Struggling with fake names in FM24? Our comprehensive guide helps you fix fake competition and player names in Football Manager 2024.
Sports Interactive have secured many licences for Football Manager 2024, but you will still see placeholder names in some places. This guide gives you a free Real Name Fix and explains each step clearly - no sign-up, no payment.
After a short prep and three simple steps, real competition, club and player names will appear across your game.
This fix modifies local database files - it only disables the in-game leaderboard. Steam achievements remain available.
Step-by-step: Installing the FM24 Real Name Fix
Before you start - fully close Football Manager 2024.
1. Back up and prepare
Recommended - make a quick backup of any files you remove or replace. Create a folder such as backup_24xx and copy the originals there first. You can then revert at any time.
2. Delete everything in lnc/all
Find the folder for your OS:
Windows path
Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\football manager 2024\data\database\db\24xx\lnc\all
macOS path
[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/football manager 2024/data/database/db/24xx/lnc/all
Linux - Steam Proton example
~/.local/share/Steam/steamapps/common/Football Manager 2024/data/database/db/24xx/lnc/all
24xx is the database version - for example 2400, 2401, 2410, 2420, 2430. Repeat the process for each new database.
3. Unlock Brazilian team names
Remove the following files:
Windows path
Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\football manager 2024\data\database\db\24xx\dbc\permanent
macOS path
[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/football manager 2024/data/database/db/24xx/dbc/permanent
Delete:
- brazil_kits.dbc
- forbidden names.dbc
- inside the language folder:
- Licensing2.dbc
- Licensing2_chn.dbc
macOS shortcut - Finder - Go - Go to Folder, paste the path with your username, then Go. To reveal the hidden Library folder, open the Go menu and hold Alt.
4. Copy the Real Name Fix
Copy the downloaded fix files into:
Windows path
Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\football manager 2024\data\database\db\24xx\lnc\all
macOS path
[username]/Library/Application Support/Steam/steamapps/common/football manager 2024/data/database/db/24xx/lnc/all
If you have multiple 24xx folders, copy the fix into each that you intend to use for new saves.
5. Clear cache and reload the skin
In-game, open Preferences - Graphics - tick Reload skin when confirming changes, click Clear Cache, then Reload Skin. This helps new names appear without a full restart.
6. Verify changes
Load a save or start a new career and check competitions, clubs and national teams. For Germany, names often refresh when the squad is selected for a match - that is normal.
Each official update creates a new 24xx folder. When that happens, repeat all steps because Steam restores certain licensing files.
How to find your 24xx version
From the main menu, open Preferences - Version, or check the database version shown at the bottom of the screen on the save selection page. When creating a new career, you can choose which database to use.
Reverting to the original files
To revert - close the game, delete the fix files from lnc/all and restore your backups. Alternatively, in Steam use Verify integrity of game files to download the originals again.
Troubleshooting
- No visible changes - ensure you copied to the correct 24xx folder and performed Clear Cache + Reload Skin.
- lnc/all missing - create the folders manually, then place the fix files inside.
- Epic or Game Pass install - paths are similar but the root is not Steam. Locate football manager 2024/data/database/db in your platform's install directory and apply the same steps.
- New save required - not strictly, but a new career gives the most complete result. Some elements update mid-save, others on new saves only.
- Brazil kit or name issues persist - you likely did not remove the dbc/permanent files. Recheck step 3.
FAQ
1. Why do I see fake names in FM24?
Not all licences are covered, so placeholder names are used. The Real Name Fix replaces local files so real names appear.
2. Will this affect the leaderboard or achievements?
Yes - the in-game leaderboard is disabled because the database is not vanilla. Steam achievements remain available unless you use the In-Game Editor or heavy mods.
3. Do I need a new save?
Not strictly, but a new save ensures full coverage. Some changes refresh mid-save after clearing cache and reloading the skin.
4. Why must I reapply the fix after updates?
Updates add a new 24xx folder and restore licensing files. Re-run the steps each time a new database appears.
5. Is it safe for existing saves?
Yes - it will not corrupt saves. The fix is local and reversible. For complete naming across all items, start a new career.
Conclusion
The Real Name Fix is the quickest way to make FM24 look and feel authentic. For even better realism, add the Ultimate 70K Logo Pack and Top FM24 Facepacks.
