Explore the top clubs with outstanding youth academies in FM26 to build a
long-lasting football dynasty from scratch.
In Football Manager 2026, building long-term success through youth development is an exciting and rewarding challenge. If you dream of creating a club that produces its own stars, choosing one with a top-tier youth academy is essential. Here’s a list of the best clubs with standout youth academies, offering a solid foundation for developing future superstars. Some of these clubs might surprise you, but each provides a platform for building a legacy.
1. Vitesse (Netherlands)
Known for a well-established pathway for young players and a history of close links with Chelsea FC, Vitesse also boasts a strong youth setup of its own. This context allows you to strengthen your squad with smart loans while nurturing homegrown prospects. Vitesse is ideal for managers looking to blend youth development with ambitions of competing in the Eredivisie.
2. Anderlecht (Belgium)
Anderlecht has a top-notch youth academy renowned for producing talents like Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans. Known for structured player development, the club is ideal for managers focused on cultivating young stars in a competitive yet development-friendly environment. The Belgian Pro League provides enough challenge while also allowing room to integrate youth players gradually.
3. Peñarol (Uruguay)
One of Uruguay’s most historic clubs, Peñarol has a renowned academy producing regional and international talent. While keeping players in South America can be challenging, Peñarol offers an excellent opportunity to develop young stars with the goal of competing for continental honours.
4. Dinamo Zagreb (Croatia)
Dinamo dominates Croatian football and has a reputation for producing stars like Luka Modrić and Joško Gvardiol. With a strong youth academy and less competitive pressure domestically, Dinamo allows young players to grow and thrive, perfect for managers keen on showcasing new talent in European competition.
5. Maccabi Tel-Aviv (Israel)
Maccabi Tel-Aviv has some of Israel’s best youth facilities. While the league isn’t easy to dominate, Maccabi offers an ideal setup for managers interested in developing homegrown talent. With Israeli players increasingly moving to Europe, you have the potential to build a productive pipeline of young prospects.
6. Red Bull Salzburg (Austria)
Renowned as a talent factory, Salzburg is one of Europe’s best clubs for youth development. The academy has produced stars like Erling Haaland and Dominik Szoboszlai, making it a top choice for managers aiming to create and refine future stars. With outstanding facilities and regular European competition, Salzburg is ideal for those who want to build a strong foundation and generate significant transfer income.
7. Sporting CP (Portugal)
Known for producing legends like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo, Sporting CP provides top-tier youth facilities and has a proud tradition of nurturing talent. With Portugal’s league providing a solid level of competition, Sporting regularly participates in Europe, making it a perfect setup for developing and showcasing young players.
Conclusion
Selecting a club with a high-quality youth academy in Football Manager 2026 opens up the opportunity to build future generations of stars. Whether you aim for domestic dominance or aspire to European glory, these clubs offer a perfect foundation for long-term success. With the right investments, focus, and patience, your club could become a hub for young talent, gaining attention across the footballing world.
