Ten wonderkids to watch out for in FM26 | OneFootball

Football Manager (FM) 2026 is right around the corner, and expectations are higher than ever.

The video game developers Sports Interactive (SI) have made so many promises, and fans of the game will hold them to account, especially after the unexpected cancellation of FM25.

For many players, unearthing the next wonderkid is the heart of the Football Manager experience, and that should still be the case when FM26 makes its big comeback.

Read on as we take a look at ten wonderkids to look out for in FM26.

Chido Obi – Manchester United (17)

Manchester United talent Chido-Obi has been touted as the next big prospect to graduate from the club’s Carrington academy.

While he has had only a handful of chances to prove himself in the senior team, his development through the youth system leaves plenty to be desired.

The Denmark-born Nigerian striker was in fantastic form last season, bagging 14 goals in 23 appearances across all competitions. He’s certainly one to keep an eye on in FM26.

Max Dowman – Arsenal (15)

Arsenal have one of the finest prospects in European football on their hands, with Max Dowman already turning heads with his exceptional qualities.

His stock has risen dramatically since the start of pre-season, with many Arsenal fans calling for him to be integrated into the senior team at just 15.

That speaks volumes about the teenager’s incredibly high ceiling. Dowman has been unstoppable in the youth team, racking up 20 goals and 10 assists in 25 games for Arsenal Under 18.

Conrad Harder – Sporting CP (20)

Sporting CP signed Conrad Harder at the start of last season in anticipation of Viktor Gyokeres’ summer exit, and he has already given them a glimpse of what to expect.

With Gyokeres leading the line, Harder was reduced to a supporting cast, but he managed five goals and five assists despite starting in just six of his 28 league games.

With his Swedish predecessor now out of the way, Harder is expected to take the reins. He’s a striker with bags of potential and could be an unstoppable force in FM26.

Yan Diomande – RB Leipzig (18)

RB Leipzig have been a magnet for some of the biggest talents across Europe, and they may have found yet another exciting prospect to develop.

Yan Diomande joined the Bundesliga club from CD Leganes this summer and is already endearing himself to the Die Roten Bullen faithful.

The 18-year-old scored in two of his three pre-season games, and you wouldn’t put it past him to carry that form into the new season.

He may not have the most eye-catching rating in FM26, but his potential should make him a safe bet.

Amir Ibragimov – Manchester United (17)

Amir Ibragimov is another prospect to keep an eye on in Football Manager. He has been touted as one of the finest talents to come out of United’s Carrington academy and is a star in the making.

The Russian forward has made waves in the youth division, racking up eight goals and eight assists in the U18 Premier League.

Ibragimov is versatile and can play anywhere across the frontline, but he thrives on the left flank.

He has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of academy graduates Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo as United’s next big breakthrough.

Dastan Satpaev – Chelsea (16)

Chelsea’s relentless mission to sign nearly every brilliant prospect led them to the doorstep of Kazakhstan striker Dastan Satpaev, and they may have struck gold with that one.

The 16-year-old is making waves at Kairat Almaty. He notched 10 goals and eight assists in 26 games last term and has already picked up where he left off this season.

Satpaev has scored three times in five Champions League qualification games and has earned comparison to Manchester City legend Sergio Aguero.

Rio Ngumoha – Liverpool (16)

Chelsea were gutted when Liverpool poached Rio Ngumoha from their Cobham Academy, and after a few chances with the senior team, it’s clear to see why.

The 16-year-old has impressed in pre-season and is poised to enjoy a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign.

Ngumoha is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode and is an exciting prospect to keep an eye on in FM26, although signing him from Liverpool could take a herculean effort.

Abdellah Ouazane – Ajax (16)

Ajax has been a hotbed for some of the biggest talents in world football, and Abdellah Ouazane could be the latest hot prospect on their hands.

The 16-year-old was named the best player at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, sparking widespread interest, but Ajax have managed to keep hold of him.

However, if he continues developing at a rapid pace, it might not be long before the biggest clubs in Europe come knocking.

Giovanni Leoni – Parma (18)

Giovanni Leoni enjoyed a breakout campaign with Parma last season. He won 63 percent of his aerial battles and 59% of his ground duels in 17 Serie A appearances.

Leoni is comfortable carrying the ball from back to front, and his impressive performances for Parma have caught the eye, with Liverpool said to be monitoring his development.

The 18-year-old could be one of many hidden gems in FM26, who could develop into a world beater.

Josh Acheampong – Chelsea (19)

The fierce competition for places at Chelsea has forced many players out of Stamford Bridge in recent times, but Josh Acheampong is one the Blues will not let out of their sights and for good reason.

The 19-year-old is considered a key part of the club’s long-term ambitions, and his performances have caught the eye of Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Acheampong is a towering defender capable of playing across the backline. He’d be every manager’s dream in FM26.