Italian wonderkid wingback with a Nigerian descent has arrived! Let me introduce Honest Ahanor, the new kid on the block that is close to break through in the Italian Serie A for 24/25 season.
Honest Ahanor is a highly versatile player. The 184cm tall left footed defender is capable to play both as a left fullback, wingback, winger or can even play as a central defender or central midfielder.
Born in February 2008, the potential FM25 wonderkid, stands out for his quickness and physicality, which has alerted the attention of Juventus.
Featuring some of the same main skills as Dorgu or Udogie, Honest Ahanor has had a rapid rise through the Genoa youth teams over the last year. From playing in the Under-16 squad to receiving matches for the Under-19s, the talented winger signed a three-year long professional contract with Genoa earlier in September to fend off the interests from Juventus.
Genoa is definitely looking at Honest Ahanor as a star in the making. Already at the start of August he was called-up to travel with the first team to the pre-season friendly against Monaco before being selected to be on the bench in the first Serie A match against Reggiana. Since then he has sat on the bench for three more matches.
By Football Manager 26 release, Honest Ahanor might have received his professional debut for Genoa, and soon his passport is sorted so he can represent one of the Italian national youth teams!
Matteo Palma / 16 / Udinese
Position: DCR
Preferred foot: Right
Matteo Palma is a 194cm tall centre back with impressive physic. Born in Berlin, the young defender received three matches for the Italian Under-15 national team before being called up to represent Germany. Now part of the under-17 squad, the reliable as definitely one to watch for FM26!
Last season he made 24 appearances for Udinese Under-19s despite being only 15 for the most of the season. Having signed a professional contract that keeps him at Udinese until 2026 shows how highly rated he is at the Italian club.
Capable of playing on the right in a back three system, as a defensive fullback, or as a central defender, Matteo Palma stands out for his technical abilities both in terms of passing, tackling, marking and heading. A product of the Juventus Academy, I bianconeri fans might regret loosing one of the most talented centre-backs of his age group in Italy.
In FM25, Matteo Palma could definitely become a must-buy wonderkid defender! Just imagine the number of gosls he might score from corners with his incredible aerial reach?!
Juan Cruz Meza / 16 / River Plate
Position: AMC
Preferred foot: Right
Perhaps I’m blinded by Franco Mastantuono’s incredible abilities and immense potential on FM24 and my wishes to find the next Argentinian gem. However, there’s no doubt Juan Cruz Meza could be the next River Plate jewel.
Born in March 2008, the 16-year-old attacking midfielder is one of the stars in the Argentinian Under-17 team. Already being attached to a sponsorship deal with Nike, the world lies in front of Juan Cruz Meza’s feet.
Like other Argentinian football artists, Juan Cruz Meza stands out for his amazing ball control, unpredictability and capabilities in 1v1 situations. With a low centre of gravity, good technique, dribbles and vision he likes to move towards the right side of the pitch to make killer passes, crosses or simply work his magic.
Standing out for being a deadball specialist, his passing technique and freekicks provides a threat. At the same time, he can also carry the ball towards the final third, making him very difficult to come up against him as the opposing defender never know what to expect.
Highly press-redistant, creative and with a good vision, Juan Cruz Meza could become one if the next Argentinian wonderkids to watch on FM26, along with a number of other bright talents arupting in the country at the moment!
What about English Wonderkids to Watch for FM25?
We couldn’t publish a potential FM26 wonderkids list without mentioning some English wonderkids. Here’s a quick list of the most promising English talents we believe you should be aware of for Football Manager 26!
Finlay Gorman / 15 / Man City
Before the new rule about how many non-EU players English clubs could sign, it has been a major focus for top clubs in England to tie up the best English talents and enrolled them in their Academy before turning 16 and being eligible to sign professional contracts. The reuslt, price of English gems rising to new heights.
One of these signings is Finlay Gorman, who was sold from Leeds to Man City for a British record fee of €1.4Million in the Winter Transfer Window 2024.
Finlay Gorman is an attacking midfielder who can also play as a right winger – much like Phil Foden or Bernardo Silva. Currently playing for the Under-18 side of Manchester City where he has made 1 assist and 2 goals over 6 appearances, Finlay Gorman is one to watch for the future!
Born in September 2008, the technical gifted attacking midfielder might be a few weeks too young to be included in FM25, but is a teenage sensation I believe you will hear lots more about in the future.
Rio Ngumoha / 16 / Liverpool
Since Roman Abramovich entered the club as an owner, Chelsea has looked to youth development as a part of their strategy to develop the club. Even though they are far from attracting Under-17 players from across the world and loan them out, Chelsea’s focus on signing youth is still existent. Despite signing Estevão, the club has also notable English wonderkids in their Academy.
The player that has caught my attention is Rio Ngumoha. A left winger of Nigerian descent, who can also play in every position up front. He is currently part of the Under-18 side and has made 1 assist and 1 goal over 9 appearances in the U18 Premier League 2023/24.
Against Belgium U15 in February 2023, he happened to score two goals. The inverted winger has always standed out for his quickness and dribbling abilities. Labeled as the next Jamal Musiala due to his wonderful movements with the ball, his quick feet, low centre of gravity and technical abilities, Rio Ngumoha is one of the brightest talents in England at the moment.
Update! According to reports, Rio Ngumoha is set to sign for Liverpool and link up with the Under-18 team this summer. Source: Liverpool Echo
Harry Gray / 15 / Leeds
Over the last few years, Leeds United has done remarkable with developing youth talents. From Lewis Bate to Archie Gray. Now, Archie’s younger brother Harry is starting to make a name for himself. Born in October 2008, Harry Gray is yet another wonderkid that might be a few weeks too young to be represented in Football Manager 2025 but has all the potential in the world to become a Premier League player in the future.
The 15-year-old central forward debuted in the U18 Premier League in October 2023 and scored his first of 8 goals in 11 appearances against Sunderland U18. Grandson of Leeds icon Frank Gray and son of Andy Gray, football is in his veins.
Unlike his brother, Harry Gray is a player with more extreme goalscoring talent and has the abilities to finish off chances from all ranges. His abilities to put the ball at the back of the net makes the player highly sought after – with Man City lurking in the background to poach him up.
The Advanced Forward stands out for his abilities to move into the correct spaces to receive the ball, and his finishing technique and flair in front of the goal.
Rory Finneran / 16 / Newcastle
Any team needs a tactical astute defensive midfielder who can intercept passes, break up play by making important tackles as well as dictating the play from deep. In England, there are two notable defendive midfield wonderkids to watch for Football Manager 2025; Seth Ridgeon at Fulham and Rory Finneran.
This summer, Newcastle signed one of the most promising defensive midfielders in England, Rory Finneran, from Blackburn!
The-16-year old Irish defensive midfielder came in the spotlight when he became the youngest-ever FA Cup debutant, when he entered the pitch for Blackburn in January 2024, at the tender age of 15 years, 10 months and 8 days.
On the pitch, Rory Finneran is a player capable of using both feet which enables him to be competent at pulling the strings when the team is playing out from the back. Able to play either as a holding midfielder or as a ball-winning midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 system, he has all the necessary skills to become that all-round modern midfielder.
Not afraid of diving to the ground and making inch-perfect tackles, or use his quickness to intercept balls and recover possession, Newcastle might have made a scoop tying up Rory Finneran on a compensation fee, as he had not yet signed a professional contract.
Rated for his hard working attitude, determination to win 1v1 situations, tactical understanding of where to be positioned, passing technique and vision to help his team to break through the oppositions defensive block by progressiv passes makes him a fascinating player to watch.
Although, currently part of the Irish Under-17 national team, Rory Finneran’s future seems destined to become a future Irish international – and make the backbone of an Irish national team chasing the opportunity to qualify for World Cup 2030!
There you have our chosen top list of potential FM26 wonderkids that we believe you should know of! This is just a collection of wonderkids to watch for Football Manager 2026. All I can say, it’s been a difficult choice to choose under 20 young players to be featured – resulting in many great young players with good potential missing out.
Let us know in the comments which wonderkids and talents you are excited about for FM25 release, and whether we have missed out of anyone who should be featured in our profiling of Football Manager 2026 wonderkids to watch.
Stay tuned for more Football Manager 26 content!
All screenshots of player profiles are taken using the FM24 NextGen Wonderkids database meaning all attributes and player’s skills are my subjective opinion of a players abilities after hours of research looking at highlights and clips. Player attributes may vary from save to save.
If you believe we have a player completely wrong, or something should be improved, let us know!
- Everton’s Ellis Simms managed to score 32 goals in U18 Premier League in the 2018/19 season ↩︎
