Football Manager 2024: Best Teams

Key Takeaways

• Football Manager 2024 offers a multitude of football clubs to choose from, catering to all preferences and playstyles.
• Players can manage everything from less-known clubs to powerhouses like Real Madrid.
• Certain clubs stand out due to unique opportunities like resources or challenging gameplay.

There are simply too many football clubs in Football Manager 2024 for players to scrutinize every single one. Almost every professional football team is included in the game, from the mainstream to the forgotten. As a result, players have a wealth of options to choose from when beginning their campaign.

Whether the focus is on reviving a forgotten giant to new heights or playing it safe with a continuous champion, FM24 has it all. It can’t be denied, however, that several clubs trump the majority of selections. Many clubs can offer exciting or unique play opportunities, such as the roster or finances, that can make the team stand out. These teams are a blast to control in Football Manager 2024, making it clear why so many players lose hours upon hours in this amazing simulation game.

Updated on October 25, 2024, by Ritwik Mitra: With the news that Football Manager 25 is officially delayed, more players wouldn’t mind clocking in some extra hours in this amazing simulation game. Football Manager’s allure lies in its detailed gameplay, turning the act of looking at spreadsheets into something fascinating as players fulfill their wildest fantasies of becoming a coach of their favorite soccer team. The choice of which team to control is far from simple, but players can rest assured that most of the usual suspects (along with some surprising mentions) can do a great job of enabling this fantasy and then some.

19 Forest Green Rovers FC

A Unique Challenge

• League: EFL League Two
• Starting Transfer Budget: €58K

The so-called ‘Green Team’ deserves to be considered for the unique challenges and opportunities they bring to FM24 as the first carbon-neutral football club. Players who select them will have this carbon neutrality in mind, as well as the Rovers’ long history and youthful player base.

They’re not the immediate first choice for many players, but it would be a shame to miss them simply because their stats don’t offer what other teams do. With the right manager, Forest Green Rovers can allow players to learn and adapt to unique challenges that make for an engaging game.

18 Manchester City FC

A Tried-and-True Powerhouse

• League: Premier League
• Starting Transfer Budget: €42M

A repeating titan from previous Football Manager games, Manchester City has one of the highest transfer budgets in the game, at £42 million. This wealthy club has a lot to offer players. Coming off the back of a Champions League victory, they are a safe bet for new beginners too.

Manchester City might not have quite as famous players as other teams do, and as a result, they do not have central figures to work around in-game. On the flip side, this can be advantageous for players looking to give each member of the team equal attention. This may lead to better overall skills for later FM24 sessions.

17 Celtic FC

A Scottish Powerhouse

• League: Scottish Premiership
• Starting Transfer Budget: €3M

The Scottish Premiership is a fine place for one to start their managing career, and there aren’t many better options than the two biggest teams in the league. It can be a challenge to work around a threadbare budget and try to hire recruits who aren’t star-studded names, but players who do a great job of scouting underrated talent can turn Celtic into a powerhouse.

The pressure of winning most games because of their elevated status can make things challenging to be a Celtic manager, but it’s a great way for players to build up the lore surrounding their manager before moving on to the big leagues.

16 Atalanta

Full Of Great Attacking Talent

• League: Serie A
• Starting Transfer Budget: €20M

Serie A is one of the most competitive and entertaining leagues around right now. After Juventus’ one-sided dominance and the decline of the Milan teams led to the league losing a lot of steam, fans are finally glad to see the same level of competitive football return to the league once again. Not only has this led to a resurgence of both Inter and AC Milan, but other well-managed teams like Atalanta have made a name for themselves both nationally and all across Europe.

There’s no denying that the team still needs a final push for its attack to yield more silverware, and this is where the player can step in. The fantasy of turning what used to be a mid-table team into one of Europe’s strongest competitors is something that fans can’t get enough of, and the amazing talent of Atalanta’s attack can make for some interesting matches as players put it all on the line to win the League and any other trophies they can get their hands on.

15 Inter Milan

Serie A Is Competitive And A Joy To Play In

• League: Serie A
• Starting Transfer Budget: €15M

One of the most historically significant clubs in European football, Inter Milan was stuck in a rut for the longest time before reaching the heights it was destined for once again. Winning the league in a Serie A that has become ridiculously competitive is no mean feat, which is why Inter Milan can be a fascinating prospect to manage if players want to reach new heights.

Some shrewd transfers will be required for players to win silverware, but financially savvy managers who can work well with a gifted squad need only iron out some wrinkles before their version of Inter Milan becomes a powerhouse in Europe that will make every fan quake in their boots.

14 SL Benfica

Tons of Potential

• League: Primeira Liga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €12M

Benfica is one of Portugal’s three great clubs, a hotbed for natural talent that would-be managers can take advantage of in FM24. Darwin Nunez, alongside future superstars like Goncalo Ramos and Antonio Silva, means that performance in the top leagues will never be an issue.

Alongside strong finances (although these aren’t as high as other dominating clubs), Benfica offers a lot of potential for a club that has yet to tackle the titanic challenge of the Champions League to the best of its ability. The strength of the team may seem to dwindle in Europe, but with the right manager, they could be one of the best choices around.

13 Rushall Olympic

A Promising Newcomer

• League: National League
• Starting Transfer Budget: 0

Fresh-faced newcomers to Football Manager, Rushall Olympic’s first-ever season in the 6th tier of football earned them a spot in the game and, by extension, a new team for players to strategize with. For players looking for new rosters and new experiences, Rushall is one of the best newcomers to experiment with.

Playing at such an introductory level in FM24 means that players might not necessarily get the strongest players from the offset, or the highest spending power given the low-league status of Rushall initially. However, this team can be an excellent choice for players seeking to improve their skills within the safety net of lower-league football.

12 Atletico Madrid

A Star Player and High Budget

• League: La Liga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €5M

In a league where most people consider Barcelona and Real Madrid to be the two top dogs, it’s impressive to see that Atletico Madrid has been holding its own all this time. This is no easy task, given that their finances are nowhere near as high as the other two teams, with a lot of talent preferring to move to bigger clubs instead of sticking around and becoming legends at Atletico.

However, that shouldn’t stop players from checking out this team and building a legacy for this team that will last for years and years. Dethroning the powerful duo is no easy task, but there are Football Manager players who choose teams that are downright torturous to deal with. In comparison, Atletico Madrid is easily one of the best teams in FM24 that fans can stick with to ensure a continuous stream of success.

11 Inter Miami

A Star Player and High Budget

• League: MLS
• Starting Transfer Budget: €2M

The Major League Soccer of the USA is an unusual system that gives teams methods of player registration, drafting, and league victories that are unheard of in Europe. Because of this, Inter Miami, whilst a giant among the franchises of MLS, is something of a challenge if playing outside this system.

Despite these concerns, Inter Miami has several powerful factors in its favor. Firstly, a high budget gives managers freedom of strategy when playing FM24. Secondly, Inter Miami boasts one of the greatest players of all time: Lionel Messi. For both veteran managers and new players, Inter Miami can perform with high quality.

10 Newcastle United

High Risk, High Reward

• League: Premier League
• Starting Transfer Budget: €6M

Newcastle’s change of ownership has brought them a new source of income that rivals many of the biggest clubs in the sport. In the game, this can allow players to build around both the money and a great squad to create a team that molds easily to most playstyles.

Newcastle is still, however, a club with ample room to grow. This can present both a risk and an opportunity. With a multitude of rich clubs competing for only one title, The Premier League might not be an easy award for Newcastle managers, but with one of the most famous clubs in England, it still offers a great shot.

9 Paris Saint-Germain

A Change-Up from Previous Years

• League: Ligue 1
• Starting Transfer Budget: €30M

Paris Saint-Germain might not be as strong as it was in Football Manager 2023, given the loss of both Messi and Neymar. However, their high transfer budget of £30 million, and secure player roster that includes Mbappe, means the team is still a powerful choice for gamers in the latest entry.

The major shake-ups in the team roster might cause veterans to play in a risky manner as if the titans are still on the team. For this reason, it might be wise to leave PSG for a second playthrough. If this is no concern, however, then PSG can be one of the best teams in FM24 by quite some margin.

8 Malaga CF

Revive One of the Greats

• League: Primera Federacion Group 2
• Starting Transfer Budget: €0

Outside the game, Malaga CF is one of the top teams in Spain, producing world-class talents such as Isco and competing in the Champions League. In recent times, however, Malaga has been dealt a cruel hand and has been diminished from its once-great status. Bad luck on the field hides the importance of Malaga in FM24: their roster.

From the third tier of Spanish football, players have an easy way to ascend to the big leagues through a journey of redemption, aided by an incredibly strong team of players that will decimate everything else that far down. Malaga might not be in the top position as in previous games, but they’re still one of the best picks around.

7 Manchester United

Help A Once-Great Team Attain The Same Heights It Enjoyed At One Point

• League: Premier League
• Starting Transfer Budget: €7M

There was a time when Manchester United was considered by many to be one of the most successful teams in England. This reputation is in tatters now, with a mix of poor ownership and a managerial merry-go-round preventing this team from reaching the heights of success they used to enjoy regularly. So, it’s easy to see why players would love to control this team and fill up its coffers with more silverware.

For what it’s worth, the great facilities and a decent transfer budget mean that skilled players won’t have to work too hard to reach these heights. In the right hands, Manchester United is one of the best teams in FM24, with a great squad and massive funds to turn things around and help this club reach the realm of relevancy once again.

6 Real Madrid

One Of The Greatest And Most Decorated Teams, With All The Stress To Go Along With It

• League: La Liga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €25M

Real Madrid is football royalty and one of the biggest teams in world football that anyone even remotely familiar with the sport of soccer is aware of. This La Liga team has enjoyed a stretch of dominance for the longest time, with most players growing up with the dream of playing in this massive club.

Featuring a team of talented superstars who are the very best in what they do, Real Madrid is a team that players will love to control in Football Manager 2024, winning every trophy in sight with a squad that is nothing short of a gift.

5 Chelsea FC

An Exciting Youth Team With A Lot Of Funds To Burn

• League: Premier League
• Starting Transfer Budget: €7M

After a change in ownership, Chelsea has been through some tough times. However, the young squad has shown its promise and developed an interesting brand of attacking football that has made every Chelsea game a must-watch for its sheer entertainment value, with goals arriving at a breakneck pace.

On top of this, Chelsea has a lot of spending money and can easily achieve its best results under the right management. The Premier League is full of tough opposition, making it imperative for players to nail their tactics and win against tough opposition at all costs.

4 FC Barcelona

A Spanish Giant Currently Going Through A Tough Time

• League: La Liga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €2M

There was a time when Barcelona could stand toe-to-toe with Real Madrid as two of the biggest giants in Spanish football. Bartomeu may have ruined the club’s finances for good, but that shouldn’t take away from this club’s stature in the slightest.

Players who decide to manage this club will love the challenge that comes from trying to establish dominance in La Liga against a wealth of tough, impressive clubs that will give the Catalans a run for their money. With a young, promising squad full of potential, it’s easy to see why Barcelona is such a beautiful prospect for players to control in Football Manager 2024.

3 Bayer Leverkusen

Replicate The Legendary Undefeated Streak Of This Team

• League: Bundesliga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €8M

The undefeated run of Bayer Leverkusen is the stuff of dreams, with Xabi Alonso’s team pulling off something magical that will take decades to replicate. Despite failing to win a European trophy, Bayer Leverkusen’s undefeated run will stand the test of time as one of the greatest achievements in football history, and most people would find it heresy to overwrite their achievements if players decided to control Leverkusen in their game.

However, this is a fresh chance for players to kickstart an undefeated streak of their own or do something special that will be remembered for years to come. With great facilities and a talented squad, it’s easy to see why Leverkusen can become a German powerhouse if a prospective manager manages to wring out the full potential of one of the best FM24 teams.

2 Ajax Amsterdam

High Budget for Low-Stress Gameplay

• League: Eredivisie
• Starting Transfer Budget: €35M

Historically, Ajax Amsterdam is the best-performing club in Holland. Recent performances have caused the club to drop from its once sky-high status, but players shouldn’t disregard the club simply for that. The team remains a powerful and wealthy competitor that has the potential to rock the world of football.

Budget alone makes them lucrative for players seeking freedom and a lack of stress regarding team finances and player choices. Ajax Amsterdam can become something better than any other club in the game: a blank slate. It makes them a great choice for experimental playstyles, and a solid choice for managers to consider.

1 Union Berlin

Take On a Promising Challenge

• League: Bundesliga
• Starting Transfer Budget: €1M

Union Berlin is a deceptive choice for managers in FM24. At first glance, the capital of Germany is not a great German pick, let alone European, especially with teams like Bayern Munich on the side. It is for this reason, however, that Union Berlin is one of the best choices in the game for players looking for a challenge.

They’ve reached the Champions League, though they languish in last place, and so climbing that ladder is no easy feat. However, with stable finances and a team that has no glaring weaknesses, Union Berlin is one of the strongest teams in FM24.