Football Manager 2022 wonderkids: The best young players and wonderkids in FM22

Publish date: 2023-05-21

Wonderkids remain one of the best aspects in the Football Manager series, and it's no different in the 2022 entry.

Tracking down the best talents before they're widely known in the real game makes you feel like a sneaky insider.

In Football Manager, the only way you'll ever win any of your matches (let alone trophies and championship glory!) is through talented players and the scouting system.

We've done the hard work of sifting through the huge database and collected 50 of the best young players in FM22.

If you're looking for more help, we have pages on installing kits and mods in Football Manager 2022 and the best bargains and free agents.

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Football Manager 2022 wonderkids: The best young players and wonderkids in FM22

You might be wondering why there are two sets of numbers for these players - this is because every player begins the season with a set ability they're able to deliver in games based on their technical (such as their tackling and passing) and mental (like leadership) skills. These are known as player attributes.

However, the game also has a hidden ability ratings system out of a score of 200. And these ratings aren't set in stone, as they can increase dramatically, particularly for younger players with the highest potential.

To get the best out of them will depend on a range of factors, such as overall squad quality, training schedules and your own management.

We've set an age limit of 23 to ensure you'll be able to pick up a good (or perhaps already-great, with the likes of Kylian Mbappe) player that can turn into a great one for your team. Some new entrants to the list, like Jude Bellingham or 16-year-old Gavi, show potential increases of up to 50 points. And although PSG's Gianluigi Donnarumma is the only goalie in this year's wonderkids list, there are several defenders who could help shape a powerful yet balanced squad.

Scroll right on mobile to view full table.

FM22 wonderkids and best young players

RankNamePositionCurrent abilityPotential abilityAgeClub
1Kylian MbappeAM (RL), ST (C)18419622Paris Saint-Germain
2Erling HaalandST (C)17719021Borussia Dortmund
3Lautaro MartinezST (C)16717623Inter Milan
4Achraf HakimiD/WB/M (R)16017322Paris Saint-Germain
5Gianluigi DonnarummaGK16118922Paris Saint-Germain
6Matthijs de LigtD (C)15918521Zebre
7Martin OdegaardM (RC), AM (C)15517822Arsenal
8Phil FodenM (C), AM (RLC)15517521Manchester City
9Joao FelixAM (RLC), ST (C)15917721Atletico Madrid
10Theo HernandezD/WB/M (L)15917523AC Milan
11Alphonso DaviesD/WB/M/AM (L)16017820Bayern Munich
12Dayot UpamecanoD (C)15317322Bayern Munich
13Jude BellinghamDM/M (C)143160-19018Borussia Dortmund
14Marcus RashfordAM (L), ST (C)15917323Manchester United
15Alessandro BastoniD (C)15617322Inter Milan
16Ansu FatiAM (RL), ST (C)149160-19018Barcelona
17Federico ChiesaM/AM (RL)16117623ACF Fiorentina
18Junior ViniciusAM (RL), ST (C)15617221Real Madrid
19Jamal MusialaM (C), AM (RLC)147160-19018Bayern Munich
20Jadon SanchoM/AM (RL)16217721Manchester United
21Trent Alexander-ArnoldD/WB (R), M (C)15917422Liverpool
22Kai HavertzAM (C), ST (C)15918022Chelsea
23PedriM (C), AM (RLC)15517518Barcelona
24Dusan VlahovicST (C)14817321ACF Fiorentina
25Sandro TonaliDM/M (C)14717321AC Milan
26Ronald AraujoD (C)15517322Barcelona
27Domink SzoboszlaiM/AM (LC)143150-18020RB Leipzig
28Mason GreenwoodAM (R), ST (C)14817819Manchester United
29Florian WirtzM/AM (C)142150-18018Bayer Leverkusen
30Myron BoaduAM (RL), ST (C)141150-18020AS Monaco
31Wesley FofanaD (C)14817520Leicester City
32Nuno MendesD/WB (L)149150-18019Sporting
33Giovanni ReynaM/AM (LC)140150-18018Borussia Dortmund
34Ryan GravenberchDM, M/AM (C)137150-18019AFC Ajax
35Tanguy NianzouD (C), DM/M (C)128150-18019Bayern Munich
36Josko GvardiolD (LC)135150-18019RB Leipzig
37Nicolo RovellaDM/M (C)129150-18019Zebre
38GaviDM, M/AM (C)130150-18016Barcelona
39Karim AdeyemiAM (R), ST (C)134160-19019Salzburg
40Noni MaduekeM (RL), AM (RLC)139150-18019PSV Eindhoven
41Jurrien TimberD (RLC), WB (R), DM138150-18020AFC Ajax
42Harvey ElliottM (C), AM (RLC)131150-18018Liverpool
43Fabio SilvaST (C)120150-18019Wolves
44Tino LivramentoD/WB (R)128150-18018Southampton
45Francisco TrincaoAM (RL)136150-18021Barcelona
46ReinierAM (C)125150-18019Real Madrid B
47Nico WilliamsM/AM (RL)120150-18019Athletic Bilbao B
48Jeremy DokuAM (RL), ST (C)129150-18019Stade Rennais
50Benjamin SeskoST (C)123150-18018Salzburg

Best of luck in your search for the best young talent!

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