Football Manager 2025: Release Date, New Features, and News

Get the latest on Football Manager 2025 release date, new features, and updates. Explore what FM25 has in store before its November launch!

Everything You Need to Know About FM25's Release Date and Features

In this article, we dive into the latest updates for Football Manager 2025, including the new release timeline delayed to March 2025, and the reasons behind the shift due to the move to the Unity engine. We’ll also explore major feature removals, such as Touchline Shouts and International Management, and exciting additions like women’s football and the Premier League license. Plus, we’ll discuss the overhaul in player profiles and the improvements in the user interface and animations, making FM25 a pivotal update for the series.

Football Manager 2025 Release Date: March 2025

The official announcement for Football Manager 2025 was originally expected on 30th September 2024, with a planned release for 26th November. However, due to development challenges, particularly the transition to the Unity engine, the release has now been pushed to March 2025. While there is no confirmed date for the Beta version, Advanced Access will still be available before the new release date. Additionally, the gameplay reveal has been postponed until the end of January 2025, giving the development team more time to ensure the game meets expectations​.

Previous Football Manager Release dates

Here are the release and beta dates for Football Manager from FM18 to the most recent version:

• FM2018:

  • Beta: October 27, 2017
  • Release: November 10, 2017

• FM2019:

  • Beta: October 19, 2018
  • Release: November 2, 2018

• FM2020:

  • Beta: November 1, 2019
  • Release: November 19, 2019

• FM2021:

  • Beta: November 10, 2020
  • Release: November 24, 2020

• FM2022:

  • Beta: October 21, 2021
  • Release: November 9, 2021

• FM2023:

  • Beta: October 20, 2022
  • Release: November 8, 2022

• FM2024:

  • Beta: October 19, 2023
  • Release: November 6, 2023

FM25 is expected to follow the pattern with Beta in early November 2025 and full release in late November 2025.

Football Manager 2025 New Features

In this post, we’ll also be covering some of the exciting new features coming in Football Manager 2025. Among the highlights are the fully licensed Premier League, a refreshed user interface, and the integration of women’s football. Additionally, with the switch to the Unity engine, we can expect improved visuals and smoother gameplay. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into how these innovations will reshape the Football Manager experience and elevate the series to new heights.

Premier League Fully Licensed in FM25

One of the most exciting updates for Football Manager 2025 is the inclusion of the fully licensed Premier League. This means that players can expect to see all the official team logos, kits, player faces, and other authentic elements from the Premier League. This addition will significantly enhance the realism and immersion of managing a Premier League team in FM25. For fans of the English top flight, this update is a game-changer, bringing an unparalleled level of authenticity to the series.

READ MORE: Football Manager 2025: Premier League Licensing Revolution

New Logo for FM25

Football Manager 2025 also introduces a refreshed logo, marking a new era for the franchise. The new design features a cleaner and more modern look compared to the previous version, aligning with the game's updated visual and gameplay improvements. This logo change symbolizes the evolution of the series as it embraces new technologies and design philosophies to deliver a more engaging and visually appealing experience.

Unity Engine: Elevating Game Visuals

The introduction of the Unity engine in FM25 marks a pivotal change, promising unprecedented visual enhancements and smoother gameplay. This engine switch is significant as it supports richer graphics and animations, ensuring that each matchday offers an immersive experience. The impact of Unity on Football Manager 2025 ensures that the series remains at the forefront of sports simulation technology. This is a development eagerly anticipated by many players who enjoy the 3D match experience in Football Manager, looking forward to more visually engaging and fluid gameplay.

In a recent development update, Miles Jacobson emphasized the monumental nature of this transition. "Moving to the Unity engine is a huge undertaking. It gives us incredible building blocks to create new foundations, unlock our potential, and power our future vision for Football Manager, with enhanced graphical fidelity and more efficient development processes," Jacobson stated. He added that this move would facilitate faster creation and implementation of game features and design-led tweaks as the team gains more experience with the engine. Essentially, FM25 is envisioned as the starting point for the studio’s next 20 years, laying the groundwork for the future evolution of the series.

Enhanced User Interface: Streamlined Management

The much-needed overhaul of FM25's user interface, powered by Unity, was a necessary change, as realistically, the UI hasn't evolved significantly since the early days of Football Manager. This new interface will offer a more intuitive and streamlined experience. Designed to make navigation and management more accessible, it allows players to focus more on strategy rather than navigating complex menus. The updated UI will be a crucial factor in enhancing player engagement and operational efficiency within the game.

READ MORE: Football Manager 2025 NEW User Interface

Women's Football: Expanding Horizons

The inclusion of women's football in FM25 is a groundbreaking addition, reflecting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of the women's game globally. This expansion not only broadens the game's appeal but also enriches the managerial challenges with unique team dynamics and tournaments. The introduction of women's football in FM25 is a bold step towards inclusivity and diversity in sports gaming. This is an excellent addition for those who may feel saturated with the well-known challenges offered in Football Manager, as it opens up a completely new world of gameplay opportunities.

In a recent development update, Miles Jacobson highlighted the long-term efforts behind this feature. "We have been working on adding women’s football to Football Manager for several years now," Jacobson noted. He confirmed that multiple licenses have already been secured for FM25, with more expected to follow. While specific details about the playable leagues will be disclosed in the coming months, Jacobson assured fans that they will be able to seamlessly transition between managing men’s and women’s teams, maintaining the unified ecosystem that Football Manager is known for.

READ MORE: Women's Football in Football Manager 2025

Newgens and Manager Creation Technology

The advancements in technology for creating Newgens and managers in FM25 will bring a new level of depth and personalisation. These enhancements are set to introduce more detailed and diverse character traits, making every manager's journey unique. This feature will significantly influence long-term gameplay, providing a fresh and engaging experience every season. In current versions of FM, players often struggle to stay engaged over multiple seasons; however, this feature aims to boost long-term playability, reminiscent of the days of Championship Manager, where players were glued to the game for weeks or even months, a level of engagement that has been missing in recent versions of FM.

Advanced Animation Technologies

With FM25, expect a leap in animation technology that offers fluid and lifelike player movements. These enhancements aim to mirror real-life football dynamics, improving the realism of interactions and responses on the pitch. The focus on advanced animations will make every match in FM25 feel more realistic and engaging. This upgrade is particularly vital, as the 3D match engine introduced in FM09 has seen only incremental improvements over the years. With the forthcoming enhancements, we're hopeful that the era of outdated, 2000s-style animations is behind us, ushering in a new era of visual excellence.

READ ALSO: Football Manager 2025 Wishlist

Features and Mods Removed in FM25

In Football Manager 2025, several features and modes have been removed, including Touchline Shouts, Social Media Screen, Data Chalkboard, Create-A-Club, Versus Mode, Challenge Mode, and Fantasy Draft. Additionally, International Management has been left out of FM25 due to technical challenges but will make a return in FM26, coinciding with the expanded 2026 World Cup. These removals are part of a broader effort to refine gameplay and improve the overall experience for players. Some features are expected to return in future updates or editions.

Touchline Shouts

One of the most significant changes is the removal of Touchline Shouts. This feature won't be available in FM25 due to its previous inefficiencies. While it has been a part of the series for many years, it never worked as intended, with shouts only taking effect after the ball was out of play. This delayed reaction, combined with a lack of clarity on how long the shouts lasted, has led to its removal. There's hope it will return in future editions, but only if it can be properly implemented.

Social Media Screen and Data Chalkboard

To streamline the user interface and enhance user experience, FM25 will no longer include a dedicated social media screen. However, all essential information will still be accessible in other areas of the game, maintaining the integral role of supporters. Additionally, the Data Chalkboard, which provided individual and team data, has been phased out. The introduction of the Data Hub has rendered the Chalkboard obsolete, as the Hub offers superior data presentation. The Chalkboard’s usage had dropped significantly, leading to its removal.

Create-A-Club

Create-A-Club, a beloved mode used by 5% of players, will not be featured in FM25. The decision stems from an inability to enhance the mode to the desired standard before launch. However, it is slated for a return in FM26 with significant improvements, ensuring a better user experience.

Versus Mode

Despite being a personal favorite of the developers, Versus Mode is only utilized by 0.5% of the player base and will not be included in FM25. The mode's future is uncertain; it may come back in a new form or be replaced by another feature.

Challenge Mode

Previously part of the Console, Touch, and Mobile series, Challenge Mode's popularity has waned, now engaging less than 0.5% of users. It is set to make a comeback in FM26 or FM27, thoroughly revamped for an enhanced gaming experience.

Fantasy Draft

Fantasy Draft will be absent at FM25's launch but will reappear later in the cycle, aligned with the Main Data Update. This mode, envisioned as an esport, will see improvements aimed at fulfilling its competitive potential. Mid-cycle feature releases are becoming a regular aspect of the series, allowing for continuous updates and enhancements.

 

Conclusion

As we edge closer to the anticipated release of Football Manager 2025, the buzz around its groundbreaking features grows stronger. With the integration of the powerful new Unity engine and the debut of women's football, FM25 is poised to revolutionize football management simulations. Each update is meticulously crafted to enhance your managerial experience, promising a richer and more immersive gameplay.

Stay connected for real-time updates and insights. Follow FM Blog on Twitter, join the community Facebook group, or visit the Facebook page for the latest news as it unfolds.

FM25 isn't just an update; it's a significant leap forward for the series, offering depth and innovation that will captivate both veterans and newcomers alike. Prepare for the most detailed instalment yet, and get ready for the strategic challenges and triumphs that await in Football Manager 2025!