The response to the Football Manager 26 beta so far has been mixed, with players eager to have a go with a new FM finally, but running into a lot of bugs and annoyances that will require patching in the weeks or months ahead. The removal of international management was among the complaints levied at the latest edition of the game, but there is also a highly notable addition to this year’s Football Manager: the women’s game.
With Football Manager 26 providing the full experience for the women’s leagues included, you can try getting on the touchline for the world’s top women’s sides, all within a database that allows for the transition between both men’s and women’s clubs in your career. If you’re considering giving it a go but don’t know much about women’s football, don’t worry, this guide has everything you need to hit the ground running.
How Will Women’s Football Work In Football Manager 26
This is the easiest question to answer because it’s the same as the men. Like EA FC and NBA 2K before it, Football Manager comes with the wise decision to not try to “balance” the men’s and women’s attributes. Instead, just like the men, the women use the same 1-20 visible ratings, with all the same hidden numbers, attributes, and traits behind the scenes.
This makes for an easy transition for players ready to try their first women’s management role, as you can just keep doing the things that worked in the past with your new club!
What Are The Biggest Leagues In Women’s Football
The women’s game’s presence in Football Manager is less expansive than the men’s side, meaning it’s much more likely you’ll be plying your trade in a big league sooner than later. While there are certainly other options to explore, these are the biggest leagues you need to know about before hitting the touchline:
- The WSL: The English top flight, the WSL is home to some of the biggest clubs in the world. While Arsenal once held the league in a stranglehold, other top clubs have begun investing in their women’s teams more, and as a result, the top of the WSL often shares similarities to the top of the Prem. Most notably, Chelsea have become the preeminent power in England, while Arsenal and the Manchester sides battle it out for the two Champions League spots below them.
- La Liga Feminina: Also similar to the men’s game, the Spanish top flight is not as deep as its English counterpart, but with elite talent to contend with any other. While Real Madrid has been making efforts to build its women’s team up, this remains a Barcelona show, just like any competition the blaugranes enter.
- The Champions League: Although not a domestic league, the Champions League is even more prominent for top sides in the women’s game, as it provides a level of competition that can’t be matched domestically. With Spain and England’s best joined by powers like Wolfsburg and Lyon, the Champions League knockouts are always a blast, and this year will see more marquee match-ups early with a move to the league format.
- The NWSL: Women’s sports are thriving in the US, and with the long, successful history of the US Women’s National Team, it’s no surprise that it has included the NWSL, where many of the top players for the top national team in history still play. American sports norms mean the league is more suited to parity and uses a knockout playoff system for a unique twist in the footballing world.
Who Are The Stars Of Women’s Football
The long answer is that there are too many to name at a time, the game is skyrocketing in popularity, but here are a few select players to keep an eye on should you ever be lucky enough to sign them, or unlucky enough to face them.
- Aitana Bonmatí: While her recent third consecutive Ballon d’Or Féminin was a bit controversial, that was more to do with Spain and Barca falling one match short of their main goals than it was Bonmati not still being brilliant. The Spanish midfielder is just entering her prime and ready to terrorize the world for years to come.
- Chloe Kelly: There are a lot of options to pick from on the Arsenal side that conquered Europe, especially with many of them then doing likewise with England at Euro 25, but we’ve gone with Kelly for her remarkable turnaround. Deemed surplus to requirements at City and with her place at Euros in doubt in January, Kelly moved to Arsenal, revived her career, and made huge moments again and again en route to her two European triumphs in one summer.
- Rose Lavelle: It’s an exciting time for US women’s soccer, but also one of transition as the prior dominant generation begins to cede ground to the next wave. One of the now-senior players leading that transition is Lavelle, who also stars for NWSL top-tier side Gotham FC.
Save Ideas For Women’s Football In Football Manager 26
If this all sounds intriguing and you’re considering a women’s save, we have you covered. Our look at challenging and beginner save options both included a couple of excellent options. Check out a brief look here, and click through for more detailed explanations of why they appeal:
- Challenge saves in the women’s game: For experienced players, we called attention to Chicago Stars and CE Europa, two clubs looking at rough situations in year one who have the potential to grow into some big prizes.
- Beginner saves in the women’s game: If you’re new to FM, or simply after a more relaxed save, then consider taking over the Washington Spirit or Arsenal. Each sits as the #2 club in their league, strong enough to give you some comfortable wins as you get familiar with the game, but not yet where they’d ultimately like to be.
The women’s game is here to stay and will only get more fun to engage with as fans get more and more familiar with it. Get on board ahead of the curve by starting up your women’s save today!
