Football Manager
Football Manager isn’t just a game — it’s a lifestyle. Every year, thousands of us sit down to write our own football stories, one tactical tweak at a time.
Here at Make Football Great, this is where your next great save begins. Whether you’re chasing 150-goal seasons, building a youth dynasty, or rebuilding fallen European giants, you’ll find every tool, tactic, and guide you need right here.
Football Manager 2026 (FM26) launches November 4 2025, with Early Access expected from October 21 2025.
Why Football Manager Captivates Us
Football Manager gives you total control — tactics, transfers, staff, training, and mentality. One decision at a time, you shape the future of a club and build a dynasty.
But success in FM is more than luck or simulation. It’s about understanding data, building systems, and mastering tactical synergy. That’s where we come in.
At Make Football Great, we merge real-world analytics with FM gameplay. Using scouting models, tactical DNA frameworks, and in-game testing, we identify what actually wins and help you find the success you are looking for.
Our mission is simple:
- Deliver proven tactics that win across leagues.
- Spotlight wonderkids before anyone else.
- Simplify complex tactics and training.
- Build elite backroom staff shortlists.
- Share rebuild challenges that keep saves fresh.
This page is your home base — explore any area below to dive deeper and help you on your Football Manager journey.
Football Manager Tactics
Our tactical section focuses on systems that consistently dominate the FM meta. Every tactic is stress-tested for balance, xG creation, and defensive solidity.
Popular Formations
- 4-2-3-1 – the flexible favourite.
- 4-3-3 High Press – perfect for gegenpressing.
- 4-4-2 – still the king of simplicity.
- 3-5-2 – control through width.
- 5-3-2 Counter – defend deep, break fast.
Beyond shape, we teach you how to build your own system using our Tactical DNA Framework — a module-based approach that blends team instructions, roles, and mentalities for perfect synergy.
Football Manager Guides
Whether you’re managing Arsenal in the Premier League to their next EPL title or rebuilding Palermo in Italy to take them back to the big time, our guides show you exactly how to optimise training, recruitment, finances, and development.
We divide our guides into two clear paths:
League Guides
You will find a detailed and comprehensive guide on each league and the teams within. We look at where the teams rank, group them and build a strategy to take them forward in their respective league.
Team Guides
Using our methodical process we show you how to develop your team and your Football Manager tactics. We use the board and supporter objectives, the squad size and strength to create philosophy to give you the good start you need.
Football Manager Wonderkids
No FM experience is complete without discovering your next superstar.
Our FM26 Wonderkids Database is built from data scouting and in-game testing, listing the best young players by position, age, and potential value. Each player profile includes attributes, ceiling rating, and personality analysis.
Categories:
- Goalkeepers
- Defenders
- Midfielders
- Attackers
- Cheap Hidden Gems
If you only bookmark one list all season — make it this one.
Best Players in Football Manager
Some squads need experience, not potential. That’s why our Best Players lists rank established stars by position, league, and budget.
We evaluate them using form, consistency, and tactical fit — helping you sign players who deliver immediately, not five years down the line.
- Top 100 Players in FM26
- Best Strikers
- Elite Midfielders
- Premier League XI
- Free Agents & Bargains
Staff, Scouts & Coaches
Behind every successful manager is an elite backroom team.
From assistant managers who execute your vision to scouts who spot hidden potential, we’ve compiled the definitive staff database for FM26 and beyond.
- Best Coaches
- Best Scouts
- Assistant Managers
- Head of Youth Development
Pair them with our training schedules and you’ll see faster player growth and better tactical cohesion.
The Data Side of Football Manager
Most players rely on intuition — we rely on numbers.
Using performance pillars such as Duelling, Possession, Chance Creation, and Shooting, our analysts benchmark players the way professional clubs do.
You’ll find age-curve studies, league modifiers, and dashboards that visualise exactly how a player performs relative to peers.
Rebuild Challenges & Save Ideas
Sometimes you need inspiration. Our rebuild challenges let you turn football history on its head: revive fallen clubs, chase continental glory, or complete thematic “Moneyball” experiments.
Highlights include:
- The Palermo Revival – restore Italian romance.
- Arsenal Dynasty Save – turn potential into dominance.
- Zero-Transfer Challenge – win using only academy products.
Each guide includes tactical fits, transfer advice, and short-term vs long-term objectives.
Join the Football Manager Insider Newsletter
Want weekly FM drops straight to your inbox?
Our newsletter sends you:
- Exclusive tactic downloads
- Wonderkid updates
- Save-idea inspiration
- Patch and data-lock news
Football Manager FAQ
What is Football Manager?
A football management simulation by Sports Interactive that lets you control every aspect of a club — from tactics to transfers, training to matchday execution.
Which version should I play?
FM26 introduces the newest match engine, AI recruitment tools, and tactical customisation. For the freshest experience, start there.
How can I get better at Football Manager?
Learn core tactical principles, understand player roles, and analyse match data. Our Guides cover each step in detail.
Who are the best FM wonderkids?
Explore our FM26 Wonderkids list for the top young talents across every position.
Is Football Manager realistic?
More than ever. The FM26 engine mirrors real-world tactical trends, allowing you to replicate or reinvent modern systems.
Next Steps
Football Manager is endless. Whether you chase trophies or stories, this hub exists to make your journey smarter, faster, and more rewarding.
Want more winning Football Manager tips in real time?
Join me on Twitter @mkfootballgr8 for weekly team updates, live reactions, and insider strategies to help you smash your league. Don’t just play—Make Football Great.
Disclaimer: This site is in no way affiliated with Sports Interactive or SEGA
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