Ten 16 year olds I can't wait to see (in FM23)

Every year a new Football Manager arrives with a new collection of 16 year olds you’ve never heard of but quickly become your heroes. Football Manager 2023 is still a few weeks away but I thought i’d get started with a list of the best wonderkids i’m hoping will feature in Football Manager for the first time with FM23.

Let us know if there’s anyone you think we’ve missed!

Paul Wanner - Bayern Munich

The youngest player to play for Bayern in their history at 16 years and 15 days. Seeing him described as a Kai Havertz type player will excite anyone who used to sign his countryman in FM18 and FM19.

Arijon Ibrahimović - Bayern Munich

You’ll no doubt remember this name, but unfortunately he’s no relation to Zlatan, Ibrahimovic is German with Kosovan parents and has been training with the Bayern first team. Although he’s yet to make his debut in the Bundesliga or in the Football Manager series.

Nelson Weiper - FSV Mainz

Another player who’s yet to make his debut but is coming hotly rated. The Albania/German striker is already 17 in real life and likely to go straight on to our wonderkid list for FM23.

Warren Zaïre-Emery - PSG

No doubt PSG is a tough club to break through at, but this guy has done it already. After being bought into the first team aged 15 by Pochetino, current PSG manager Galtier gave him his debut a few weeks back aged 16, he’s clearly rated by both managers.

Rayane Bounida - Ajax

Bounida is Belgium/Moroccan and came through at Anderlecht before being signed by Ajax, the kids already amassed a huge social media following despite not featuring in any first team matches.

Archie Gray - Leeds United

Archie Gray has already been involved with Leeds United first team after coming through their academy. While he was perhaps lucky to have benefited from Leeds small squad and large injury list last season, there’s still optimism Gray will feature under Jesse Marsch this season and I have no doubt he’ll be featuring in your FM23 saves.

Simone Pafundi - Udinese

Pafundi was the first player born in 2006 to play in one of Europe’s top 5 leagues and he was the youngest player nominated for the Golden Boy Award in June 2022. 

Ben Doak - Liverpool

If you think of Scottish football at the moment who do you think of? Robertson and Tierney, two fantastic left sided players. Well now they’ve got some talent coming through on the right hand side as well with the highly rated Ben Doak. Having already made his debut for Celtic as a 16 year old Liverpool scooped him up this summer for just £600k.

Avery Appiah - Ajax

It’s hard to stand out as a defensive midfielder when you’re a youngster, but Ajax’s Appiah has been doing just that. The dutch 16 year old with Ghanian heritage is certain to have an impact on your FM23 save.

Shaqueel van Persie - Feyenoord

I bet you were gutted when you realised Arjon Ibrahimovic wasn’t related to Zlatan. Well i’m not going to disappoint you twice, Shaqueel van Persie is the son of Arsenal (and Man Utd?) legend Robin. Shaqueel is only 15 at the time of writing and i’m not 100% sure if he’s going to make it into FM23, but fingers crossed.

Let us know in the comments what other teenagers you’re excited to have their appearance in FM23!