Five saves that we will be doing immediately when Football Manager 2025 finally drops

Let’s just pretend it’s already March and we’re just about to play Football Manager 2025. It has a perfect, shiny new match engine and all the features we could have possibly hoped for. There’s a clear plan for Football Manager 2026 and we’ve got our joy back. These are the best saves for when that (super realistic) scenario happens.

1 . Vikingur – Iceland’s New European Heroes

On October 24, Vikingur became the first Icelandic club to win a European group match, toppling Cercle Brugge despite their 2,000-seat stadium (half the capacity of Bromley, the smallest stadium in League Two). Vikingur is the ultimate underdog story—a perfect build-a-nation save in Iceland. Can you continue their European journey?

2. Bordeaux – The Fallen Giant of French Football

Bordeaux has a decorated history with six league titles, the latest in 2009. But recent years brought disaster: relegation in 2022, financial turmoil, loss of professional status in July 2024, and administrative relegation to France’s fourth tier. FM25 offers the chance to rewrite Bordeaux’s story—taking them from rock bottom to reclaiming their glory.

3. Valletta FC – Malta in Crisis

Valletta FC, the most successful club in Maltese football, faces a historic low: their first-ever relegation to the second division, leaving Malta without a capital team in the top flight. This save is a challenge to restore Valletta’s legacy, building up the club and raising Maltese football on the European stage.

4. Bursaspor – Fall from Grace

Bursaspor’s fall has been nothing short of spectacular. Once a Super Lig champion in 2009/10 and a Europa League contender in 2014/15, they now sit in the fourth tier with a €43 million debt and an uncertain future. With few resources, FM25 will demand all your skill to bring Bursaspor back to the heights of Turkish football.

5. Enfield Town F.C. – Fan-Owned

For those who love the English leagues, Enfield Town F.C. is a must-try. They’re England’s first fully fan-owned club, making their FM debut as they play in the Conference South. Real-life struggles (currently 22nd with a challenging record) mean this save will test your resilience, but the payoff could be extraordinary.

What saves will you be doing first on Football Manager 2025? Have I missed out any big ones?

About the Author

William Reid

William is the admin of Out of Context Football Manager, an X account that focuses on FM news. He's worked for LADbible Group and is VG's resident FM expert.