Hey everyone, it's 2026 and I'm back talking about my favorite part of any football game: the Career Mode. There's nothing quite like building a team from the ground up and watching your young signings blossom into world-beaters. In EA Sports FC 25, that feeling is more rewarding than ever, especially when you get your hands on the right wonderkids. Today, I want to share my personal guide to the absolute best young talents you need to sign. These are the players who will be the foundation of your club for years to come. Remember, age, overall rating, and most importantly, their potential rating, are the holy trinity when scouting.
Let's jump right in, starting from number ten and working our way to the ultimate signing.
10. Pau Cubarsí - The Future at the Back
La Masia just doesn't stop, does it? First up is Pau Cubarsí. This kid is a rock at the back. I signed him for my underdog La Liga save, and he went from a promising 72 overall to my defensive captain within three seasons. He's so composed on the ball for a centre-back. Honestly, don't be fooled by his starting rating; his 88 potential is absolutely reachable. A little pro-tip from me: I've even used him as a defensive midfielder in a pinch, and he did a fantastic job breaking up play. If you want a defender you can build your entire backline around for a decade, Cubarsí is your guy.
9. Mathys Tel - The Clinical Finisher
Over at Bayern Munich, while everyone talks about Musiala (rightly so!), Mathys Tel has been quietly turning into an absolute machine. This striker has everything I look for in a young forward: blistering pace, ice-cold finishing, and silky dribbling. Starting at 77 overall, he's already good enough to be a super-sub for most top teams. But give him consistent starts, and watch him soar towards that 88 potential. I used him in a false nine role, and his movement off the ball is just incredible. He's not just a pace merchant; he's a complete forward in the making.
8. Guillaume Restes - The Goalkeeping Prodigy
Okay, let's talk about the most important position on the pitch that everyone forgets about until it's too late: goalkeeper. If you're starting a long-term rebuild, signing Guillaume Restes is the single best decision you can make for your goal. He starts at a very respectable 78 overall and will crack the 80s in his first season with you. His 88 potential means he'll grow into one of the world's best. I signed him for my Toulouse save, and he single-handedly won me points with ridiculous saves. Trust me, sign him early, and you won't have to worry about the GK spot for the next 15 seasons.
7. João Neves - The Midfield Maestro
Creativity from deep? Look no further than João Neves. This Portuguese midfielder is an artist. After shining at Benfica, his move to PSG in the 2024 summer window was a big deal. In-game, he's a dream for any possession-based team. He starts at 79 overall with an 88 potential. His vision and passing range are top-tier even from day one. I paired him with a more defensive-minded midfielder, and he was the engine of my entire attack, pinging passes everywhere. If your midfield feels stale, Neves is the injection of quality it needs.
6. Alejandro Balde - The Flying Full-Back
Full-backs are more important than ever in FC 25, and Alejandro Balde is the prototype of the modern left-back. He's rapid, contributes in both boxes, and has room to grow. Starting at 81 overall, he can walk into most starting XIs immediately. His 89 potential is just the cherry on top. I used him in a system with overlapping full-backs, and he was a constant outlet on the left, providing both width and solid defensive cover. If your team lacks pace and dynamism from the back, Balde solves that problem instantly.
5. Arda Güler - The Turkish Magician
Playing with Arda Güler is just pure fun. This Turkish wonderkid, now at Real Madrid, is a dribbling wizard. Slotted in as your central attacking midfielder, he has the flair and technical ability to unlock any defense. He starts at 78 overall, but don't let that fool you—his 90 potential is among the highest in the game. I gave him a free role behind the striker, and he was untouchable. His close control in tight spaces is phenomenal. If you love skilling past defenders and creating moments of magic, Güler is your man.
4. Warren Zaïre-Emery - The Complete Midfielder
Warren Zaïre-Emery is a monster. There's no other word for it. At just 18, he plays with the maturity and intelligence of a veteran. Starting at 80 overall with a 90 potential, he's the complete package. You can play him as a box-to-box CM, a deep-lying playmaker, or even a CDM, and he'll excel. For my PSG save, he was the first name on the teamsheet. His playmaking is elite, but he also has the defensive stats to win the ball back. He's the midfield cornerstone every top team needs.
3. Gavi - The Heart and Soul
The energy, the passion, the sheer will to win—Gavi brings it all. Even after a serious injury in real life, in our FC 25 world, he's a force of nature. Starting at a lofty 83 overall, he's already a world-class midfielder. His 90 potential is just the ceiling. His work rate is off the charts; he's everywhere on the pitch. I used him as a mezzala or even a half-winger, and he was constantly driving the team forward, winning tackles, and setting up chances. He's not just a talented player; he's the emotional leader of your midfield.
2. Endrick - The Brazilian Phenomenon
The hype is real, folks. Endrick is a special, special talent. The Brazilian striker is all about explosive pace, dazzling skills, and a lethal finish. He starts at 77 overall, which might seem low, but his growth curve is steep thanks to that massive 91 potential. I played him as a lone striker in a counter-attacking system, and he was devastating. He's not a target man; he's a weapon you unleash behind defensive lines. Give him a couple of seasons of regular football, and he'll be challenging for the Ballon d'Or.
1. Lamine Yamal - The Generational Talent
And here we are. The crown jewel. The number one wonderkid you must sign in EA Sports FC 25: Lamine Yamal. What hasn't been said about this kid? Taking the Euros by storm at 16 was just a preview. In the game, he is simply unstoppable. Starting at 81 overall with a jaw-dropping 94 potential, he is the highest-potential player in Career Mode. Playing him on the right wing is a cheat code. His dribbling is effortless, his passing is precise, and he scores worldies for fun. I built my entire team's attack around feeding him the ball. Within four seasons, he was 90+ rated and the best player on the planet. Signing Lamine Yamal isn't just a transfer; it's a statement. He is the future.
So, there you have it, my top 10 wonderkids for FC 25 Career Mode in 2026. Building a team with these players is the most rewarding experience the game has to offer. Remember, development is key! Give them game time, put them on good training plans, and watch them turn into legends. Who are you signing first? Let me know! 🎮⚽
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