Football Manager 2025 is scheduled for release later this year, which means that the next generation of wonderkids from across the globe will soon be introduced to soccer fans!
Of course, charting the journey of these promising youngsters can be tough. After all, legendary names like Cherno Samba and Tonton Zola Moukoko failed to make their mark in the corporeal football world, despite achieving iconic status in the original Championship Manager series.
However, players like Neymar (who starred as an 18-year-old on FM 2011) did go on to achieve significant heights. So, it’s always worth checking out the next gen superstars who could follow in the footsteps of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
With this in mind, here’s our take on the three wonderkids who are most likely to catch the eye on Football Manager 2025!
Chido Obi-Martin (16), Manchester United
The 16-year-old Dane Chido Obi-Martin made headlines earlier this year, when he rejected a contract extension at Arsenal to join the Ineos project at Manchester United.
Powerful forward Obi-Martin is one of the most sought after talents in the sport, having first burst on the scene when representing Arsenal’s U18 side as a 15-year-old. He even scored a hattrick on his first start, while he struck 32 goals in just 18 U18 appearances during 2023/24.
At U16 level, he once scored 10 goals in a single match as the Gunners thrashed Liverpool 14-3. Barely five months later, the Dane netted seven times as Arsenal recorded a comprehensive 9-0 victory over Norwich.
Make no mistake: Arsenal’s loss is Manchester United’s gain, and Obi-Martin could even make his senior debut for the Red Devils in 2024/25. Check out the 1xbit crypto betting site to see if you can access any betting markets pertaining to Obi-Martin.
Ibrahim Mbaye (16), PSG
Midfielder Warren Zaire-Emery was one of the the most recent FM wonderkids to make it on the biggest of stages, having made his debut for PSG at the age of 16 and become a key member of their starting 11.
However, his record as PSG’s youngest starter was taken by 16-year-old winger Ibrahim Mbaye at the beginning of this season. He made his debut for the Parisians on August 16th, appearing against Le Havre at the tender age of 16 years, six months and 23 days.
The right-forward fledgling is one of the top-10 rated wonderkids in FM 25, at least according to potential ratings. He certainly starred for PSG’s U19 side last season, contributing 13 assists and eight goals in just 17 National U19 appearances.
Mbaye is quick and can play from the left or right, while his agility and superb ball control means that he can dribble at speed too.
Justin Lerma (16), Independiente del Valle – Joining Borussia Dortmund in 2026
Midfielder Justin Lerma has already made waves for Independiente del Valle, with the Ecuadorian wonderkid having agreed a deal to join Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2026.
Of course, Dortmund are renowned for identifying and nurturing young talent, while Lerma has more than a little in common with Jude Bellingham. Fit and physically imposing at 184cm tall, he’s comfortable playing as a box-to-box or attacking midfielder, while his driving runs and ball control have seen him deployed as a wide attacker.
He also boasts an exceptional footballing IQ, and he may have more potential than Bellingham as a progressive passer of the ball.
He’s also unselfish and capable of unlocking packed defences, and the prospect of him partnering FM 2024 wonderkid Kendry Paez in the Ecuadorian midfield is mouthwatering for fans of the country!
