28.10.2024 - Football Manager games have gained serious popularity since their first release in 1982, and with years passing by and new releases coming to our PCs and consoles, everyone has their own opinion about which Football Manager game is the best.
The gameplay, mechanics, and experiences—all of this is enjoyed by millions of active players from around the world.
From the first one in 1982 all the way up to modern versions, this blog will explore what makes each game stand out in the vast universe of football simulation.
Released in 1982 by Kevin Toms, Football Manager was a groundbreaking and earth-shattering game that instantly attracted numerous fans. It was initially developed for the TRS-80 and ZX81, and it innovated gameplay by allowing players to take charge of football teams, strategize, and make real-time decisions.
Every football fan dreams of managing their own team, and Toms made it a possibility.
It was simple but engaging, developed from a brilliant combination of a love for football and programming.
This Football Manager game had a foundational impact on gaming history, creating lasting excitement among fans and leading to its evolution into modern variations and an even bigger fanbase.
The year 2004 was pretty cool, especially because FM 05 came out at the end of it.
The game features 51 league countries, 158 divisions, and 5,300 playable teams which was notable because previous versions featured fewer countries, divisions, and teams. We see it as an expansion that helped establish FM 05 as a deeper football manager game.
There were lots of innovations: Manager Mind Games, enhanced media interactions that provided fans with a new layer of complexity. Additionally, fans could dive into scouting, transfers, tactical decisions, etc.
Its customizability and smoothness put it among our top-ranked football manager games ever, as it is truly a classic in the sports management series.
This version was the one with big updates, like the brand-new interface and the slick way the windows move in and out.
Generally speaking, there were significant gameplay innovations, offering fans and players a chance to dive deep into the training regimens and strategic decision-making.
One of the few innovations that simply have to be mentioned is the introduction of Classic Mode, catering to both hardcore fans and casual players. Some didn’t use the feature, but a lot of them liked it and said FM13 was the best version in their opinions.
The blend of realism and the existence of Classic Mode is why this game is on our list. It truly captured the “just one more game” essence that defines the Football Manager series.
Another great version of the popular Football Manager games series. This version revitalized the entire series with the Classic Mode introduced in FM13, which reduced the statistic-heavy gameplay.
Classic Mode was really good—it kept the rich simulation that fans liked while offering expanded player roles and a new tactics system that mirrored real-life football terminology, e.g., trequartista, false nine, etc.
These innovations put this Football Manager game on our list because it showed an excellent balance between accessibility and the cool world-building that defines the franchise.
FM 20 was released in 2019, and it definitely built upon its predecessor with familiar yet better gameplay that stole our hearts.
The Challenging Mode, focused on the life struggles of Bolton Wanderers, really pushed players to their limits, showing who the real manager is and who is not up for the role.
The next thing that made us love this version is the insight into youth potential and smarter recruitment in the Development Centre. It’s both an update and an evolution in the series—it felt fresh yet familiar.
Exactly the blend between freshness and familiarity is why Football Manager 2020 is ranked in this article. It captured the essence of football management while providing a more immersive experience.
Lastly, the Football Manager game, 2012 version.
This one was a real rollercoaster for die-hard fans. It brought so many new features and classic challenges that really capture the advantages and disadvantages of managing a team.
One of the biggest changes was the revamped player interaction system with the new “Tone” feature. Although it was supposed to help with communication with the players, it felt rather unpredictable at times (just like in real situations during matches!).
On the other hand, the extensive database truly reflected real player performance.
Just as an example, managing Theo Walcott showed how important it is to place players in the right mode. Only a real Football Manager game fan would know how to do it properly, so it felt pretty special.
The games were fun to watch because of the 3D aspect, and because of it, it was easy to detect what was working and what was not.
Although critics have mixed feelings about this release, it is our definite favorite. It has depth, realism, tactical flexibility, an immersive match engine, and a very big community around it.
Wrapping Up: Football Manager Game Madness
No matter which edition is your favorite, there is no denying that every Football Manager game has its advantages and valid reasons why it should be ranked.
Each version brings its own innovations, mechanics, gameplay, and tiny advancements that make the game enjoyable.
Which game was your favorite? And why?
