15 Sep, 2025
Our resident Football Manager expert gives you the chance to vote in a poll to pick his first Football Manager 26 save!
It’s time to pick my save for Football Manager 2026. And honestly? This feels massive. It’s the first FM in years that feels properly revolutionary… a new graphics engine, a slicker UI, and plenty of fresh features that will make saves feel different again. But the choice of where to start is still the hardest part.
I’ve put together a shortlist of saves that I think would be exciting, each with its own unique story. At the end, there’ll be a poll where you can vote on which one I should go with.
A 100% fan-owned club from Wales. Newly promoted to the National League North for 25/26. Can they become the next Wrexham and put another Welsh side on the map by storming up the divisions?
Relegated from the Football League in 2023 after 102 years. They’re now top of the National League, but the fans have had little to cheer in recent seasons. Time to give them something to smile about.
A phoenix club powered by Robbie Savage. They stormed up the leagues and won the Northern Premier (Step 3) in 24/25, earning their place in the National League North. Crowds are huge for the level, but can they match the glory of the old Macclesfield Town?
Owned by Gerard Piqué and just one step away from La Liga. They’re competing in the Segunda División, representing a country of only 80,000 people. Can you put a microstate on the Spanish footballing map?
A fallen Italian giant. Relegated from Serie A in 2023 and now struggling at the bottom of Serie B after financial meltdown. A redemption story waiting to be written.
Once a Football Manager favourite. Relegated in 2023, now languishing in 2. Bundesliga with a 74,000-seater stadium that feels far too big for their status. Surely they’re too big to stay down here?
Relegated to the National League in 2024 and almost liquidated just a year later. A last-minute takeover saved them in August 2025. The Shrimps have survived, but can they thrive?
Managing the team I support, but with a twist. I’d add challenges along the way, like signing a player from every country in the world or trying to beat Mourinho’s famous defensive record.
Six-time French champions, but in 2024 a failed takeover and financial chaos saw them double-relegated all the way down to the fourth tier. Can you drag them back to Ligue 1 glory?
After 46 years away, Paris FC are finally back in Ligue 1 for 25/26. Can you be the one to finally break PSG’s monopoly in the capital?
A Spanish club that technically isn’t in Europe, they’re based in North Africa, competing in Spain’s second division. Imagine winning the Champions League with a side from another continent.
One of the oldest professional clubs in the Netherlands. They lost their licence in summer 2025 after years of financial struggles but overturned the decision on appeal, by then, their entire squad (youth players included) had gone. Starting with -12 points and no money, this is as tough as it gets.
Relegated from the National League in 24/25 after points deductions, and now playing in the National League South for the first time ever. Can you stop the freefall and bring them back?
Forever overshadowed by Bayern, but once Bundesliga champions. Now stuck in the 3. Liga. A huge fanbase and proud history, desperate for a way back to the top.
A Football Manager cult classic. Based in Liechtenstein, they play in the Swiss leagues, but the only way to Europe is by winning the Liechtenstein Cup every single year.
A phoenix club that rose after Hereford United’s collapse in 2014. With strong crowds in the National League North, this is a proper old football city dreaming of a return to the EFL.
Founding members of the Premier League back in 1992, but relegated out of the EFL in 2022. Under Frank Rothwell’s ownership they’re finally back in the Football League. But can you take them all the way back to the top flight?
Check out our article on everything you need to know about FM 2026! Also don’t miss out on the 40 players predicted to get the biggest upgrade in FM 26!
Make sure to check out our Premier League predicted lineups with injury news, data and tactical insights every single Gameweek!
