Wonderkids Who Won’t Be on Football Manager 26

I’ve had a look and hand-picked the best “too young for FM” wonderkids, who are already making noise in youth academies across the world. Just for further context, FM historically doesn’t list under-16 players (with rare, parent-approved exceptions like Ødegaard back in FM15), so even the hottest U15s/U16s won’t show until they hit eligibility.

Max Dowman (Arsenal, 2009)

Arsenal’s 15-year-old attacking midfielder has been seriously fast-tracked. Youth League goals at 14, U18/PL2 minutes at 14/15, first-team training last season and senior involvement this season. Mikel Arteta has already described him as a “big, big talent” and he could potentially be England’s answer to Lamine Yamal (big shoes to fill obviously).

Rayan Bardghji (FC Nordsjælland, 2009)

Little brother of Roony, Rayan left Copenhagen for Nordsjælland and is currently in their U19s. This is the same club that routinely funnels teenagers into the Superliga and the rest of the world. He has family pedigree now and a pathway that clearly suits hot prospects. He is going to be a very big early steal in Football Manager 2027.

JJ Gabriel (Manchester United, 2010)

United’s 15-year-old has exploded in the U18 Premier League since being moved centrally… braces, hat-tricks, the lot… and yes, the viral tennis-ball volley clips – https://www.tiktok.com/@risingballers/video/7559370209488833814 – are him. Nike deal signed, social numbers ballooning, and he’s already a focal point under Darren Fletcher in the U18s. If FM let you register a 15-year-old striker, he’d be the first name you’d try.

Joshua Abe (Liverpool, 2010)

A right-sided attacker regularly talked about in Liverpool fan circles, Abe has England youth caps and a growing production line of goals/assists across club and country this season. He’s perfect for Liverpool – direct and quick.

Reggie Watson (Chelsea, 2010)A 15-year-old central midfielder already logged on the Premier League’s database and Transfermarkt, Watson has featured above his age group in the Chelsea pathway and received England youth recognition. Deep-lying playmaker vibes with a tidy passing profile.

Niko Iličević (Eintracht Frankfurt, 2010)

A left-footed attacking midfielder listed with Eintracht’s U19s and in UEFA Youth League materials, which tells you the level Frankfurt think he can handle at 14/15. He just sounds like a baller.

Filip Pavic (Bayern Munic, 2010)

A Croatian-eligible centre-back who’s already trained with Bayern’s first team amid an injury crunch, at fifteen. An Eastern European centre back already playing with Bayern’s first team at 15? He’s destined for the very top.

Notable Honourable Mentions:

• Nathan Tchoumba (Colorado Rapids, 2010)
• Deinner Ordonez (Independiente del Valle, 2009)
• David Ilevbare (Atlanta United, 2010)
• Ebrima Tunkara (Barcelona, 2010)
• Mohamed Abdalla (Ajax, 2009)
• Leo Brennskag-Dorsin (Rosenborg, 2009)
• Believe Munongo (Metz, 2009)

 

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