FM26 Best Players Shortlist - 300 Elite Picks by Position

FM26 best players shortlist with live search, value bands, EU chips and age filter. Copy names into FM in one click. Elite picks by position.

Find the player who improves your first eleven. Compare the best players in FM26 by position, current ability, age and cost. Search by player, club or nationality, then open the linked Database profiles to check their full attributes before building your transfer plans.

Who are the best players in FM26?

This shortlist focuses on players who can improve a strong first team now. The original selection used an in-game current ability threshold of 150. The tables below retain that selection and display the FM Blog Database ratings instead: each position starts with the highest FMB Ability, with Potential shown alongside it for context. These are different rating scales.

The same ratings as FM Blog Database

ABI is FMB Ability: current quality. POT is FMB Potential: the player's ceiling. Both use our 1–99 scale, with the same colours throughout the Database.

90Elite90–99 80Excellent80–89 70Strong70–79 60Useful60–69 50Depth1–59

These are FMB ratings, not raw in-game CA or PA. Potential does not guarantee development. How the rating model works →

Players remain in their original position groups. Ratings, club, age, wage and value match their Database records. Club names and player names link to full profiles. Values are in pounds and are not guaranteed asking prices; a dash means no sale value is listed.

Search also includes the additional nationalities and club names from the original shortlist. The EU filter keeps the original list's EU tags; it is not a work-permit or home-grown check for your save.

FM26 best price · official key →FM26 Facepack →FM26 Logo Pack →FM26 Real Name Fix →

FM26 Best Players Live Search

Search the shortlist

Transfer budgetAny valueUnder £10m£10m to under £25m£25m to under £50m£50m to under £100m£100m to under £200m£200m+

EU tag

Max age:

40

GK 27 DC 62 DR 24 DL 34 DM 68 MC 68 AMC 91 AMR 88 AML 88 ST 74

297 players across 10 positions

Loading the shortlist…

GK · FM26 Best Players

Best Goalkeepers in FM26

27 players

Back to filters ↑

The best goalkeepers in FM26 give you more than a high headline rating. Compare current ability, wage and value, then open the profiles to check reflexes, handling, aerial reach and command of the area. If you build from the back or defend high up the pitch, look closely at distribution and the space your goalkeeper needs to cover.

Sort GK ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Goalkeepers in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore GK in the Database →

DC · FM26 Best Players

Best Centre-backs in FM26

62 players

Back to filters ↑

Choosing the best centre-backs in FM26 starts with the way your team defends. Compare positioning, anticipation, pace and aerial ability, then consider how the two central defenders complement each other. A strong ball-playing option can help your build-up, but their passing should support the defensive qualities your system needs. Use the age and budget filters to narrow your targets.

Sort DC ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Centre-backs in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore DC in the Database →

DR · FM26 Best Players

Best Right-backs in FM26

24 players

Back to filters ↑

Use this FM26 best right-backs list to find the balance between attacking support and defensive security. An overlapping full-back needs stamina and crossing, while a player asked to stay deeper needs reliable positioning and tackling. Check the full profile before signing, especially when your right winger moves inside and leaves the flank for the defender to cover.

Sort DR ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Right-backs in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore DR in the Database →

DL · FM26 Best Players

Best Left-backs in FM26

34 players

Back to filters ↑

The best left-back for your FM26 side depends on who plays ahead of them. A wide midfielder and an inside forward create different opportunities for an overlapping run. Compare ability, age and cost here, then inspect crossing, work rate and defensive attributes in the Database. Preferred foot also helps you judge whether the player suits your intended build-up.

Sort DL ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Left-backs in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore DL in the Database →

DM · FM26 Best Players

Best Defensive midfielders in FM26

68 players

Back to filters ↑

A strong defensive midfielder can protect your back line, recover possession and give your creative players a platform. This FM26 shortlist lets you compare leading options by current ability and cost. Open the profiles to assess positioning, anticipation, tackling and decisions. If the role also involves starting attacks, weigh passing and composure alongside those defensive qualities.

Sort DM ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Defensive midfielders in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore DM in the Database →

MC · FM26 Best Players

Best Central midfielders in FM26

68 players

Back to filters ↑

The best central midfielders in FM26 do different jobs. Some control possession, others carry the ball or cover ground between both penalty areas. Compare these players by ability, wage and age, then use their full attributes to build a balanced partnership. Match the player to the space and responsibilities in your tactic, rather than relying on a rating alone.

Sort MC ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Central midfielders in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore MC in the Database →

AMC · FM26 Best Players

Best Attacking midfielders in FM26

91 players

Back to filters ↑

Find an attacking midfielder who improves the connection between your midfield and striker. Among the best FM26 options, vision, first touch, technique and decisions help distinguish creators from direct goal threats. Check movement and finishing if you want runs into the box. The table makes it easier to compare current quality and the financial commitment before opening a full profile.

Sort AMC ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Attacking midfielders in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore AMC in the Database →

AMR · FM26 Best Players

Best Right wingers in FM26

88 players

Back to filters ↑

The best right wingers in FM26 can stretch a defence, create chances or provide an extra source of goals. Check preferred foot, acceleration, dribbling and off-the-ball movement to understand how each player attacks. A wide creator needs different support from an inside forward, so consider your right-back and striker when choosing between these high-quality options.

Sort AMR ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Right wingers in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore AMR in the Database →

AML · FM26 Best Players

Best Left wingers in FM26

88 players

Back to filters ↑

Use this FM26 best left-wingers shortlist to compare players who can change the way your team attacks. For a touchline provider, inspect crossing and pace; for an inside forward, pay closer attention to finishing, movement and preferred foot. Current ability helps you assess immediate quality, while age, wage and value help you decide whether the signing fits your plans.

Sort AML ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Left wingers in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore AML in the Database →

ST · FM26 Best Players

Best Strikers in FM26

74 players

Back to filters ↑

The best striker in FM26 for your team is the one who can use the chances you create. Compare current ability, wage and value, then check finishing, composure, movement and physical attributes. A runner behind the defence, an aerial target and a forward who links play need different service. Choose the qualities your attack is currently missing.

Sort ST ABI: high to low ABI: low to high POT: high to low POT: low to high Player: Z–A Player: A–Z Age: high to low Age: low to high Position: Z–A Position: A–Z Club: Z–A Club: A–Z Wage p/w: high to low Wage p/w: low to high Value: high to low Value: low to high

Best Strikers in FM26. FMB Ability and Potential on a 1–99 scale.

								Copy player name

ABI = Ability · POT = Potential · Values in GBP
Swipe sideways to see every column.Explore ST in the Database →

Keep scouting in the full FM26 Player Database →

FM26 Best Players - FAQ

What does Best Players mean on this page?

The original shortlist selected players with an in-game current ability of at least 150. This page preserves that selection and ranks each position by FMB Ability, our measure of current quality. Open a profile to judge whether the player fits the role you need.

What do ABI, POT and the badge colours mean?

ABI is FMB Ability and POT is FMB Potential. Both use our 1-99 scale, not raw in-game CA or PA. Purple means Elite (90-99), blue Excellent (80-89), teal Strong (70-79), gold Useful (60-69) and slate Depth (1-59). The number remains visible alongside the colour.

How should I use the filters quickly?

Search by player, club or nationality, choose a value band, set a maximum age and select an EU tag if needed. The filters work together. Position buttons jump to the matching table; Reset clears the search, budget, age and EU filters.

What are the value bands on Best Players?

Under £10m, £10m to under £25m, £25m to under £50m, £50m to under £100m, £100m to under £200m, and £200m or more. These use the Database value, not a guaranteed asking price. Players with no listed sale value remain visible under Any value.

What does the EU tag mean?

EU and Non-EU retain the classification supplied in the original shortlist. They are shown as labelled badges and can be filtered. The tag does not establish registration eligibility in every competition; check your own save before making a signing.

Why do flags sometimes not match my nationality filter?

The flag shows the primary nationality in the Database. Search also checks additional nationalities included in the original shortlist, so a secondary nationality can produce a match with a different flag.

Why are some club names different from the original list?

Club names, crests and links use the same records as the FM26 Database. Search retains the original club names and recognises common alternatives such as Man Utd, PSG and Spurs. Open the club link to inspect the correct squad.

Why do some players appear in more than one position?

The original shortlist includes players in multiple position groups. Those appearances are preserved. The position badge shows the positions recorded in the Database, which may be narrower than the original editorial grouping.

How does sorting work here?

Each position initially sorts by FMB Ability, highest first. Select a column heading to sort by that field and select it again to reverse the order. Missing values stay at the end. The mobile sort menu offers the same choices.

Can I copy names into FM search?

Press Copy beside a player and paste the name into Football Manager search. Names retain their accents. If your browser blocks clipboard access, the page selects the name so you can copy it manually.

Does an EU tag guarantee a work permit or home-grown status?

No. An EU tag is not a complete registration check. Consult the competition rules and scouting report in your own save. Nationality and home-grown status describe different things.

How should I budget for fees and wages?

Compare the weekly wage as well as the listed value, then allow for the asking price, agent fees, signing bonuses and performance bonuses. Instalments change the payment schedule rather than removing the cost. Keep the full commitment within your wage and transfer plans.

What changes on mobile?

The table keeps its columns accessible through horizontal scrolling and includes a sort menu. Club details also appear under the player name. Search and filters follow the tables when there is enough screen space, and the Info button holds the longer instructions.