Uncover Football Manager 2026’s best-kept secrets – the hidden gems ready to explode with potential.
Every Football Manager player loves a good wonderkid – but finding the hidden ones is where the real magic happens. These are the players your scouts overlook, the names buried deep in South American academies, Eastern European backwaters, or forgotten B-teams waiting for their breakout moment.
In Football Manager 2026, the revamped database and improved scouting engine make unearthing these hidden gems even more rewarding. While everyone’s chasing Endrick and Yamal, real managers know the best success stories begin with the unknown – the players you mould from raw potential into world-beaters.
This list features 20 hidden wonderkids you won’t find trending on Reddit or X, but who can become stars with the right development, mentoring, and tactical fit. Whether you’re managing a lower-league project or building the next Galáctico dynasty, these are your diamonds in the rough.
Let’s dive into the best 20 hidden wonderkids in FM26 – the future stars no one else is talking about (yet).
Want to browse every position? Check out our full FM26 Wonderkids Hub – complete with searchable tables, potential ratings, and transfer values for every wonderkid in the game.
And if you want these hidden gems to look realistic in-game, download the FM26 Facepack – the ultimate graphic pack featuring over 70,000 player faces.
1. Saba Kharebashvili (LB – Dinamo Tbilisi)
At just 16 years old, Saba Kharebashvili might be Georgia’s next great export. Already capped for his national team, the Dinamo Tbilisi left-back plays with the maturity of a seasoned pro. What makes him special is his technical finesse for a defender – 15 passing, 14 crossing, and 13 technique hint at a modern full-back capable of dictating play rather than just defending. Add to that his 17 determination and resolute personality, and you’ve got a player who’s built for long-term development. Give him a few seasons under elite training, and Kharebashvili could evolve into a world-class playmaking wing-back – the kind every top European club fights over.
2. Kerim Alajbegović (AML – RB Salzburg)
Kerim Alajbegović is one of those players who looks built for modern football – elegant, technically refined, and full of confidence on the ball. At just 17, the Bosnian winger’s move from Bayer Leverkusen to RB Salzburg already hints at serious potential. With 14 technique, 16 flair, and 13 dribbling, he’s the kind of wide player who can unpick defences with a single touch or audacious long shot. Add to that his traits – shoots from distance and uses outside of foot – and you’re looking at a creative inside winger made for highlight reels. Give him freedom on the left flank and he’ll quickly become the player who wins you games out of nowhere.
3. Leon Grgić (ST – Sturm Graz)
Leon Grgić might just be Croatia’s next big number nine. Leading the line for Sturm Graz at only 19, he’s already being dubbed “the next Mario Mandžukić” – and for good reason. Standing at 189 cm with 16 pace, 14 determination, and 15 bravery, Grgić combines physical power with relentless movement off the ball. He’s not the most technical striker yet, but his work ethic and ability to bully defenders make him perfect for pressing systems or counter-attacking sides. Given the right development path, this lad could easily become a lethal poacher or complete forward capable of carrying both club and country into a new golden era.
4. Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh (CB – Tromsø IL)
Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh might not be on many radars yet, but this 18-year-old Gambian defender looks every bit a future powerhouse. Standing tall at 186 cm, he’s got the physical tools to dominate – 15 strength, 15 stamina, and 13 jumping reach make him a commanding presence at the back. What sets him apart is his composure and positional sense, rare traits for such a young centre-back playing regular top-flight football in Norway. Add in 15 tackling and 14 determination, and you’ve got a player who thrives under pressure and rarely switches off. Give him time, and Kinteh could easily evolve into the kind of calm, ball-winning defender that every modern side dreams of building around.
5. Kota Tawaratsumida (ML – FC Tokyo)
Kota Tawaratsumida is one of Japan’s brightest hidden gems, combining electrifying pace with the kind of technical flair that makes full-backs tremble. At 21, he’s already a key man for FC Tokyo and has earned international recognition with Japan’s national team. His 15 technique, 14 dribbling, and 14 finishing show a winger who can both create and score, while his 16 natural fitness and relentless energy make him perfect for high-intensity tactics. European clubs are starting to circle, and it’s easy to see why – Tawaratsumida is a direct, intelligent wide midfielder who thrives in space and can turn a quiet match into chaos with one brilliant run. He’s the sort of player that transforms an average side into an attacking threat overnight.
6. Eivind Helland (CB – SK Brann)
Eivind Helland looks every bit the classic Scandinavian centre-back – tall, composed, and quietly ruthless. At 196 cm with 15 strength, 14 positioning, and an impressive 17 determination, he’s the kind of defender who thrives under pressure and never backs down from a duel. Helland’s blend of physicality and intelligence makes him an ideal fit for defensive systems built on structure and resilience. What’s most exciting is how composed he is in possession – with 12 passing and 13 decisions, he’s perfectly comfortable playing out from the back. Give him consistent minutes at a higher level, and you’ll be looking at Norway’s next defensive rock, a player ready to step into Europe’s toughest leagues.
7. Maher Carrizo (AMR – Vélez Sarsfield)
Maher Carrizo is one of Argentina’s most intriguing young wingers – a player who oozes flair and confidence every time he gets on the ball. At 19, he’s already turning heads in the Primera División with Vélez Sarsfield, blending 13 dribbling, 13 finishing, and 14 acceleration into a profile that screams future star. His 15 natural fitness and 14 flair make him unpredictable, constantly driving at defenders and creating chaos in wide areas. Carrizo isn’t just a highlight player, though – his 13 determination and balanced personality mean he’s got the right mentality to grow into an elite inside winger. If nurtured properly, he could easily become the next Argentine export lighting up Europe’s top five leagues.
8. Robert (AML – FC København)
Robert is a Brazilian flair merchant lighting up Scandinavia with FC København. At 20, he’s already a nightmare for defenders thanks to his 15 dribbling, 15 technique, and 16 flair – the hallmarks of a true samba winger. What makes him dangerous isn’t just the skill, but the intent: he tries tricks, runs with the ball often, and loves to cut inside from the left, constantly pulling defences out of shape. Add 14 acceleration and 14 pace, and you’ve got a player who thrives in one-on-one situations and fits perfectly in counter-attacking or high-tempo systems. He’s raw, he’s fearless, and with the right development, Robert could become one of FM26’s most exciting hidden attacking weapons.
9. Julian Gonstad (ST – HamKam)
Julian Gonstad is a classic hidden FM gem – the kind of player you only stumble upon when scouting deep into Norway’s youth system. At 19, this HamKam striker is already showing signs of becoming a cold-blooded finisher, with 15 finishing, 15 determination, and 15 pace making him a lethal threat in behind. His places shots and beats offside trap traits perfectly complement a poacher or advanced forward role, allowing him to exploit defensive lines with ruthless precision. While his physical frame is still developing, his composure and off-the-ball movement scream natural goalscorer. Given a proper run of games and some mentoring, Gonstad could blossom into a striker who bags 20+ goals a season before he even turns 22.
10. Mamour N’Diaye (GK – Sarpsborg 08)
Mamour N’Diaye is the definition of a hidden gem between the sticks – a Senegalese goalkeeper quietly making waves in Norway’s Eliteserien. At just 19, he’s already Sarpsborg’s first-choice keeper, boasting 17 kicking, 17 eccentricity, and 15 reflexes – a mix that makes him both unpredictable and thrilling to watch. He’s got that raw athleticism you can’t teach, pairing 16 jumping reach and 15 agility with a commanding 190 cm frame. While his decision-making still needs polish, his long throws to start counter-attacks trait turns defence into instant attack, ideal for high-tempo FM tactics. Keepers with this kind of ceiling are rare, and N’Diaye could easily evolve into a modern sweeper-keeper ready to conquer Europe within a few seasons.
11. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (CB – Orlando Pirates)
Mbekezeli Mbokazi is quietly becoming one of the most exciting defensive prospects to come out of South Africa in years. At 19, he’s already commanding attention from across Europe thanks to his mix of 17 decisions, 16 leadership, and 15 strength – an uncommon combination for such a young centre-back. Playing for Orlando Pirates, Mbokazi reads the game with maturity well beyond his age, relying on intelligence and anticipation rather than brute force. His 16 vision and 13 passing also make him a natural ball-playing defender, perfect for teams looking to build from the back. If developed properly, Mbokazi could easily become a cornerstone centre-back for both club and country – the kind of player every FM manager dreams of unearthing before anyone else does.
12. Keita Kosugi (DL/WBL – Djurgårdens IF)
Keita Kosugi is a relentless Japanese full-back making waves in Sweden with Djurgårdens IF. At just 19, his 17 determination and model citizen personality make him every manager’s dream project – disciplined, hardworking, and consistent. On the pitch, he’s an engine down the left flank, boasting 14 acceleration, 14 agility, and 15 stamina to tirelessly support both defence and attack. Technically sound with 12 technique and 11 tackling, Kosugi thrives as a wing-back in systems demanding constant overlaps and quick transitions. He might not grab headlines yet, but this is the type of player who quietly racks up 7.00+ ratings season after season, the unsung hero of any successful FM save.
13. Rafael Pinto Pedrosa (DR/WBR – Karlsruher SC)
Rafael Pinto Pedrosa might only be 17, but the young German right-back from Karlsruher SC already plays with the maturity of a seasoned pro. Blessed with 14 acceleration, 14 agility, and 13 technique, he’s a dynamic presence down the flank, capable of overlapping with purpose or tucking in as an inverted option. His 13 determination and fairly professional personality point toward a player who will squeeze every ounce of potential from his ability. While his defensive attributes still need polishing, his composure and 12 off the ball movement make him surprisingly effective in advanced positions. In Football Manager terms, Pedrosa is the perfect project – affordable, young, and mouldable into whatever type of modern full-back your tactic demands.
14. Love Arrhov (AMC/AML – IF Brommapojkarna)
Love Arrhov is Sweden’s next big export — and Eintracht Frankfurt clearly think so too, snapping him up ahead of the competition. At only 17, he’s already a first-team regular at Brommapojkarna, showing off 13 first touch, 13 dribbling, and 12 vision that make him a nightmare for defenders in tight spaces. His balance of off-the-ball intelligence (13) and flair (12) means he can both create and exploit gaps effortlessly, while his balanced personality hints at steady long-term development. Arrhov thrives as a playmaking winger or central creator — the kind of player who quietly racks up assists before suddenly exploding into a 10-goal, 10-assist season. Expect his name to feature prominently in every FM26 save within a few months.
15. Paxten Aaronson (AMC – Colorado Rapids)
Paxten Aaronson is one of those players who quietly turns your midfield from “decent” to “elite”. The 21-year-old American playmaker, now starring for Colorado Rapids after spells in Germany and the Netherlands, combines 14 dribbling, 14 passing, and 14 technique with an irresistible work ethic. His 15 agility and 14 pace allow him to glide through tight spaces, while his 13 vision and 13 determination ensure he’s always pulling strings and creating chaos between the lines. With a trait to run with the ball often, he’s tailor-made for managers who love fluid attacking football. Aaronson isn’t just a hidden gem – he’s a ready-made creative hub waiting to explode under the right tactical setup in FM26.
16. Niko Grlić (AML/AMR – NK Bravo, on loan from Maribor)
Niko Grlić is one of Slovenia’s most promising attacking prospects, currently honing his craft at NK Bravo while on loan from Maribor. At just 18, he’s already catching the eye with 13 anticipation, 13 decisions, and 12 dribbling, showing the kind of intelligence and flair that make him dangerous cutting in from either flank. He’s composed on the ball, with 13 composure and 12 off-the-ball movement suggesting a player who reads the game with maturity. While not yet physically dominant, his pace (13) and work rate (13) allow him to thrive in high-pressing or quick-transition systems. Grlić might be a quiet name in FM26, but he’s got the attributes to develop into a smart, technical winger for any top European side.
17. Hugo Camberos (AMR – Chivas Guadalajara)
Hugo Camberos is a livewire winger making waves in Mexico’s Liga MX. At just 18, the Chivas Guadalajara prospect already boasts 15 finishing, 15 technique, and 14 dribbling – a lethal combination for someone who thrives on cutting inside and punishing defences. His 15 acceleration and 15 agility make him a nightmare in one-on-one duels, while 13 flair and 15 off-the-ball movement show he’s far more than a simple pace merchant. Despite his small frame (165 cm), Camberos is remarkably composed in front of goal and already has a Mexican Rookie of the Season award to his name. Give him space on the flank and he’ll do damage — one of FM26’s most exciting hidden gems from North America.
18. Daniel Dappa (ST – Hapoel Tel Aviv)
Daniel Dappa is an Israeli striker built for modern football – mobile, aggressive, and ice-cold in front of goal. At just 17, he’s already a regular starter for Hapoel Tel Aviv, boasting 14 agility, 14 pace, and 12 finishing. He combines that speed with 14 bravery and 13 determination, constantly pressing defenders and attacking space like a seasoned pro. Despite his youth, Dappa’s 12 composure and 12 decisions show a striker who knows when to shoot and when to hold up play. Standing at 180 cm with 11 heading, he’s equally effective as a Target Forward or Poacher. He’s the kind of raw, dynamic talent who could become Israel’s next breakout export in FM26.
19. Uchenna Ogundu (ST – Alanyaspor)
Uchenna Ogundu is the kind of striker who terrifies defenders before the match even kicks off. The 19-year-old Nigerian forward has an imposing 188 cm frame and combines it with explosive 17 pace and 16 acceleration. That’s rare physical power for someone his age. He’s also relentless – 16 determination and 16 work rate mean he’ll chase every loose ball and fight for every second chance. While his 12 finishing and 11 heading are solid foundations, what truly stands out is his potential as a Channel Forward or Centre Forward in transition-heavy systems. He may not be polished yet, but with his ambitious personality and raw athleticism, Ogundu looks destined to develop into a Premier League-level powerhouse in Football Manager 2026.
20. Amara Diouf (AML – Génération Foot)
Amara Diouf might just be Africa’s next big superstar in Football Manager. The 17-year-old Senegalese winger already has 2 senior caps for his country and is being watched by multiple European clubs. Playing for Génération Foot – the same academy that produced Sadio Mané – Diouf’s mix of 14 pace, 12 dribbling, and 13 technique makes him an explosive threat down the left flank. But what truly sets him apart is his 20 determination and 16 flair – the hallmark of players destined for elite football. Despite his youth, his driven personality ensures he’ll develop rapidly once he makes the move to Europe. If you’re managing in Ligue 1 or the Premier League, this kid is a must-sign wonderkid for long-term saves in FM26.
Final Thoughts
And there you have it – 20 of the most exciting hidden wonderkids from around the world in Football Manager 2026. Some are already breaking into their national teams, while others are quietly developing in smaller leagues, waiting for that big move. Whether you’re managing in the lower tiers or chasing Champions League glory, these players can transform your squad – and your save – for years to come.
Remember, many of these youngsters start with modest attributes but have sky-high potential. Scout them early, give them the right mentoring and game time, and watch them explode into world-class stars. If you’re serious about building for the future, this list is your roadmap.
Pro tip: Combine this shortlist with our FM26 Wonderkids Hub to find even more future stars by position, value, and potential ability.
READ NEXT: Top Youth Academies in FM26 – find the clubs producing tomorrow’s stars.
