When it comes to the world of football's future stars, there is nothing better than Football Manager 2023 wonderkids right now.
Released in November 2022, the latest title from Sports Interactive gives you the power to scour the globe for the hottest young prospects in world football.
From obscure Brazilian teenagers to the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, creating a footballing juggernaut that can topple Man City or Bayern Munich is easy if you grab these Football Manager 2023 wonderkids.
This has been updated following the FM23 main data update
Football Manager 2023 wonderkids
Everyone has a slightly different definition when it comes to what makes a wonderkid, so why don't we give you ours?
We are looking for players that start the game aged 21 or younger. This means they can still develop their attributes and become even better than they currently are. And that's really it.
We will be basing our picks on their current ability (CA) and potential ability (PA) within the Football Manager 2023 database. The important thing to remember is that some teenagers in Football Manger get a PA range (eg 150-180) which means that any time you load up a new save their PA will fall somewhere within that bracket.
So sometimes a wonderkid can be at the top of their range and turn into the next Lionel Messi, or sometimes they will be at the bottom and simply be Serge Gnabry - still good but not quite godlike.
So without further ado, let's get into the best wonderkids in FM23!
Endrick (CA 108 / PA 170-200)
Is it any surprise that Endrick is the top wonderkid in FM23? Real Madrid has already bought the Brazilian teenager for a deal worth a reported €72 million. This deal has just landed on the FM23 database with the Football Manager 2023 main data update, aka the Winter Update, so you can no longer get him on the cheap at the start of the game.
Patience is key with Endrick, as he has a low CA and is only 15 at the start of the game. He won't move to Real Madrid until he is 18, at which point you will probably have to wait at least another year before you can try to sign him away from them.
He starts with 14 dribbling, 13 finishing, and 13 first touch which are excellent "golden trio" stats for a striker. He's also adept at playing on either wing and is both-footed, meaning he can basically be moulded into the next Mo Salah if you want him to be.
Jamal Musiala (CA 157 / PA 185)
If you expected Endrick to be top you probably didn't expect Jamal Musiala to be just behind him.
the Bayern forward is 19 at the start of the game and already on £91k/w so he won't be cheap but comes with outstanding current ability, letting him slot in at the highest level right away.
Musiala is best deployed as a tricky and creative wide player. His 19 dribbling, 18 technique, and 18 flair along with good pace, passing, and finishing means he is a threat to any defence in the world.
Bukayo Saka (CA 167 / PA 182)
Arsenal's golden boy Bukayo Saka got a huge upgrade in the main data update, taking his CA and PA up to make him the third-best wonderkid in the game.
With 16 acceleration, 17 balance, and 16 flair he can be a typical tricky winger, but he's also developing playmaking potential and if you invest in growing his passing and vision he can become a creative monster.
Arsenal is unlikely to let Saka leave easily, but with only two years on his contract when the game starts he is more gettable than you may think.
Eduardo Camavinga (CA 155 / PA 180)
You knew it wouldn't take long to get to him. Eduardo Camavinga is a previous #1 wonderkid in Football Manager, but in FM23 he no longer has that 170-200 PA range and instead is locked in at 180. His CA and attributes got a bump up in the main data update though, so he is still amazing.
A quintessential do-it-all midfielder, Camavinga can be moulded into any role you want. He starts the game with 17 stamina, 17 work rate, and 15 technique but his attributes page is littered with 14s and 15s at basically every key attribute for any midfield role.
Real Madrid won't usually want to lose him, but we have seen him become available in a few saves. We were even able to pry him away to Southampton in one!
Wesley Fofana (CA 151 / PA 180)
Next on our list is newly minted Chelsea centre back Wesley Fofana. Having just moved at the start of the game you won't be able to pry him away from Stamford Bridge for a while, but he gives The Blues a sensational brick wall at the back.
Football Manager 2023 favours big physical players and at 6'1" with 16 pace, 15 strength, and 15 stamina Fofana is certainly that.
He only just suits this list as he is a few months from his 22nd birthday, but with stellar defensive and mental attributes already he is an all-world calibre centre back at the start of the game.
More FM23 wonderkids
- William Saliba (CA 145 / PA 180)
- Khvicha Kvaratskhelia ( CA 161 / PA 179)
- Gabriel Martinelli (CA 156 / PA 178)
- Pedri (CA 159 / PA 176)
- Jude Bellingham (CA 157 / PA 160-190)
- Gavi (CA 152 / PA 160-190)
- Ansu Fati (CA 149 / PA 160-190)
- Rodrygo (CA 152 / PA 175)
- Jurrien Timber (CA 149 / PA 175)
There are plenty of sensational young players in Football Manager 2023. While many are already at giant clubs like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich there are plenty that are waiting for their big move.
If you are looking for cheap wonderkids in Football Manager 2023 that might be more suitable to Championship sides or the non-elite teams in Europe then we have you covered too!
If you need wonderkids that fit with your league registration rules then check out the articles below that can help you uncover some hidden gems.