[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

NxGN 50 2035

 

WINNER

LUKA DE MEYER, (Belgium: 5 Caps/3 Goals), Forward – PSV Eindhoven, 19-years-old (Previous: 10^th)

After spending a miserable year in Austria with Salzburg, Luka De Meyer came back to the lowlands after PSV bought him for £15M – less than the £18.75M Salzburg paid for him – and he has been a revelation since….He first stormed onto the scene with his boyhood club and Belgian Pro League A side RWDM, scoring 17 Goals during his rookie year….Has scored 13 Goals in 24 Appearances in his first season with PSV, who are currently top of the Eredivisie table….The ‘Wonderkid’ has also become a Belgium international, and is valued at over £60M now….Tall, strong, and quick, De Meyer also has excellent dribbling and finishing ability, reminding a lot of people of a young Erling Haaland….In Belgium, he is dubbed the ‘New Erwin Vandenbergh’ – high praise as Vandenbergh is considered the best Belgian goalscorer of all-time.

 

 

2ND PLACE

SANTOS HERNANDEZ (Salvadoran: 33 Caps/1 Goal), Defender – Tijuana (MEX), 19-years-old (Previous: 39^th)

After lighting up the El Salvador Premier Division, he was acquired by Mexican club Tijuana for £650K from Isidro Metapan….He has become a star in El Salvador, a nation that has very little international pedigree to its name – at £8M, he is the highest valued player from the country by a very wide margin….Has been a starter for his new club since he joined as they recently won the 2034/35 Opening Stage title in the Mexican First Division….Recently signed a new contract but with the way his reputation has grown over the past year, it might not be long before the European clubs coming knocking.

 

 

3RD PLACE

HUGO PEREZ (Mexico: 5 Caps), Defender – Cruz Azul (MEX),18-years-old (Previous: 19^th)

One of the hottest left-back prospects on the planet, the 18-year-old Mexican international is in the midst of his first full season as a starter….He was part of the Mexican team that took the bronze medal at the 2032 Olympics in Lisbon, Portugal….Has been on the radar of Paris Saint-Germain, who are rumored to be interested in bringing the player to France….He has all the makings of a world-class full-back, with the only shortcoming being his 1.59m height….Still, for someone his height he is incredibly strong in the air when it comes to Attempted Headers….A strong tackler and quick, he looks to always be involved and is a smart player….Is having his best season so far, playing in 30 Games and registering 6.96 AR.

 

OTHER NOTABLES

How Roger Puig (38^th) is rated so low is beyond comprehension – the 19-year-old Espanyol midfielder has been in fine form this season (27 Apps, 5 Gls, 4 Asts, 89% PC, 7.10 AR) and the ‘Wonderkid’ for his incredible passing ability and flashy game. He is often compared to 23-year-old Joan Aliaga, who was also an Espanyol product who recently moved to Chelsea on Free and has been designated a ‘World-Class Midfielder’ and is also a former NxGn and World U21 Footballer of the Year winner (2031)..….If you are only 19 and managed to become starting DR for Bayern Munich, then it means you must be good. This is Niklas Lindner’s (26^th) first season as a starter for the most dominant team of the 2020s, playing in 26 Games and registering 5 Assists, 2.27 T/90, 94% PC, 1.69 D/90, and 6.95 AR…...The 2034 NxGn winner Leonardo Garcia (24^th) falls a heavy drop down to 24^th Place. Brazilian club Palmeiras acquired the Mexican international at the end of the last year for £6.25M, where he did not quite live up to expectation but is starting to get better now in his second year with the club……17-year-old Italian GK Mauro Monterosso (21^st) might not have made his debut for his boyhood club Roma yet, but he has already gotten 15 U21 Caps for his nation of Italy. The ‘Instinctive Goalkeeper’ is being touted as the ‘next Dino Zoff’ – high praise considering that is one of the greatest Italian players in the nation’s history and one of the legends of the GK position around the world……In a year where Sophara United have a record 4 players on the list, Richie Hunter (18^th) – who is generally considered the most talented out of the four – is the lowest-ranked member of the team on it. Still, the ‘Wonderkid’ has already earned and England Cap and is one of his manager’s most important players……Through no fault of his own, Sophara United’s 16-year-old Scottish striker Dougal Yule (17^th) earned the ire of the majority of the club’s fans after Abu Ezz replaced club legend and GOAT Joe Reardon with the rookie in the starting lineup. He has done magnificent in the face of all pressure and animosity, however, and has now scored 11 Goals in 24 Appearances during his rookie season……Breaking the Turkish Superleague record for youngest player to appear and score in a match, Necmi Yildiz (17^th) has had a memorable rookie season. He has done well, also – in 17 Appearances, he has registered 6.83 AR – all that and he is still only 16……Along with Yule, Sean Travis (14^th) is being charged for a crime he did not commit, as it was not his decision to replace Sophara United legend Joe Sheppard in the starting lineup. The recently turned 18-year-old midfielder has not done as good a job winning the fans over as Yule, however, and remains a point of controversy within the ranks of the club……The word out of Scotland is that Hibernian have a rookie with substantial potential on their hands. Mark Aitchison (9^th) is 16 years old, 1.90m tall, and is a good tackler – he has played in 11 Games this season, registering 2.11 T/90 and 6.89 AR. He is being watched closely, especially as he played with his club in the Europa League……Erik Achterberg (8^th) is set to become one of the world’s premier DC in a few years. He has all the right tools and this is already the 17-year-old’s second season as a starter for his club FC Utrecht. In 26 Appearances, he has registered 7.03 AR as he continues to impress scouts all around the world……The 18-year-old George Adamu (7^th) is the highest ranked Sophara United player on the list this year. The Nigerian DC played in the World Cup at Japan 2034 and was part of Nigeria’s disappointing AFCON 2035 campaign which saw them knocked out in the Second Round – just like the World Cup. The ‘Wonderkid’ has now earned 18 Caps for Nigeria, playing in 26 Games for his club this season and registering a career-high 7.13 AR. His value is now shot up over £75M as he has become one of the most in-demand young defenders in the game today.

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

YOUTH INTAKE 2035

Looks like a weak Intake this year. SYA Ghana delivered two prospects but they are unlikely to crack the rotation. Meanwhile, the team's Caribbean scouts brought in a couple of players from Trinidad and Tobago, but the majority of the prospects that have a chance at becoming part of the first team are English.

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

GOAL 50 2034

 

WINNER

KYLIAN MBAPPE (France: 196 Caps/117 Goals) – Real Madrid, 35-years-old, Forward (Previous: Winner)

Kylian Mbappe won his 7^th Goal 50 award, beating Erling Haaland’s 6 and setting a new record for most times won….He was the best player at the World Cup at Japan 2034 until France got knocked out by England in the Third Round….He captured his 10^th La Liga title and 9^th in a row last season….Has finally added a Champions League title to his long list of trophies, essentially becoming one of the few players in the history of the game to have won at least one top tier domestic league, the Champions League, a top tier international continental tournament, and the World Cup within the span of his career….Erling Haaland might officially have been the ‘Player of the 2020s’ but it speaks volumes that Haaland’s closest competition for his new moniker has been the 2030s best player thus far as the Norwegian begins to fade out.  

 

 

2ND PLACE

JEAN-LOUIS MATHIEU (France: 43 Caps/20 Goals) – Chelsea, 26-years-old, Forward (Previous: 33^rd)

A star since he moved from Saint-Etienne to Chelsea for £67M in July of 2032, he had his best season of his young career in England last year….In 33 Appearances, he registered 16 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 PoMs, and 7.09 AR….The ‘Elite Striker’ has an imposing 1.88m frame along with top quickness and speed, but the beauty of his game is how talented his is with the ball at his feet….That has yet to translate into epic goalscoring, but the highest valued player in the world at almost £300M now has the world’s eyes on him so he will have some expectations to live up to.

 

 

3RD PLACE

PATRICK WEISSMANN (Germany: 79 Caps/11 Goals) – Bayern Munich, 24-years-old, Midfielder (Previous: 2^nd)

A large number of people will argue with Mathieu being better than Weissmann – the general consensus amongst experts today is that after Mbappe and Haaland comes the German midfielder….Although the ‘Elite Midfielder’ saw Germany exit in the Second Round at Japan 2034, it was Weissmann and his colleagues who won Euro 2032 where he was crowned the tournament’s Best Young Player….Has had an outstanding career thus far – all that is left to complete the holy quadrant (top tier domestic league, Champions League, top tier international continental competition, World Cup) is a World Cup title, the hardest to win….In 34 Games last year, he registered 10 Goals, 15 Assists, 6 PoMs, and 7.54 AR – he has a 7.88 AR in 12 Appearances so far this season….Is considered by many to be the best player in the world technically.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

James Maduka (50^th) has been a disappointment over the past two years – after lighting up the EPL with Aston Villa, making a £75M move to Chelsea in 2030 then scoring 24 and 25 Goals in his first two years with them before only scoring 13 each the past two, Maduka, 25, can at least take solace in England’s bronze medal at Japan 2034..….Despite underachieving with the Czech team again at Japan 2034, Jakub Berkovec (45^th) – who is the highest ranked SYA product on the list – joins his teammate Maduka on the list. The 24-year-old ‘Elite Winger’ has yet to really live up to his 2031 move for £94M from Sophara United to Chelsea……Benjamin Sesko (44^th) and Leipzig have constantly been second only to Bayern Munich over the past several years in Germany, but both have been great in their own right. Sesko, 31, has won 106 Caps for Slovenia and won the Bundesliga Top Goalscorer award twice (2027, ’33)……Josko Gvardiol (37^th) has been considered the world’s best left-back since he moved to Manchester United from Leipzig for £83M in January 2024. The 31-year-old Croatian legend (116 Caps) has made the World Team of the Year at DL 6 times in his 15 year professional career……Mason Greenwood (35^th) and his Manchester United manager Thomas Frank have quietly overseen their club’s most successful stretch in decades. The 33-year-old English ‘Legendary Striker’ has brought three PL titles in a row and 2 CL titles to Manchester over the past few years……It is a telling sign that Manchester United won their three PL titles in a row (and 1 CL title) after Bobbi Ristovski (26^th) joined the team in 2030 for £91M from Southampton. The 28-year-old Macedonian (104 Caps/29 Goals) first appeared on the international scene in the early 2020s, getting featured on the NxGn Top 50 list……Angelo (25^th) had a great season – the 29-year-old Brazilian won the 2034 Spanish La Liga Player of the Year award, having joined his current club Barcelona for £75M from Rennes three years ago in 2031……Since moving to Arsenal from Barcelona for £69M in 2029, Miquel Ramos (19^th) has been one of the world’s top players. The 27-year-old Arsenal winger/striker was a big part of the 2031 CL title-winning campaign and their return to the CL Finals in 2032……Known as the undersong hero of Bayern Munich and France’s (121 Caps) title-winning squads of the 2020s, Tanguy Nianzou (18^th) remains one of the best players in the world, let along defenders. The 32-year-old is completing his 15^th season with the German club and is on course to register the best AR of his career……Gerd Goller’s (14^th) big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain for £81M from Hoffenheim might have propelled him into the spotlight, but the 25-year-old German had been performing well in the Bundesliga for a few years prior. He was part of the Euro 2032 German championship squad……A polarizing figure, Pedri (10^th) can at least finally claim that he is a Champions League winner as he lifted the CL trophy with his club Juventus during his first season with them. He left Bayern Munich after three years, a move that most generally consider a mistake having joined them…….Gianluigi Donnarumma (8^th) just keeps getting better with age, breaking the Italian record for most Caps (188 Caps) as he made with World Cup Finals before losing to the Ukraine. The Paris Saint-Germain and French Ligue 1 Player of the Year is the highest ranked GK on the Goal 50 list this year……Santi Carrascosa (6^th) is the highest ranked defender on this year’s list, with the 27-year-old Spain and Man City DC continuing to further elevate his stature in the game. The Spain 2030 World Cup-winning ‘Elite Defender’ is a product of the Barcelona youth system……The revenge of Andres Ravizzoli (5^th) begins – after being told he was wasted potential, the 26-year-old Argentinian striker won the Bundesliga title and its Top Goalscorer award in his first season with the German club. He then went on to be Runner-Up in the World Cup Golden Boot award after scoring 5 Goals in 5 Games for Argentina. This year, he has 10 Goals in 12 Games – it is safe to say that Ravizzoli is living up to his potential now……Erling Haaland (4^th) was the ‘Player of the 2020s’, he is the EPL’s Greatest Player of the All-Time, he continues to score over 30+ Goals a season like it was nothing, but there is just a little bit luster that has come off the otherwise impeccable crystal. Haaland has not been quite the same player since his international retirement in 2030, but the 34-year-old Norwegian still won the EPL Footballer of the Year award for the 9^th time in a row. Norway’s magical World Cup 2026 run to the Semi-Finals led by Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard remains one of the best moments in the country’s footballing history.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

JAPAN 2034 – WORLD CUP

 

INTRO/GROUP STAGES

This was the second time that Japan was hosting the World Cup – the first being the co-hosts at South Kore/Japan 2002 – with Spain coming in as defending champions after defeating France in front of their home fans at Spain 2030….There were 3 Sophara United players at the World Cup – Bekir Celik with Turkey, Akim Lawrence with England, and George Adamu with Nigeria….There were also 3 former Sophara United players in Tommy Sullivan and CJ Beech (Ireland), and Jakub Berkovec (Czech Republic) at Japan 2034, as well….New Zealand kicked things off with a surprisingly dominant 3-1 win over the hosts in the first match, which was followed by Kylian Mbappe scoring a brace for France in their 4-1 victory over Nigeria and Adamu….Andres Ravizzoli showed he meant business as he scored 4 Goals in Argentina’s 8-0 win over Curacao….Uruguay ended Matchday One with a big 3-0 victory over Senegal.

Matchday Two starting with South Korea defeating Turkey 4-0, making it two games and no goals for Bekir Celik at Japan 2034 up to this point, after the Turks got three players sent off….England destroyed Thailand 7-1 while France beat Syria 5-1 after Chelsea striker Jean-Louis Mathieu scored a hat-trick….Tommy Sullivan and CJ Beech’s Ireland defeated New Zealand 4-0 as they both came off the bench….Jakub Berkovec’s Czech Republic lost 2-0 to Brazil, while Ansu Fati scored a brace to give the champions a 3-0 victory over China….Serbia shocked Argentina by taking a 2-1 win as Ravizzoli got his tournament-leading 5^th Goal….Costa Rica finished off Matchday Two with a strong 0-0 draw against heavyweights Italy.

Matchday Three starting with Nigeria sealing qualification alongside France in Group B after a 3-0 win over Syria in which George Adamu had a 7.7 Rating….Cameroon joined England coming out of Group C, but unfortunately for the hosts, their journey ended early as it was Ireland and New Zealand qualifying out of Group A at Japan’s expense….Egypt became the first African team to get knocked out as Turkey and South Korea made it out of Group D….Colombia joined Portugal out of Group E at the expense of Guinea….Group F saw Jakub Berkovec and the Czech Republic get knocked out with Iran joining Brazil in the next round….Group G graduated the defending champions Spain and Ghana to the Second Round….Ivory Coast and Denmark made it out of Group H, leaving Ecuador to pack up and go home….Serbia topped Group I after beating Curacao 7-0, with Argentina joining them….Germany and Canada each had 4 Points as they made it out of Group J….Group K saw Sweden top it and South Africa join them as they surprisingly knocked out the USA….Holland and Australia made it out of Group L, knocking Chile out in the process….Group M saw the Ukrainians and the Mexicans qualify as Saudi Arabia got knocked out….2026 Quarter-Finalists Jamaica got knocked out of Group N by Paraguay and Belgium….Costa Rica were disappointingly knocked out of Group O by Italy and Morocco….Senegal became the third African team to get knocked out with Group P going to Russia and Uruguay.

 

SECOND ROUND

Bekir Celik and Turkey exited after a 2-0 loss to England, though Akim Lawrence had yet to make an appearance at the World Cup….Ireland – and former Sophara United player Tommy Sullivan and CJ Beech – destroyed Nigeria and George Adamu 5-0 to advance to the next round….France defeated New Zealand 3-1 as Kylian Mbappe had a brace to send his nation through…The final match of Day One of the Second Round saw South Korea defeat Cameroon 1-0, making the latter the second African team to get knocked out in the Second Round.

Day Two started with former champions Portugal taking a 3-1 victory against Iran….Brazil played through a tricky tie with Colombia, coming out 1-0 winners in a tough match….Spain defeated the Ivory Coast 4-2 with Ansu Fati scoring another brace….Denmark won a resounding 6-1 victory against Ghana, with 27-year-old Real Sociedad striker Asmir Goralija scoring a hat-trick….Africa was now 0-4 for qualifiers out of the Second Round with only South Africa and Morocco still alive.

In a huge Second Round matchup, Day Three started with Argentina defeating rivals Germany 1-0 as they sent one of the favorites and the Euro 2032 winners home early….Sweden advanced to the Third Round after a 3-1 win over Australia….It took extra-time but Serbia got a 1-0 win against a resilient Canadian team….South Africa ensured there would be Africa representation in the Third Round after taking a big 1-0 victory over Holland.

Day Four of the Second Round saw Morocco also join South Africa in the Third Round with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Russia….A hat-trick by 24-year-old Empoli striker gave Paraguay an extra-time win against Mexico as they came out 3-1 victors….Ukraine continued their giant-killing ways, taking out heavily favored Belgium 1-0 and advancing to the next round….In the final game of the Second Round, Italy defeated Uruguay 3-1 as they silently built their case as one of the favorites.

 

THIRD ROUND

In one of the most anticipated matches of the Third Round, England – led by Swedish legend Zlatan Ibrahimovic as manager - ended Kylian Mbappe’s dream for another World Cup trophy with a 2-0 victory over France. Akim Lawrence had yet to make an appearance, however….South Korea defeated Ireland on penalties after the match ended 3-3 after 120 minutes. Tommy Sullivan and CJ Beech, both SYA products, played for Ireland in the World Cup….There will be a new champion after Brazil defeated Spain 2-0 with two first half goals. This was to be the first Finals in the past four World Cups that Spain would not be a part of….Denmark left the drama until the dying seconds of the match, scoring the only goal and defeating Portugal 1-0 as they quickly continued to become the neutral’s favorites.

Argentina continued to show they meant business, defeating Sweden 3-0 in a strong win. They had a favorable pathway to the Semi-Finals, with South Americans facing either Ukraine or Morocco next….Serbia defeated South Africa 1-0 after an early goal set them apart. The Serbians were desperate to how they were capable of reaching the latter stages of the World Cup as they did when they reached the Finals of Euro 2028, and it was the first time reaching the World Cup Quarter-Finals since 1990….It took penalties to separate Ukraine from Morocco after the match ended in a 1-1 draw. This meant no African team would make the Quarter-Finals….Italy ultimately came away with the result needed in their 1-0 win over Paraguay. Still, there was talk about looking rattled against a tough opponent.

 

QUARTER-FINALS

ENGLAND vs. DENMARK: England had now made 5 straight Quarter-Finals in a row – in fact, the last time England did not make the Semi-Finals was at Brazil 2014. The last time Denmark had made the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup was at France 1998, having only made the Third Round once since then, losing to Wales at the World Cup 2026. It took extra-time but England finally defeated Denmark 1-0 thanks to a penalty in the 100^th minute. England advanced to the Sem-Finals for the 6^th time in a row. RESULT: England 1 – 0 Denmark

SOUTH KOREA vs. BRAZIL: South Korea were embarrassed by France 6-2 at Spain 2030 in the Quarter-Finals, the first time they had reached this stage since their Semi-Finals run in 2002. Brazil, the record holder with 5 titles, had not made the Semi-Finals since Brazil 2014, a full twenty years since the South American giant had been part of the top four teams in the world. That streak would continue even longer as South Korea shocked the world and advanced to the Semi-Finals for the second time in their history, defeating Brazil 2-1 after scoring two second half goals.  RESULT: South Korea 2 – 1 Brazil

ARGENTINA vs. UKRAINE: Argentina had knocked out Germany and Sweden in the previous rounds, with Andres Ravizzoli scoring 5 Goals so far. They had last made the Quarter-Finals at Qatar 2022, losing to Germany on penalties during Lionel Messi’s last World Cup run. The Ukrainians had actually defeated Argentina in the Second Round of World Cup 2026 before they lost to Holland, after which they failed to qualify to Spain 2030. It was the Ukraine who would advance to their first Semi-Finals ever, defeating heavily favored Argentina on penalties after the match ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes. RESULT: Ukraine 2 (p) – 2 Argentina

SERBIA vs. ITALY: A strong team that started the tournament with a 2-1 win over Argentina, the Serbians last made it past the Quarter-Finals of the World Cup in 1962. The Euro 2028 Finalists were hoping for the best against an Italian team that lost to Serbia in the Semi-Finals of Euro 2028 and was looking to do better than the 3^rd Place they took at Spain 2030. The match was a tense affair between two tough teams, but the Italians broke through in the 90^th minute and defeated the Serbians 1-0 to advance to the Semi-Finals.  RESULT: Italy 1 – 0 Serbia

 

SEMI-FINALS

UKRAINE vs. SOUTH KOREA: Whoever won this game was going to the World Cup Finals for the first time. The Ukraine had won every game in the tournament thus far, including a Second Round win against Belgium and a Quarter-Finals victory against Argentina. South Korea have had a less consistent tournament but had defeated Brazil in the previous round. Either way, it was already a magnificent tournament for both teams – but it would be the Ukrainians who would enjoy it a little while further, defeating the Asian nation 3-1 with Olexandr Sakhno scoring a brace to send the Eastern European nation into raptures. RESULT: Ukraine 3 – 1 South Korea

ENGLAND vs. ITALY: This match was being billed the ‘Final before the Finals’ with England and Italy being the highest profile teams still left at Japan 2034. England had a stellar World Cup up to this point, winning all their matches including a 2-0 win over France in the Third Round. The Italians were their typical selves – taking low-key victories including a tough 1-0 win against Serbia in the previous round. England were being led by Mason Greenwood, James Maduka, and Ollie Cresswell – Italy by Gianluca Bonvinici, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Vincenzo Castiello. Two late goals in the last five minutes of the match are what set these two apart, and it was Italy that scored both of them. England had to contend with yet another Semi-Finals heartache while Italy were heading to the Finals for the first time since 2006 to face Ukraine in Tokyo.  RESULT: Italy 2 – 0 England

 

FINALS

ITALY vs. UKRAINE: For the first time since 2018, the World Cup Finals did not feature Spain. Instead, it featured first time Finalists against one of the most accomplished teams in football’s history. Led by 36-year-old Juventus and Italy legend Frederico Chiesa, the four-time champions were looking to equal Brazil’s record for having won the trophy the most times. Ukraine, just by reaching the Finals, had already exceeded their expectations, but there was a resounding feeling in the Eastern European nation that they could pull it off, the same way they did against Belgium and Argentina in the previous rounds. They were not wrong – it took extra-time but Ukraine did it one more time, defeating the Italians 2-1 and winning an improbable World Cup title. Led by Dynamo Kiev’s 24-year-old midfielder Yaroslav Artymovych (6 Apps, 1 Goal, 4 Asts, 7.45 AR) and 26-year-old Shakhtar striker Olexandr Sakhno (5 Apps, 3 Gls, 2 Asts, 7.38 AR), Ukraine hit a rich vein of form and did not let up all tournament long, playing harder than their opponents and holding nothing back. Their brash confidence took the top tier teams, who are more used to being the intimidators, by surprise. Alongside 31-year-old Southampton DC Illya Zabarnyi (5 Apps, 7.34 AR), Artymovych – who won the tournament’s Best Player – and the team’s leading goalscorer Sakhno formed a perfect storm, one that took Japan 2034 by storm and came away with perhaps the tournament’s most surprising victory of all-time.  RESULT: Ukraine 2 – 1 Italy

 

 

AWARDS

 

BEST PLAYER – Yaroslav Artymovych (Ukraine)

The 24-year-old Dynamo Kiev midfielder is on top of the world, leading Ukraine to the World Cup title for the first time ever and winning the tournament’s Best Player award….Both have been the most surprising winners in the history of the World Cup – Ukraine as champions and Artymovych as Best Player, but he did deserve it….In 6 Games, he registered 1 Goal, 4 Assists, and 7.45 AR, playing fantastic in the Finals in Tokyo against Italy….He has been Dynamo Kiev’s Player of the Year for the past two seasons….Is sure to be subject of several high profile bids from some of the world’s top clubs after this summer.

 

BEST YOUNG PLAYER – Naim Saidi (Morocco)

Morocco advanced to the Third Round before falling to eventual champions Ukraine on penalties, and the main reason was 20-year-old Wydad Casablanca winger Naim Saidi….The ‘Professional’ right winger playing in 4 Games and registered 3 Goals, 2 Assists, and 7.70 AR during Morocco’s run….He has been a star on the African continent for the past few years, but now the entire world gets to hear of him….He won the African Confederations Cup with his club last year and won the African Championship of Nations (the African tournament for African-based players) with Morocco this year, also winning its Best Player award after registering 4 Goals, 5 Assists, and 8.13 AR in 6 Games….In 29 Games with his club this past season, he registered 3 Goals, 12 Assists, 6 PoMs, and 7.57 AR….Is already the subject of bids from teams such as Celtic, PSV, Lyon, and Man City.

 

BEST GOALKEEPER – Ruslan Nescheret (Ukraine)

The Saint-Etienne GK has played for one other team in his career – his boyhood club of Dynamo Kiev….Ruslan Nescheret moved to France in the summer of 2027 from Dynamo Kiev for £500K, where he has spent the last 7 seasons as a starter and one of the French Ligue 1’s best GKs….The ‘Experience Goalkeeper’ turned 32 in January and has earned 27 Caps for the Ukraine….In 7 Games at Japan 2034, he played in 7 Games and conceded 5 Goals, registering 3 Clean Sheets and 7.11 AR….A picture of calm in an otherwise boisterous and brash team, Nescheret has made 230 League Appearances for Saint-Etienne.

 

 

GOLDEN BOOT – Jonathan Aguero (Paraguay): 5 Goals

It has been a great season for the 24-year-old Empoli striker….He finally broke out with his club, scoring 16 Goals and registering 4 Assists, 3 PoMs, and 7.06 AR in 34 Appearances as Empoli took 9^th Place in the Italian Serie A….He then followed that up with a Golden Boot award from Japan 2034 after scoring 5 Goals in only 4 Games for Paraguay….He is likely arouse interest in some of the top tier European clubs, especially as that he has now proven he can score in one of the Big Five leagues.

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

MAJOR LEAGUES REVIEW 2033/34

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Winner: JUVENTUS

The 2030s has been a decade of stories in the Champions League – the fall of Bayern Munich, the Mbappe title, and now the rise of Italian football and the vindication of Frederico Chiesa (11 Apps, 2 Gls, 4 Asts, 2 PoMs, 2.33 D/90, 7.27 AR), the 36-year-old Juventus and Italy legend who can now call himself a Champions League winner….Juventus defeated Inter Milan as the Champions League saw its first Italian champion since Inter Milan won it in 2010 and Juventus were winning their first title since 1996, their 3^rd of all-time….The most dominant team in Italy currently and throughout the 2020s, Chiesa led Juventus to the CL Finals once before in 2026, falling to Erling Haaland and Man City in Madrid….The ‘Elite Winger’ has certainly taken his place amongst the legends of Italy, and it was only fitting that he scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Inter Milan in the all-Italian CL Finals in Kiev, Ukraine….The former defending champions Real Madrid fell in the Semi-Finals to Juventus, while Inter Milan got through on penalties against Manchester City….Erling Haaland (11 Apps, 13 Gls, 7.77 AR) won the CL Top Goalscorer award with 13 Goals for the 5^th time in his career….Pedri, who moved to Juventus from Bayern Munich last summer in a £58M move, finally lifted the Champions League trophy, something which had eluded him at both Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

 

 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Winner: MANCHESTER UNITED

Are we witnessing the birth of a new dynasty or the peak of an exiting generation? Only time has the answer to that question, but Manchester United has now won three titles in a row….It is weird to imagine that EPL Footballer of the Year – for the 9^th time in a row and 10^th time overall – Erling Haaland (37 Apps, 38 Gls, 14 PoMs, 7.73 AR) and Manchester City (2^nd) last lifted the EPL trophy four years ago – a feeling the fall of the Man City dynasty came to abruptly….Mason Greenwood (31 Apps, 23 Gls, 12 Asts, 9 PoMs, 7.66 AR), Man United’s 32-year-old ‘Legendary Striker’, has been putting his name in the mix of the all-time greats, having now led his club – the only one he has ever known – to 4 Premier League and 2 Champions League titles, with all but one PL title coming in the past five years….Tottenham (3^rd) and Arsenal (4^th) took the remaining CL spots, with Newcastle (5^th) and Everton (6^th) also going to Europe….Man United’s Thomas Frank won his third straight PL Manager of the Year.

 

SPANISH LA LIGA

Winner: REAL MADRID

Nine titles in a row for Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe (34 Apps, 28 Gls, 10 Asts, 6 PoMs, 7.69 AR), who will be leading France out at Japan 2034 for his 5^th World Cup….The 35-year-old won it at Russia 2018 and also took home the World Cup Best Young Player award, then led them to the Finals at Spain 2030 before falling to the hosts, winning the Top Goalscorer (11 Goals) and World Cup Best Player awards….Barcelona (2^nd) finished in a familiar position, ahead of Real Sociedad (3^rd) and Atletico Bilbao (4^th)….Atletico Madrid (10^th) are going through some hard times, falling to their lowest position in 29 years.

 

 

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Winner: BAYERN MUNICH

Is the end near? Bayern Munich took a record 22^nd straight Bundesliga title this year, but they only did it because they had a better Goal Difference than Borussia Dortmund (2^nd), who had the same amount of points (88)….Still, there was no doubt that Bayern Munich remains the top team in Germany, even if the invincible aura of the ‘Team of the 2020s’ has all but disappeared….In a league and land known for amazing GKs, never has someone from the GK position won the Bundesliga Player of the Year until this season when Bayern Munich and Brazil GK Edgar Rodrigo Stolte (33 Apps, 13 Clean Sheets, 7.55 AR) took it home….This was the Brazlian international’s first full season with the club, taking over from Diogo Costa, after coming in from West Bromwhich for £42M during the January 2033 transfer window….The 26-year-old was a great signing alongside Argentinian ‘Elite Striker’ Andres Ravizzoli (30 Apps, 22 Gls, 8 Asts, 7.48 AR), who won the league’s Top Goalscorer award in his first season….The 25-year-old powerful forward moved for potentially £166M last summer from Man City, where he failed to live up to his vast potential….Leipzig (3^rd) and Bayer Levekusen (4^th) make the Champions League for the second consecutive season while in the same positions.

 

 

ITALIAN SERIE A

Winner: JUVENTUS

The big story out of Italy this year is not Juventus’ third consecutive Serie A trophy, but the all-Italian Champions League Finals in Kiev that saw the Italian champions defeat Inter Milan (2^nd) and deliver Frederico Chiesa’s (33 Apps, 4 Gls, 10 Asts, 7 PoMs, 7.62 AR) first ever CL title….It has been a fitting swansong season for the 36-year-old legend, whose physical abilities are starting to fail him….Is he the greatest Serie A player of all-time? He certainly has a good argument – he holds the record for having won the Serie A Player of the Year award 7 times and has won the Serie A title 9 times – now that he has a CL title in his trophy drawer….Roma (3^rd) finished ahead of AC Milan (4^th) this season, but the top four remains the same.

 

 

FRENCH LIGUE 1

Winner: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Thirteen in a row for Paris Saint-Germain, who were led by newly crowned French Ligue 1 Best Player Gianluigi Donnarumma (32 Apps, 0.34 Con/90, 22 Clean Sheets, 7.79 AR)….The 35-year-old Italian GK has been just as important as the likes of Ansu Fati when it comes to PSG’s dominance in the French league for the past several years….Monaco (2^nd) finished ahead of Lyon (3^rd) and Rennes (4^th)….This was Lyon’s highest finish since 2028 and Monaco’s highest in the last four years.

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

THE SOPHARA JOURNAL

SEASON REVIEW 2033/2034

 

TEAM REVIEW

The shift has been seismic – there has been nothing subtle about it. Since last April, when Ezz fielded a team that featured no player from the famed First Generation, the rollouts and replacing has been quick and quiet. It started at the beginning of the season with Sean Travis replacing Joe Sheppard and ended with Dougal Yule as starter up front alongside Bekir Celik instead of club GOAT Joe Reardon. The First Generation had a very evident ceiling of mid-table team, and now Abul Ezz is trying to elevate the club past that and into Europe. He would get the team as high as 8^th Place this season, their second best finish ever. Like so many decisions taken before in his career, there were questions about his thought process and his heavy shifting of the starting eleven, but like almost everything before it, Ezz has – so far – been proven correct. The manager has shifted the club’s complete reliance on the First Generation and has successfully transitioned away from them with even younger talent (higher potential) without losing any of the progress. They improved from 11^th Place up to 8^th, the offense remained one of the top in the Premier League as it was ranked 4^th best, and the defense got significantly better, up from 16^th to 11^th Place. Club Captain Akim Lawrence won his first Sophara United Player of the Year award as he finally earned his first Cap for England, just in time for Japan 2034. The SYA set up its 4^th branch, partnering with Deportivo Pereira of Colombia in creating SYA Colombia – its first foray outside of Europe and in South America.

Sophara United have carved out a reputation as a tough team that can take a result from anyone – no matter what, it is guaranteed that Sophara will play hard and tough. In the eight years the club has spent in the Premier League, it has never been involved in a prolonged relegation battle. It has finished in the mid-table every season, between 7^th and 12^th Places, and have been a nuisance in the world’s most competitive domestic league since their arrival in 2026. The Sophara United Stadium is now a raucous warzone of 30k+ people every home matchday evening, with a rapid and dedicated fanbase that have bought in wholly to the concept behind the club. Europe still eludes them – it remains the holy grail – but one can feel it inching ever so closer and has developed an almost inevitable feel to it. Everyone knows it will happen, the question is when? As we flow into the mid-2030s and Sophara United has made a name for itself as a tough, skilled young team that belongs, will it be able to experience those amazing European nights sometime this decade?

 

 

GOALKEEPERS

DARREN ALLEN (England: 18 U21 Caps) – Age: 22 ('28 Youth Class) – Position: GK

The 2033 EPL Young Player of the Year had the best season of his career, playing in 38 Games for the third season in a row and registering 1.50 Con/90, 10 Clean Sheets (career-high), 2 PoMs, and 7.21 AR, also a career-high. He was twice named the PL Young Player of the Month (October, February) and named in the PL Team of the Week four times, making a good case for himself in his battle to be named to the England squad. This was his 5^th year as a starter in the Premier League – the initial buzz around him has died down a bit and any talk about Allen being potentially a world-class GK has subsided, but the fact that he can be considered a PL veteran at 22 is amazing in any respect. He is playing close to his full potential and is unlikely to develop further in terms of ability, but as it stands he is one of the squad’s most important players.

 

 

FULLBACKS

PATRICK BOLA (DRC: 15 Caps) – Age: 25 ('25 Youth Class) – Position: DL

Life has been good for Patrick Bola since announcing his eligibility of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s national team, becoming somewhat of a star in his home country. He played at AFCON 2032 in Tunisia, has now made 15 international appearances, and also enjoyed his best season in quite a few years. In 37 Games, he registered 2 Assists, 56.73 PC/90, 36 Key Passes, 89% PC, 1.96 T/90, 72 Tackles Won, 130 Interceptions, and 6.89 AR, up from 6.85 AR last year. He was active, he was involved, he was injury-free, and he played well. Part of the ’25 Youth Class that also produced Bekir Celik and Jakub Berkovec, the DRC DL has now made 239 League Appearances for the club with a 6.83 AR for his career.

 

 

MOHAMMED ADU (England: 23 U21 Caps) – Age: 22 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: DR (DC)

The Ghanaian/English defender had the best season of his career to date – in 35 Games, he registered 2.18 T/90 (team-high), 47.09 PC/90, 88% PC, 74 Tackles Won (team-high), 12 Key Tackles (team-high, 3^rd in PL) 160 Interceptions (Best in PL), 75 Blocks (2^nd in PL), 539 Possessions Won (Best in PL), and a career-high 6.97 AR. He has carved out a role for himself as a hard-working, tireless DR who tries to be active and involved all game long. His PA has been downgraded to 4/5 and he has a 3.5/5 CA, so scouts generally consider him playing close to his full potential. He is a smart player with decent strength and good speed who has learned a totally new position in a few years and now is a Premier League-level right-back who still has some room to grow.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

29-year-old Ger Lennon (14 Apps, 6.65 AR) remains the first option off the bench as cover for each full-back position….One of the First Generation members, at his peak he was one of the highest valued players on the Irish national team….Never could get it going in the Premier League, however, although he does have value for his experience as a backup….Given the health of the two starters and Ezz’s preference to stick with Lennon as cover meant there was no additional playing time for any other prospects.

 

 

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

AKIM LAWRENCE (England: 2 Caps) – Age: 26 (’23 Youth Class) – Position: DC

It finally happened for the greatest defender the SYA has ever produced – he won his first Cap for England. He was teased two summers ago as he was picked for England’s Euro 2032 squad, but he did not play and it was not until this season that he got his first game. Just in time, too, as he has also been selected to play for England at the World Cup at Japan 2034. England have been buzzing since they appointed Zlatan Ibrahimovic as their manager after Euro 2032, and the Swedish legend has shown enough trust in the Sophara United captain to believe he will see action at the World Cup. As for Lawrence, he had his finest season of his career, winning his first Sophara United Player of the Year award while playing in 36 Games and registering 1.17 T/90, 461 Headers Won (1^st in PL), 11 Key Tackles (4^th), 48 Key Headers (4^th), 129 Interceptions (5^th), 50 Blocks (10^th), 431 Clearances (1^st), 491 Possessions Won (3^rd), and a career-high 7.23 AR. He continues to make his usual noise about belonging at a bigger club, but he has recommitted to the club every time he had to make a decision and its tough to see him leave for somewhere else in two years time.

 

 

GEORGE ADAMU (Nigeria: 3 Caps) – Age: 18 (’32 Youth Class) – Position: DC

Although Adamu has always been considered a talented prospect, no one really saw him taking on the role he did this year and stepping up. He replaced legend Tom Horgan in the starting lineup as Ezz shook the foundation of the starting eleven, but he did totally fine. In 33 Games, he registered 77.06 PC/90 (team-high), 97% PC, 96 Interceptions, and 6.98 AR as he also made his international debut for his nation of Nigeria. He has the look of a future captain – a strong, resolute personality with the right amount of heart and football IQ. It could not have been an easy decision for manager Abul Ezz to bench one of his favorite players in Tom Horgan – the ‘Heart of the First Generation’ – but it also is a testament to just how talented he thinks Adamu can be. His value is now officially north of £60M.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Tom Horgan (6 Apps, 6.87 AR) was a surprising decision in the shakeup as George Adamu was favored to the Sophara United legend….The 30-year-old DC went from making 30 Appearances to just 6….The ‘Experience Centre-Back’ and ‘Model Professional’ would certainly have no shortage of takers should he decide to move on with his career, something which he suggested is a possibility….Although there are some prospects that are of interest, none were able to make an impression on the first team this season.

 

CENTRAL/ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

SEAN TRAVIS (England: Capped at U19) – Age: 17 (’33 Youth Class) – Position: MC

Perhaps the most controversial starting eleven selection in what has now been called ‘The Shake-Up’, the rookie Sean Travis replaced First Generation and Sophara legend Joe Sheppard – the ‘Brain of the First Generation’ – in the starting lineup. He was not impressive, struggling a lot of the time and showing worryingly little progress as a player, but Ezz insists he will push on putting his full backing behind the young MC. In 29 Games, he registered 2 Goals, 1 Assist, 1.22 T/90, 83% PC, 29 Key Passes, and 6.61 AR, only turning 17 in April. There is obvious skill there otherwise Ezz would put so much faith in his development – he is a skillful player who has a knack for the flamboyant moves but is smart about it. He became the youngest Premier League player of all-time to score in a match at the age of 16 years and 16 days and has been a talking point ever since. Although judgement on his form is still early, he will be expected to play better in his sophomore year than he did his rookie one.

 

 

RICHIE HUNTER (England: 14 U21 Caps/1 U21 Goal) – Age: 18 (’31 Youth Class) – Position: MC

Richie Hunter’s claim to fame is still his winning goal at the Finals of the Euro U19 Championship in 2031 against Spain, but his career is developing to be about so much more. Hunter is what Ezz is hoping he can replicate with Travis – a flawed MC who he has turned into one of the most exciting prospects at his position in the world. Essentially replacing Ronnie Flood in the starting lineup last season, he struggled in a difficult year as he tried to adjust to the Premier League. He did much better this season – in 36 Games, he registered 3 Goals, 9 Assists, 2 PoMs, 57.45 PC/90, 16 Clear-Cut Chances, 53 Key Passes, 84% PC, and a career-high 7.00 AR, up from 6.72 AR last season. He placed 8^th in the 2034 NxGn Top 50 list and has been given the moniker of ‘Wonderkid’ as he claimed the PL Young Player of the Month twice this season. He is only 1.67m tall but his presence on the pitch can only be described as hulking – he plays much bigger than he really is.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

It was strange seeing the starting lineup come out without Joe Sheppard (32 Apps (12 Starts), 3 Gls, 3 Asts, 6.85 AR) but more often than not this season that is what happened….The club legend, now 30, has 142 Goals and 142 Assists in 492 Games for his career….The ‘Model Professional’ has suggested that it might be time for a new challenge in his career, a sentiment shared amongst many of the First Generation players….Nyren Minton-Collis (’29 Youth Class – 10 Apps, 1 Goal, 2 Asts, 6.86 AR) continues to struggle in breaking through the rotation and putting a stable, permanent place for himself in it….Even after the departure of Tommy Sullivan, he could not put his stamp on the rotation, suggesting that perhaps he doesn’t have Abul Ezz’s trust yet….The 21-year-old has been offered a new five-year contract that will pay him £40.5k per week….The 2020s were Ronnie Flood (6 Apps, 6.75 AR) golden days, but the 2030s have proven difficult for one of the First Generation’s most important players….Flood, 30, has played in 427 League Games for the club.

 

 

WINGERS

AARON WOODWARD (England: 1 U21 Cap) – Age: 20 (’29 Youth Class) – Position: AMR (SC)

The 20-year-old winger has had a weird career thus far, but this season was his most balanced yet. In 34 Appearances, he registered 7 Goals, 7 Assists, 2 PoMs, 3.01 D/90, and 6.89 AR, up slightly from 6.85 AR last season. He is fast and he has good technique with the ball, with a decent ability to score. He is no Jakub Berkovec, however, and it is becoming evident that he is not a long-term answer for the void the Czech star left behind down the right wing. Depending on how much more he can improve (2.5/5 CA, 3.5+/5 PA) in the next couple of years, he has enough talent to be part of the rotation at the club for a long time, especially considering he can cover the forward position, as well.

 

 

AHMED RAZAK (England: 17 U21 Caps/11 U21 Goals) – Age: 22 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: AML (AMR)

Akim Lawrence might have won the club’s Player of the Year award, but there is a loud group that believe it should have gone to the 22-year-old left winger. He played in all 38 Games, registering career-highs of 11 Goals, 14 Assists (1^st in PL), 78 Key Passes (11^th), 32 Clear-Cut Chances (1^st), 91 Dribbles Made (6^th), and a career-high 7.05 AR, up from 6.85 AR last season. He was one of the Premier League’s best passers, leading the league in assists and clear-cut chances. The ‘Enthusiastic Winger’ might not find it easy to break into the English national team set-up, but he is eligible for Ghana and would be a star for the African nation. He was named in the PL Team of the Week three times this season and won the PL Goal of the Month award in January. He has proven to be an excellent passer from before, but this was the first season where he showed how dangerous he was as a goalscorer, as well. The left winger’s importance to the team continues to grow with each season that goes by.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Stan Drummond (21 Apps, 6.67 AR) made 21 substitute appearances this season, carrying a role much like Ger Lennon does with the full-back positions….He covers both wings, and has proven capable of adjusting from being a star in the 2020s to an impact sub in the 2030s….He has 116 Assists for his career in 432 Games….18-year-old Ted Baah (’32 Youth Class – 20 Apps, 2 Gls, 4 Asts, 2.57 D/90, 6.68 AR) did better his second season than he did during his rookie one, but the inconsistency remains a large aspect of game….Has shown good improvement as a footballer, however, especially on the technical skills side of things….Has the potential to replace Woodward in the starting lineup if he can put together a string of good games.

 

 

FORWARDS

BEKIR CELIK (Turkey: 38 Caps/20 Goals) – Age: 24 (’25 Youth Class) – Position: SC

Bekir Celik will be headed to his second World Cup when he joins Turkey at Japan 2034, and he will hoping that this time around he will play a more prominent role than he did as a 20-year-old at Spain 2030. He has proven himself a reliable threat up front, registering his third straight 20+ Goals season in a row. In 34 Appearances, the former three-time EPL Young Player of the Year registered 21 Goals, 6 Assists, 4 PoMs, 1.13 D/90, 57% ST, and 7.11 AR, down from 7.22 AR last season. He won the 2033 Turkish Footballer of the Year, making it a record-tying 4^th time he has won the award. He has been a star in Turkey since his teenage years but has now developed into one of the leaders of this Turkish generation of footballers.

 

 

JOE REARDON (England: Capped at U19) – Age: 30 – Position: SC

If the rumors are to be believed, then Smokin’ Joe Reardon will not begin next season as a starter for the club up front. As unspeakable as it is, that might be the reality that the Sophara United GOAT will have to face come August. This was the second straight season where he only scored 8 Goals, playing in 26 Games and also registering 4 Assists, 2 PoMs, 1.33 D/90, and 7.01 AR. He is Sophara United’s record goalscorer with 223 League Goals over the course of his career, accomplished in 470 League Games while also registering 94 Assists, 53 PoMs, and 7.22 AR. Next year will be his 14^th season with the club, but it will also be the first in which he will start it having already turned 30. When the story of Sophara United’s journey in the 2020s comes out, the ‘Soul of the First Generation’ is sure to be center stage as he remains the best player in the history of the club and a legend in every respect.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Andy Holland (30 Apps (1 Start), 3 Gls, 6.76 AR) is another hallmark of the 2020s and the First Generation that has embraced his new role as an impact sub….The 30-year-old ‘Experience Striker’ has 168 League Goals in 462 Games over his career….The ‘Model Professional’ is a Sophara United legend….Sean Whiteside (’32 Youth Class - 7 Apps, 6.70 AR) is showing good skills but poor scoring ability thus far, as many have begun wondering whether he is a better fit in the middle of the pitch as opposed to the front….All that might be moot anyway as Ezz is reportedly enamored by incoming Scottish rookie Dougal Yule and will be looking to give him as much playing time as he can.

 

 

END OF SEASON REVIEW

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

NxGN 50 2034

The 3 Sophara United players are Richie Hunter (8th), George Adamu (29th), and Sean Travis (34th). 

 

WINNER

LEONARDO GARCIA, (Mexico: 7 Caps), Defender – Atlas (MEX), 18-years-old (Previous: 4^th)

He was ranked 4^th last year so he had already started making a name for himself during his rookie year, but he has elevated that this season….He might be only 1.66m but he has a hulking presence on the pitch, especially down the left flank….Born in a town in the plains east of Guadalajara, he moved to the big city and came up through the Atlas youth system….He was a starter during his rookie year (31 Apps, 6.99 AR) and has maintained that position this season….He is considered a rising star in Mexico and now that he has won the NxGn award, interest from Europe is sure to be oncoming.

 

 

2ND PLACE

LABROS SIDERIS (Greece: 4 Caps/4 Goals), Forward – Olympiacos, 19-years-old (Previous: 29^th)

It won’t be long before the Greek forward moves west, with interest coming from France, Germany, and England….In 18 Appearances, he scored 7 Goals and registered 7.09 AR, getting designated a ‘Wonderkid’ thanks to his dribbling ability and speed….Born in Athens, Sideris has been Olympiacos since he was a child but given his ability, he has probably outgrown the Greek leagues….Has certainly turned some heads this season, especially with some of his performances in the European matches.

 

 

3RD PLACE

ALDIN HRUSTANOVIC (Bosnia: 23 Caps/3 Goals), Midfielder – Real Sociedad,19-years-old (Previous: 2^nd)

Dropping one spot but still as popular as ever is Real Sociedad’s Bosnian sensation Aldin Hrustanovic….Has done better his second season in Spain (20 Apps (5 Starts), 3 Gls, 87% PC, 6.87 AR) as he started getting more comfortable with his new environment….Was voted the 2034 European International League’s Best Young Player….His quickness and speed is notable, especially for his position, and he utilizes them very well as weapons….His estimated value is now over £60M – Real Sociedad acquired him last year from Czech club Bohemians for just £6.25M.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

YOUTH INTAKE 2034

[The Kids Are On Rua dos Jerónimos]

Manuel looks like a 'Best Ever in Club History' type. 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

 

GOAL 50 2033

 

WINNER

KYLIAN MBAPPE (France: 188 Caps/110 Goals) – Real Madrid, 34-years-old, Forward (Previous: Winner)

Three years in a row as the Goal 50 winner for Kylian Mbappe, and who can argue with it….He finally won the Champions League trophy on his 6^th trip to the competition’s Finals, defeating his arch-nemesis and rival Erling Haaland and Man City at the San Siro in Milan, fittingly scoring the game’s only goal in extra-time in emphatic fashion….He led France to their 3^rd European International League title, equaling England’s record, scoring a brace in their 2-0 win over Italy in the Finals….The Spanish La Liga Player of the Year for the 7^th time, he also captured his 9^th La Liga title and 8^th in a row….Haaland might have had a greater peak than Mbappe, but it is the French legend who has had the better longevity as there is no better footballer in the world today despite his age….Has officially made an exclusive club – the 400+Goals/100+Assists/100+PoMs club, which currently has only two other members in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

 

 

2ND PLACE

PATRICK WEISSMANN (Germany: 70 Caps/11 Goals) – Bayern Munich, 23-years-old, Midfielder (Previous: 2^nd)

In a debate on a TV program recently about Weissmann and what is the closest match to him, the answer was Zinedine Zidane, the legendary player and manager who was the best on the planet on the pitch during the 1990s and early/mid-2020s….The 23-year-old German midfielder is already a legend for club and country, winning his 7^th Bundesliga title and 3^rd Bundesliga Player of the Year award while leading Germany to the Euro 2032 title….His passing ability is the best in the world, and despite the heavy attention to him since he was a teenager, Weissmann has handled like a professional and has thrived under the pressure….Is the world’s most complete player – whether it is defensively or offensively, he has no weakness….The Stuttgart product is one of two players to win the World U21 Player of the Year award three times, and has also won the World Cup Best Young Player award after his performances at Spain 2030….Last time around, he was a rising young superstar – at Japan 2034, he will be watched as one of the world’s greatest players.

 

 

3RD PLACE

ANSU FATI (Spain: 132 Caps/68 Goals) – Paris Saint-Germain, 31-years-old, Forward (Previous: 13^th)

There has ben a conscious effort lately to finally giving Fati his credit due, and his 3^rd Place finish in this year’s Goal 50 awards is his highest ever….Fati – along with Pedri – have accomplished what no other superstar in the game has yet done, and that is reach the World Cup Finals three times and actually lift the trophy twice….He has also won the French Ligue 1 title 9 times – once in every season he has played with the club….He has been crowned the French Ligue 1 Best Player 4 times, a new league record….He set a new career-high with 16 Assists last season, and its tough not seeing him get 200+Goals/100+Assists for his career….His 7.60 AR for his career tells the full picture of just how incredible Fati has been over the course of his career.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

Acquired this past summer by Bayern Munich from Manchester City for a deal that could potentially be worth £166M, Andres Ravizzoli (5^th) has all the tools to be successful but has not quite taken of yet….In his seven seasons with Man City, he had only one good season in which he registered 14 Goals, 14 Assists, and 7.33 AR in 2030/31….The ‘Elite Striker’ is now 25 and the hope is that his new club will be able to unlock the potential in him….One of the greatest striker of the 2020s and the early 2030s, Dusan Vlahovic (15^th) was bought by Bayern Munich for £76M from Fiorentina in 2023….He headed the front line of the ‘Team of the 2020s’ and was the best player on the Serbian team that reached the Euro 2028 Finals against France in Italy….He now has 201 League Goals for his career in 387 Games while also registering 7.47 AR….The only Sophara Youth Academy to make it on the Goal 50 list, Jakub Berkovec (49^th) has started his third season with Chelsea since leaving his boyhood club for £94M….The 24-year-old Czech right winger is one of the fastest players on the planet, but has yet to deliver the form of a superstar….That is what he is in his home nation, however, as he is the country’s highest valued and most famous player.

 

 

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

I found this interesting.

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

MAJOR LEAGUES REVIEW 2032/33

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Winner: REAL MADRID

It could not have had a more fitting ending – the story of Kylian Mbappe (11 Apps, 8 Gls, 4 PoMs, 7.58 AR) and the Champions League trophy that had eluded him finally being united after Mbappe scored the extra-time goal against Manchester City and his ultimate rival Erling Haaland in the Finals at the San Siro in Milan, Italy….This was Mbappe’s 6^th trip to the CL Finals – 5 of which have come with Real Madrid – having carried the infamous 0-5 label representing his W-L in the CL Finals….That can finally show a 1 at the beginning, now 1-5 in the CL Finals….This was Real Madrid’s first title since 2018, which was also the last time a Spanish La Liga team took home the CL trophy….Real Sociedad made their first trip to the Semi-Finals, falling to the eventual champions and La Liga Rivals Real Madrid, while Man City defeated Paris Saint-Germain 5-3 in an entertaining tie….PSG obliterated the former defending champions Manchester United in the Quarter-Finals, defeating the English team 9-0 over the two legs….This was Real Madrid’s 14^th Champions League win of all-time, a competition record.

 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Winner: MANCHESTER UNITED

Two in a row for Manchester United, who won an English Premier League record 23^rd title….It was not even close, finishing a full 13 Points ahead of Runners-Up and rivals Manchester City (2^nd), whose aura of dominance that they carried in the 2020s has all but diminished….They also lost to Real Madrid in the Champions League Finals in Milan….Man City ‘Legendary Striker’ Erling Haaland (36 Apps, 38 Gls, 9 PoMs, 7.73 AR) won his 8^th PL Footballer of the Year award in a row, obviously another record he has set and further enhancing the PL GOAT argument, not that it needed any strengthening….Man United manager Thomas Frank, who has been at the club since 2026, won the PL Manager of the Year award for the second consecutive season….Tottenham (3^rd) and Arsenal (4^th) took the last two Champions League spots….Man United have now won 2 of the 4 seasons in the 2030s – the 2020s were undisputedly the decade of Man City – arguably the most dominant PL team of all-time – but the 2030s have been Man United territory thus far.

 

SPANISH LA LIGA

Winner: REAL MADRID

It was one for the nostalgic – not only did Real Madrid and Kylian Mbappe (32 Apps, 18 Gls, 8 Asts, 8 PoMs, 7.70 AR), who captured the Spanish La Liga Player of the Year for the 3^rd time in a row and 7^th time overall, win their 8^th La Liga title in a row, but they finally won the Champions League title….For Mbappe, it made it 1-5 in the CL Finals, while for Real Madrid, it was a competition record 14^th title and their first since 2018….That is a huge question mark erased from Mbappe’s career – he has now proven himself a winner at every level, winning every meaningful competition in his career….Barcelona (2^nd) finished as Runners-Up again, ahead of Real Sociedad (3^rd) and Villareal (4^th)….That meant that Atletico Madrid (5^th) finished outside of the top four for the first time since the 2022/23 season….This was Zinedine Zidane’s 8^th La Liga Manager of the Year award in a row (and 9^th overall), ending his career in Spain in style as he heads to England and Chelsea.

 

 

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Winner: BAYERN MUNICH

 

Twenty-one in a row for Bayern Munich, as the ‘Team of the 2020s’ continues their dominance over the German Bundesliga….Patrick Weissmann (33 Apps, 8 Gls, 17 Asts, 4 PoMs, 7.68 AR) won the Bundesliga Player of the Year award for the second straight season and third time in his career, an amazing feat considering he is only 23….The Euro 2032 winner and ‘Elite Midfielder’ is a unique player, unlike any before him with the exception of perhaps Zinedine Zidane….Borussia Dortmund (2^nd) had their highest finish in 12 years, finishing ahead of Leipzig (3^rd) and Bayer Leverkusen (4^th), with the latter having developed a reputation for scouting and developing young talent.

 

 

ITALIAN SERIE A

Winner: JUVENTUS

Juventus won their second title in a row, finishing 2 Points ahead of Inter Milan (2^nd)….The two-time Runners-Up were led by the now two-time Serie A Player of the Year Warren Bondo (38 Apps, 4 Gls, 16 Asts, 4 PoMs, 7.51 AR), with the 29-year-old French midfielder having been the best player in Italy over the last two seasons….AC Milan (3^rd) and Roma (4^th) grabbed the last two Champions League spots….Juventus’ new crop are led by 25-year-old Serie A Top Goalscorer Felipe Rojas (34 Apps, 20 Gls, 7.18 AR)….The Chilean striker has been the nation’s most dangerous striker over the past two seasons.  

 

 

FRENCH LIGUE 1

Winner: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

With each passing season, the legend of Ansu Fati (32 Apps, 18 Gls, 16 Asts, 8 PoMs, 7.99 AR) grows as he won his 4^th French Ligue 1 Best Player award, something no one before him has accomplished….A two-time World Cup winner, nine-time French Ligue 1 title holder, Champions League winner, and perhaps PSG’s greatest player of all-time….The ‘Legendary Winger’ has never had eye-popping numbers but his greatness has been in his subtleties….Rennes (2^nd) finished 20 Points behind the twelve-time defending champions….Lorient (3^rd) surprised everyone by grabbing a Champions League spot, with the last one going to Monaco (4^th).

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

THE SOPHARA JOURNAL

SEASON REVIEW 2032/2033

 

TEAM REVIEW

On April 18^th, 2033, an era was officially marked over – the First Generation era came to a close as for the first time in club history, not a single player from the First Generation featured in a Sophara United starting eleven. To go further, the team won the match against Everton 3-2, with Sean Travis setting a new English Premier League record for youngest goalscorer of all-time. It was indicative of the direction of the club – the remnants of the First Generation linger and have a strong presence, but it is clear to everyone that the future has no place for them. The talent that the Sophara Youth Academy has produced over the last few years – especially attacking talent – is no joke, as it has produced players like Jakub Berkovec and Bekir Celik who have become stars in their respective nations of Czech Republic and Turkey. Tommy Sullivan is one of the highest profile names on the Irish national squad and Patrick Bola recently represented the DRC at AFCON 2032. All that, and none of it done by First Generation players. This is not to discredit them – on the contrary, what they accomplished storming up the leagues and into the Premier League was historic, unprecedented, and will forever etch their place in the history of the game. They were teenage talent that was capable of becoming Premier League level players, and Abul Ezz made sure the right environment was created to maximize their potential. In the end, their development was so impressive they were Premier League level players still playing in the lower leagues. But their level has been mid-table Premier League for the past few years, and if the club has ambitions to push past that and into Europe, changes had to be made. It has been a project that has been on-going over the past few years, with several landmarks being set, but never before had no member of the First Generation not come out in the starting eleven. The talent is there, and it is real. How good this current and upcoming batch of players can be is yet to be determined. The early 2030s has been defined by the names Akim Lawrence, Jakub Berkovec, and Bekir Celik, but no where near the same effect as the 2020s version in Tom Horgan, Joe Sheppard, and Joe Reardon – all three are still starters.

Yes, they finished in 11^th Place – a drop of 4 spots from last season – and yes, the defense regressed from the10^th best back to 16^th best in the English Premier League. There were signs of immaturity unfathomable during the First Generation days, which brought with it inconsistent form and more temperament than usual. But they were also the 3^rd best offense in the PL – they were a team whose reputation continued that of their predecessors, that of bravery, hard work, and professionalism. By the numbers, this season was a regression in almost every way. But what the numbers don’t account for is for the First Generation’s ceiling as compared to this new batch’s ceiling. Without challenging the youngsters, the experience needed to develop and maximize their potential would not come, and Ezz has stuck true to his philosophy. The First Generation peaked at 7^th Place with the help of several non-First Generation players – the hope is that the current/upcoming one has the potential to best that. This is the first Sophara United team to get to the Quarter-Finals of the Carabao Cup, doing so this year before losing to Everton. Their FA Cup adventures were predictably miserable – a Third Round exit to Watford.

The Sophara United Stadium has been expanded to now seat 31,550 people and is the top stadium technologically in the league, making watching a Sophara match an event in itself. The SYA has started seeing results from its France setup, with three incoming prospects all coming through SYA France. The finances remain extremely healthy, with over £300M in the bank and plans to continue expanding the SYA setup. They SYA product Jakub Berkovec became the first one to be worth over £200M. Its safe to say, the experimental concept has succeeded. The finest youth setup in the world with a question, it will be interesting to see where Sophara will set up next as it continues its battle to qualify for Europe.

 

 

GOALKEEPERS

DARREN ALLEN (England: 11 U21 Caps) – Age: 21 ('28 Youth Class) – Position: GK

This was the first season Darren Allen started the season with Elvis Kozic and his distractions, and he was exponentially happier. The former Sweden U21 international left to Brighton for £2.4M last summer – one of the final nails in the First Generation era’s coffin – taking with him the tension he had caused over the last two seasons when Allen took his starting spot. The result? Allen captured the Premier League Young Player of the Year award, replacing his teammate Bekir Celik as its recipient. It was not necessarily that he had a better season – the number suggest he did not – but the fact that this was his fourth season starting despite his terrifyingly young age for the GK position and playing well has started to get him noticed. He played in all 38 Games for the second straight season, registering 1.87 Con/90 (1.45 last season), 6 Clean Sheets, and 7.16 AR. He has developed into a well-rounded GK with no real weakness, with his best quality being his direct shot-stopping ability. Talent wise, there is a huge gap between him and Kozic and he is the best GK the SYA has ever produced.

 

 

FULLBACKS

PATRICK BOLA (DRC: 9 Caps) – Age: 24 ('25 Youth Class) – Position: DL

Switching his national allegiances to DRC and playing at AFCON 2032 in Tunisia where his birth nation made it to the Quarter-Finals before falling to the eventual champions Ivory Coast, Patrick Bola had a memorable season. The consistency is remarkable – for the 3^rd straight season (and 4^th in the last 5), Bola registered 6.85 AR as he played in 32 Games and also recorded 3 Assists, 2.04 T/90, 92% PC, and 106 Interceptions. Tireless and hard-working, Bola has become a silent leader and one of the club’s most influential players. He is a true professional and continues to be a great role model for the younger players.

 

 

MOHAMMED ADU (England: 23 U21 Caps) – Age: 21 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: DR (DC)

Mohammed Adu has developed into a strong DR and had another strong season to prove it. In 31 Appearances, he registered 2 Assists, 24 Key Passes, 90% PC, 1.75 T/90, 51 Tackles Won, 132 Interceptions, and 6.89 AR. He was active, he was involved, and he continued to prove he was one of the best defenders on the team. Whether he is good enough to make the English national team remains to be seen, but if he decides to go a route similar to Bola’s, Ghana would snap him up in an instance. Although his ball handling ability has not developed much, his defensive skills have gotten noticeably better. Of course, he has grown bigger and stronger, making him more adept at dealing with the challenges of his position, but his maturity has also been evident. His value is now above £50M as he tries to make a case for the English national team.

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Signs of talent at the full-back positions are beginning to seep through the SYA….They might not be world-beaters, but at least they make the position a little deeper past Ger Lennon (9 Apps, 6.44 AR), who has been the only viable option backing up both positions….Joseph Doumbia (’29 Youth Class - 5 Apps, 2.04 T/90, 91% PC, 6.70 AR), the 20-year-old French DL, had spent the last couple of years out on loan but made his debut for the club this season….He is probably never going to be of Premier League level, but his pace makes him serviceable….The other prospect is 16-year-old rookie DR Chris Bolland (’32 Youth Class), who currently carries a 3.5+/5 PA rating….He made his debut this season – his rookie season – but only played in one game, so the jury is still totally out on him although the word out of the Sophara camp is that he is talented and there is real potential.

 

 

CENTRAL DEFENDERS

TOM HORGAN (Ireland: 1 Cap) – Age: 29 – Position: DC

A remnant of the 2020s and the First Generation era, Horgan continues to maintain his place alongside Lawrence in the starting eleven. Truthfully, he is one of Ezz’s most trusted soldiers and has never let his manager or the team down. In 30 Games, he registered 1.16 T/90, 93% PC, 64.42 PC/90 (Best on team), 95 Interceptions, and 7.00 AR, and has now played in 439 League Games for the club, third-most of all-time in club history. The ‘Model Professional’ might not be a starter for the club forever, but he will forever be known as the ‘Heart of the First Generation’ – one of its three core players.

 

 

AKIM LAWRENCE (England: 24 U21 Caps) – Age: 25 (’23 Youth Class) – Position: DC

The Club Captain has yet to make his debut for the English national team, despite being called up to the Euro 2032 squad last summer. He continued doing what he has been known to do – solid, strong, consistent defensive work. Playing in 32 Games, he registered 96% PC and 7.12 AR, in line with his work over the past few years. The debate on whether he deserves a Cap or not rages on – some say his leadership and smartness make him a great DC and others believe he is overhyped. Whatever the case is outside, within Sophara United Stadium he is loved as he is the SYA’s own and the first Premier League prospect that recommitted to the club and put his trust in the vision. Part of the early 2030s big three with Jakub Berkovec and Bekir Celik, he is the best defensive talent the SYA has ever produced.  

 

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

James Burgess (22 Apps (9 Starts), 1.32 T/90, 6.92 AR) might have played his last season with Sophara United as his contract is up this summer and he has shown no interest in renewing….The 29-year-old is a remnant of the First Generation, playing in 22 Games and playing well this past season….He has stated he is looking for a new challenge and perhaps more playing time….Like the full-back positions, there is finally some potential coming through the SYA….Two rookies made an impression this season, marking their debuts in their rookie years….George Adamu (’32 Youth Class – 2 Apps, 2.00 T/90, 6.90 AR) has already earned 3 U20 Caps for Nigeria and has been labeled by the media there as the ‘Next Stephen Keshi’ – one of Nigeria’s most capped players and one of its finest defenders ever….The 17-year-old has some work to do when it comes to passing the ball, but he has displayed the kind of characteristics that cannot be taught….Welsh U21 international and 16-year-old DC Alfie Williams (’32 Youth Class – 2 Apps, 7.00 AR) also made his debut for the club during his rookie season….The hot-headed defender is 1.89m, so he is naturally a weapon in the air for the club….A throwback defender – physical and leaves it all out on the pitch….Will fight with Adamu to fill the playing time that will potentially open up with Burgess moves on from the club.

 

 

CENTRAL/ATTACKING MIDFIELDERS

JOE SHEPPARD (England: 10 U21 Caps/1 Goal) – Age: 28 – Position: MC

One of the hallmarks of the First Generation – also known as the ‘Brain of the First Generation’ – has been Joe Sheppard’s forward drives from inside the team’s half. That’s how it all started – Flood to Sheppard and then the magic happens. Those days inevitable end seems to be coming soon but the maestro in the middle stayed at it this season – in 31 Games, he registered 8 Goals, 11 Assists, 2 PoMs, and 7.07 AR, which was down from 7.24 AR last season. He’s had a fantastic career thus far, but this season was the first a while where his shirt was not one of the top two selling at the club. He is just 11 Goals and 11 Assists from joining the 150+Goals/150+ Assists club, but he is already a legend at Sophara United.

 

 

RICHIE HUNTER (England: 9 U21 Caps) – Age: 17 – Position: MC

It was a difficult year for the youngster – in 30 Games, he registered 85% PC and 6.72 AR, his first as a starter and his sophomore season overall. Still, the talent is obvious, and Hunter looks primed to become an outstanding midfielder if his development keeps up at this pace. He already has the green light to make his mistakes from his manager, who has favored him out of all the potential talent at the MC position, including long-time starter Ronnie Flood. He is defensive-minded and likes to get involved in the mix and is already considered a Premier League-level player. His career has been eventful thus far – he won the Euro U19 Championship in 2031 after scoring the winning goal in the Finals against Spain and he has had two years in the EPL despite being only 17.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Tommy Sullivan (30 Apps (10 Starts), 4 Gls, 2 Asts, 6.96 AR) will likely join James Burgess this summer to become two of the highest profiles departures in Sophara United history….His 6.96 AR was a career-high and his manager was on his case daily about signing a new contract, but Sullivan has had his mind made up from last summer….The main beneficiary of the open playing time will likely be Nyren Minton-Collis (18 Apps (6 Starts), 56.79 PC/90, 6.76 AR)….The 20-year-old midfielder has had the hype around him die out and no one really expects him to be a top tier MC anymore, but he still can be serviceable and a strong part of a rotation….Ronnie Flood (6 Apps, 6.85 AR) went from starter to after-thought this season as Abul Ezz – who has been one of Flood’s biggest fans – prioritized developing the next generations of MCs on the squad….Sullivan is likely to leave, which means Flood will have a chance to earn some playing time, but Ezz is leaning pretty heavily on the development of Hunter so a return to the starting lineup looks difficult.

 

 

WINGERS

AARON WOODWARD (England: Capped at U20) – Age: 19 (’29 Youth Class) – Position: AMR (SC)

The 19-year-old Woodward scored a career-high 10 Goals in 34 Games along with 2 PoMs, 2.50 D/90, and 6.85 AR as the starting right winger for a club that still has fresh memories of Jakub Berkovec. He is no where near the same level, but he was at least a scoring threat down the right. The speedy striker turned winger had only 1 Assist after recording 11 last season, but he upped his Goals from 4 to 10. He still has a 4+/5 PA but it is unclear just how much Woodward will still develop. This was his second season as a starter for the team and has now played in 85 League Games in his young career.

 

 

AHMED RAZAK (England: 17 U21 Caps/11 U21 Goals) – Age: 21 (’27 Youth Class) – Position: AML (AMR)

Ahmed Razak set career-highs with 5 Goals and 10 Assists this season, also registering 6.85 AR and 2.68 D/90 in 31 Games. Injuries seem to follow him, however – he had to deal with a torn back muscle at the beginning of the season that ruled him out for nearly two months. Voted the PL Young Player of the Month for March, the ‘Enthusiastic Winger’ needs to turn his game up one more notch and he will be a great Premier League left winger for the team. This was his 4^th season as the club’s starter at left wing.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Stan Drummond (20 Apps, 3 Gls, 3 Asts, 1.49 D/90, 6.82 AR) remains the squad’s primary cover at both winger positions….The 29-year-old winger is a First Generation legend, picking up the monikor ‘King of Assists’ after setting League Two and One records in assists….Rookie Ted Baah (’32 Youth Class – 17 Apps, 2 Gls, 2 Asts, 2.25 D/90, 6.59 AR) had an eventful but ultimately tough rookie year, although the talent is plain to see….The potential is where things get iffy, as there seems to be a large scope as to where the right winger will end up.

 

 

FORWARDS

JOE REARDON (England: Capped at U19) – Age: 29 – Position: SC

This was the first season since his rookie year in 2021/22 that the club’s GOAT and greatest scorer of all-time did not register at least 10 Goals – in 26 Games, he scored only 8 Goals while also registering 4 Assists, 1.27 D/90, and 7.05 AR. Of course, he spent the majority of the second half of the season injured – first with a torn abdominal muscle and then a strong ankle sprain. This was actually the most Reardon has ever been ruled out in a season because of injury, cutting into what is supposed to be his prime seasons. The ‘Soul of the First Generation’, Reardon holds the record for most times having won the Sophara United Player of the Year, having won the award 5 times over the course of his career.

 

BEKIR CELIK (Turkey: 33 Caps/15 Goals) – Age: 23 (’25 Youth Class) – Position: SC

A new contract that pays him £130k per week was seemingly good enough motivation for Celik to get over a personal hump and score 20 Goals in consecutive seasons for the first time in his career. Playing in all 38 Games, he registered 20 Goals, 10 Assists, 7 PoMs (career-high), 50% ST, and 7.22 AR. The second-highest valued Turkish player in the world at just over £40M, the ‘Next Metin Oktay’ won the Footballer of the Year in Turkey award for the 3^rd time in his career along with his 4^th Sophara United Player of the Year. A three-time EPL Young Player of the Year winner, the Turkish striker has built up a strong reputation and has become a star in his native land.

 

HOT PROSPECTS & OTHER NOTABLES

Andy Holland (34 Apps, 5 Gls, 3 Asts, 6.80 AR) has transformed his role and his game to suit the team’s needs and has thrived….In the 2020s, he was partners with Reardon as the team barreled up the leagues, scoring as much as 35 Goals in a season….No longer possessing the required talent to be a primary scorer in the Premier League, Holland has adjusted as has become one of the best backups at left wing and striker in the league currently….To put his adjustment into perspective, he has scored less goals in the past 6 seasons than he did his rookie year….Remains of Ian Poulter (’29 Youth Class) in the rotation.

 

 

END OF SEASON REVIEW

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

NxGN 50 2033

 

WINNER

OLAUS ROMUNDSTAD, (Norway: 14 U21 Caps/1 U21 Goals), Midfielder – PSV Eindhoven, 19-years-old (Previous: Unranked)

The Norwegian midfielder popped up on the radar last season after PSV Eindhoven purchased him from Norwegian club Ranheim for £2.1M….He has been fantastic this season – his second with the Dutch club – playing in 27 Games and registering 7 Goals, 3 Assists, 3 PoMs, and 7.26 AR….He won the 2032 Norwegian Young Player of the Year award as he gets closer to making his Norway debut….Although his passing abilities still need work, he has good speed and stamina which serves him well in the middle of the pitch….His value has already exceeded £13M, making him a good piece of business for the Dutch club.

 

 

2ND PLACE

ALDIN HRUSTANOVIC (Bosnia: 13 Caps/1 Goal), Right Winger – Real Sociedad, 18-years-old (Previous: 4^th)

Aldin Hrustanovic’s career has been watched with great interest both in Bosnia – where he has already been called up to the national team – and the Czech Republic, where he came up through the Czech First Division club Bohemians’ youth system….Recruited by Bohemians at the age of 11, He made his debut at the age of 16 for the club….Captivating a nation, the 16-year-old was called up to the Bosnian U21 team just months later….It took only a year before he made his international debut with the main team for his nation at 17, in the midst of his second season with Bohemians….He was a phenomenon during the 2031/32 season with the Czech club, breaking the club record with 8 PoMs and winning its 2032 Player of the Year award….In 35 Games, he registered 5 Goals, 7 Assists, 7 PoMs, and 7.29 AR….The continent has taken notice, and he was snapped up by Real Sociedad for £6.25M last summer….So far, he has made 18 Appearances – all as a substitute – and registered 1 Assist and 6.78 AR, so he has not taken off yet….Still, much is made about him in Bosnia and the Czech Republic, and his career continues to be followed with great interest as he takes on the Spanish La Liga.

 

 

3RD PLACE

STEPHANE KONE (Ivory Coast: 9 Caps), Defender – Nice, 19-years-old (Previous: Unranked)

Born in Abidjan, Stephane Kone’s short journey so far has been remarkable….He got his start with Abidjan club ASEC Mimosas, making his debut in 2030….He played well and earned his first call-up to the national team, developing as one of the most prominent Ivorian left-backs in the world….Nice took notice and acquired him for £190K this past summer, and he has been a starter for the French Ligue 1 club throughout the season registering 6.83 AR….Was part of the Ivorian team that won the AFCON title at Tunisia 2032, becoming the first Ivorian team to win it since 2015….The ‘Wonderkid’ is quick, strong, and works hard, always putting a stamp on the game.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

The next ‘Hakan Sukur’ is high praise in Turkey but that is what they have labeled Umut Demirci (5^th) in the Turkish media….The Trabzonspor 17-year-old forward is all hype for now as he has yet to score his first professional goal….He has already made his international debut for Turkey as his star seemingly grows by the day….The Espanyol youth academy has been turning it out midfielders like no one else the past few years – first Joan Aliaga and now Roger Puig (9^th), who has already made his debut for the club….The 17-year-old has much talked about passing ability, with a preference for the fancy….Luke De Meyer (11^th) might be the most dynamic player on the list….The 17-year-old Belgian striker already have two seasons under his belt in the Belgian Pro League, scoring 17 Goals his rookie year and 14 Goals so far this season….Has all the makings of a future star, and has been dubbed the ‘New Erwin Vendenbergh’ – generally considered the best Belgian striker of all-time….Anyone labeled the ‘Next Kylian Mbappe’ is going to get attention, but that is what they are calling 18-year-old French forward Francois-Joseph Gabutti (20^th)….The Borussia Dortmund product has been on loan with Bundesliga 2 side Holstein Kiel, where he has scored 13 Goals in 22 Appearances….Last season, he scored 19 Goals in 33 Appearances for the Borussia Dortmund II side, registering 9 Assists, 6 PoMs, and 7.51 AR….Gabutti is generally unproven but the talent is undeniable, so much so that he being labeled potentially the next Mbappe.

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

YOUTH INTAKE 2033

The SYA France branch produced three players in the Intake this year, all three of which got signed and one of which carries a 3.5+/5 PA rating. Nothing out SYA Ghana or SYA Germany this year. 

[[FM22] The Lone Rangers | English Only Challenge]

Welcome home Joe indeed! He is going to do great. 

[FM22 | Career of Josh Bishop]

One Point off the CL spot entering November - that's good!

[[FM22] Project 11 Out Of 1.3 Billion - Bulding A Nation With China - We Found Not Only 11...We found 23! [Finished]]

Who do you think will give you the most trouble in the Champions League? 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

GOAL 50 2032

 

WINNER

KYLIAN MBAPPE (France: 176 Caps/104 Goals) – Real Madrid, 33-years-old, Forward (Previous: Winner)

Two in a row for Kylian Mbappe, who is proving more relevant in his 30s than his rival Erling Haaland….This was the 5^th time the French megastar has won the Goal 50 award, with the first being in 2023….He has won the Spanish La Liga title 8 times, but the Champions League title continues to elude him….Carries around the 0-5 record – 5 CL Finals with 0 Wins….Has been one of the game’s all-time winners at every other stage, however – he has twice gotten to the World Cup Finals and has won it once, he is a two-time European Championship winner, he was even a winner in his younger days with Paris Saint-Germain….The ‘Legendary Striker’ has also been known as the more skilled between himself and Haaland, although Haaland was declared the ‘Player of the 2020s’….By the end of the 2032/33 season, Mbappe will like have joined an exclusive club – the 300+Goals/100+Assists/100+PoMs club.

 

 

2ND PLACE

PATRICK WEISSMANN (Germany: 61 Caps/11 Goals) – Bayern Munich, 22-years-old, Midfielder (Previous: 5^th)

His career has been followed closely since his days at Stuttgart, but it is safe to say Weissmann has exceeded all expectations no matter how high they were….Along with Lars Schefczyk, led Germany to their first Euro title since 1996 at Holland/Belgium 2032, erasing the disappointment of losing to Portugal in the Third Round at the World Cup at Spain 2030….He was named the 2032 Euro Best Young Player, just over a month after being named the German Bundesliga’s Player of the Year….The ‘Elite Midfielder’ is a unique player, equally strong defensively as he is on attack, and incredible passing ability….The most shocking part? He is somehow only 22….He can now add an important international trophy to his Bundesliga and 2029 Champions League trophies.

 

 

3RD PLACE

JAMAL MUSIALA (Germany: 136 Caps/40 Goals) – Manchester City, 29-years-old, Midfielder (Previous: 7^th)

The German legend has completed four full seasons with Manchester City since moving from Bayern Munich, costing the club £157M total….There is no doubt he has been worth the price, however, as he has been one of the English club’s most important players….Was part of the German national team that won the Euro 2032 title, getting called up to the 2032 European Championship Dream Team….Has 170 Goals and 7.46 AR in 411 Appearances for his career.

 

 

OTHER NOTABLES

This was the first time in 11 years that Erling Haaland (4^th) was not in the top three of the Goal 50 list….The 32-year-old Norwegian ‘Legendary Striker’ – who has been named as Player of the 2020s – is still destroying things in the Premier League although he is retired from international football with his pinnacle coming at the World Cup 2026….The most expensive player of all-time at £216M, Kai Havertz (8^th) continues to prove why he has been one the world’s top players over the past several years….Is now an international trophy winner after taking the Euro 2032 title….Pedri (9^th) probably wishes he remained at Barcelona instead of moving to Bayern Munich….While he has been playing good football, he is no longer the shining star he was in Catalonia….Ansu Fati (13^th) quietly continues to be one of the legends of the game – along with Pedri, he has now led Spain to 2 World Cup titles, not to mention his countless Ligue 1 titles and his 2028 Champions League trophy….He has never blown anyone away with his numbers, but ever so constant he knows how to win – a lot….At 37, Joshua Kimmich (18^th) is not supposed to still be one of the world’s best players….He now has 192 Caps for Germany and remains an integral part of the Bayern Munich rotation….The unsung hero of Manchester United’s recent conquests, Florian Wirtz (19^th) has been one of Man United’s most important players since moving to the club for £80M from Bayer Leverkusen in 2025….Has won the English Premier League, Champions League, and European Championship titles in the past year….Valentin Elm (28^th) is the highest-valued player in the world at over £300M, with the 26-year-old Tottenham winger having a great tournament at Holland/Belgium 2032….The ‘Elite Winger’ was a core reason for Tottenham’s surprising 2031 English Premier League title-winning campaign.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

SUMMER 2032

 

EURO 2032 – Holland & Belgium Play Host as Germany Lifts 4^th Title

Amsterdam was the host to an epic Germany vs. Italy showdown at the Euro 2032 Finals….On one side, starts such as Patrick Weissmann, Lars Schefczyk, Jamal Musiala, and Valentin Elm – on the other, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Gianluca Bonvicini, Giacomo Raspadori, and Federico Chiesa….It would be the second Finals in the last three tournaments that the Italians would lose, and it would not be close….Valentin Elm scored a brace as Germany took a 3-0 victory, proving without a doubt that the current generation is the best footballing team on the continent….Lars Schefczyk (5 Apps, 2 Gls, 7.84 AR) won the Euro 2032 Best Player award, while 22-year-old teammate Patrick Weissmann (7 Apps, 1 Goal, 3 Asts, 7.51 AR) won the tournament’s Best Young Player….World champions Spain lost in the semi-finals to Italy on penalties, while Holland fell victim to the eventual winners Germany….The former two-time defending champions France were knocked out early in the Second Round by Croatia, while Holland took out England at the same stage….The Germans had lost to France in the quarter-finals Italy 2028.

 

 

 

COPA AMERICA 2032 – Argentina Lifts First Trophy in 11 Years at Chile 2032

Having last won the Copa America title at Brazil 2021, Argentina – led by 31-year-old Chelsea GK Joaquin Blazquez (7 Apps, 3 GC, 4 CS, 7.71 AR) who became the first GK to ever win the competition’s Best Player award – defeated Brazil at the Finals in Santiago, winning the match 2-1 in extra-time….The Brazilians last lifted the trophy in 2024, where they defeated Argentina in the Finals in Quito, Ecuador….2028 Finalists Uruguay fell to the eventual champions in the Semi-Finals, while Mexico – who would collect the bronze – lost to Brazil in the other matchup….The former defending champions Venezuela did not make it to the Knockout Rounds, doing nothing to dispel the talk that they were a one hit wonder….This was Argentina’s 16^th Copa America title, a new record.

 

 

NOTABLE TRANSFERS

SANTI CARRASCOSA, 25 (Spain: 52 Caps/4 Goals) - £86M (£106M) from Barcelona to Manchester City: A starter for Barcelona for the past five years, Santi Carrascosa has developed into one of the world’s premier DCs….An ‘Elite Centre-Back’ with no weakness in his game, he was a member of Spain’s World Cup winning 2030 campaign….Made the Spanish La Liga Team of the Season (the second time in his career) after playing in 33 Games and registering 4 Goals, 5 PoMs, and 7.45 AR….A product of the Toledo youth system, Barcelona bought him for just £475K in January 2024….One of the world’s best at his position.

 

 

GIAMPIETRO PATRIZI, 25 (Italy: 2 Caps) - £69M (£83M) from Eintracht Frankfurt to Tottenham: Never cracked it at Juventus, but the move he made to Germany with Eintracht Frankfurt two years ago changed his career around….Moved for £6.75M during the January 2031 window and never looked back, becoming an instant success….He captured Frankfurt’s Player of the Year award of playing in 30 Games and registering 9 Goals, 8 Assists, 7 PoMs, 3.26 D/90, and 7.50 AR in the German Bundesliga….The right winger becomes Frankfurt’s most expensive sale of all-time as the ‘Elite Winger’ will now try to help Tottenham win the EPL title back.

 

 

JEAN-LOUIS MATHIEU, 24 (France: 23 Caps/9 Goals) - £67M from Saint Etienne to Chelsea: The 24-year-old French Striker was born in Lyon, but came up through the Saint Etienne youth system, which was also not too far from his neighborhood of Oullins in Lyon….Mathieu has been known in France since his teenage years – he won his first U21 Cap as a 15-year-old and was part of the U21 squad that went to two consecutive Euro U21 Championship Finals, winning it in 2027….He has been Saint Etienne’s Player of the Year for three of the past four seasons (’29, ’31, ’32) and was the French Ligue 1’s Top Goalsocrer in 2031….The ‘Elite Striker’ has been a big deal in France so his move to Chelsea and the EPL will be watched with great interest.

 

 

JORDI CESAR, 24 (Spain: 5 Caps) - £62M from Chelsea to Barcelona: Investing in a left-back, Barcelona have splashed the cash for Jordi Cesar even after struggling for two years at Chelsea….The London club bought him from Club Brugge for £31.5M in January 2031, but he had come up through the Valencia youth system….Won the Europa League with Chelsea this past year and was voted in the Europa League Team of the Season….He was named the 2030 Belgian Pro League’s Rookie of the Season….Prior to making a new for himself in Belgium, he had spent five years with Young Boys of Switzerland….Is being paid an incredible £625k per week with his new club.

[[FM22] Sophara United v2.0]

MAJOR LEAGUES REVIEW 2030/31

 

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Winner: MANCHESTER UNITED

Unbelievably, Arsenal made the Champions League Finals for the second straight year, but this time they ran into newly crowned Premier League champions and rival Manchester United, who won the match 2-0 in Paris, France….This was Man United’s second title in the past three years, doing so on the back of strong defensive and midfield efforts….The two stars (Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood) are talked about in more detail below….Man United defeated their bitter rivals Manchester City in the semi-finals, with Arsenal taking out AC Milan on penalties….Arsenal had defeated the Italians last year at the same stage, as well, although it was not nearly as close as this season….Real Madrid and Barcelona – last year’s other two semi-finalists – both were knocked out in the Second Round….Erling Haaland (12 Apps, 10 Gls) won the CL Golden Boot award for the 4^th time, and is now 3^rd only to Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for most times won.

 

 

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

Winner: MANCHESTER UNITED

The memory of Manchester City’s (3^rd) dominance over the English Premier League is beginning to fade as the 2020s get further away….Last season, Tottenham (4^th) shocked the nation and won their first PL title since 1961 – 70 years – while this season, Manchester United have won everything in front of them, taking their first PL title in 10 years and their 2^nd CL title in the past 3 years….The highlight falls on two Man United and England legends in Mason Greenwood (30 Apps, 21 Gls, 6 Asts, 4 PoMs, 7.51 AR) and Marcus Rashford (32 Apps, 22 Gls, 8 Asts, 5 PoMs, 7.32 AR), who had gone under the radar for far too long….The two forwards have been responsible for bringing 2 Premier League (2023, ’32) and 2 Champions League (2030, ’32) titles to the club in an era of complete dominance by Manchester City and Bayern Munich….This was Greenwood’s 3^rd 20+ Goals season and Rashford’s 22 Goals were a career-high….The defending champions grabbed the last Champions League spot with Chelsea (2^nd) and Manchester City (3^rd) also joining the party. There were no surprises as Erling Haaland (34 Apps, 33 Gls, 11 Asts, 12 PoMs, 7.83 AR) won his 7^th straight EPL Player of the Year – and his 8^th of all-time – although this was his first season in the past six that he failed to score at least 40 Goals….Sophara United (7^th), led by now three-time EPL Young Player of the Year recipient Bekir Celik (37 Apps, 23 Gls, 10 Asts, 7.35 AR), just missed out on qualifying for Europe but continue their impressive run.

 

 

  

SPANISH LA LIGA

Winner: REAL MADRID

Seven and counting for Real Madrid, as they won the Spanish La Liga title again….And again it was Kylian Mbappe (33 Apps, 21 Gls, 13 Asts, 10 PoMs, 8.09 AR) who was the star, winning his 6^th SLL Player of the Year and a record 9^th Top Goalscorer award….Barcelona (2^nd), (Atletico Madrid (3^rd), and Real Sociedad (4^th) all finished in the same spots as the previous season….Zinedine Zidane (Real Madrid) took home his 7^th consecutive La Liga Manager of the Year award and his 8^th of all-time, also a league record….The first two decades of the 21^st century belonged to Barcelona, but the 2020s and now 2030s are proving to be Real Madrid’s playground.

 

 

GERMAN BUNDESLIGA

Winner: BAYERN MUNICH

Twenty straight for Bayern Munich but barely….This was the closest battle they’ve had in over a decade, with Leipzig (2^nd) coming within only 2 Points of snatching the trophy away from the Bavarian club….Still, it is going to be tough to beat a team that has now two-time Bundesliga Player of the Year Patrick Weissmann (34 Apps, 8 Gls, 10 Asts, 5 PoMs, 88% PC, 7.63 AR) and Bundesliga Top Goalscorer for the first time Dusan Vlahovic (23 Apps, 21 Gls, 5 PoMs, 7.76 AR)….Borussia Dortmund (3^rd) and Bayer Leverkusen (4^th) took home the final two Champions League spots, finishing ahead of Hoffenheim (5^th) and Wolfsburg (6^th) despite strong play from both teams.

 

 

 

 

ITALIAN SERIE A

Winner: JUVENTUS

Winning back the title for the first time in four years were Juventus, who were led by 2032 Serie A Top Goalscorer Felipe Rojas (36 Apps, 24 Gls, 5 Asts, 7.32 AR)….The 24-year-old Chilean striker joined Juventus in 2026 for £2.2M, but the tall striker has a value north of £120M now….The former champions AC Milan (3^rd) and their rivals Inter Milan (2^nd) were joined by Roma (4^th) in next year’s Champions League….AC Milan have been knocked out by Arsenal in the semi-finals the past two years in the CL….Juventus had an exceptional season from its GK, 32-year-old French international Illan Meslier (37 Apps, 0.51 Con/90, 25 Clean Sheets, 7.49 AR), who broke the Serie A record for most Clean Sheets with 25 and the club record with 30, setting a new career-high with 7.49 AR.

 

 

 

 

FRENCH LIGUE 1

Winner: PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN

Utter dominance by Paris Saint-Germain, who finished 27 Points ahead of Rennes (2^nd)….Led by legends Ansu Fati (28 Apps, 16 Gls, 9 Asts, 7.68 AR) and GK Gianluigi Donnarumma (32 Apps, 0.41 Con/90, 22 Clean Sheets, league-leading 7.72 AR) – who won PSG’s Player of the Year award for the second time and the Ligue 1 Best Player award for the first time – the club continued to display strength only Bayern Munich has over its domestic rivals….Monaco (3^rd) grabbed the last Champions League spot, with Lyon (4^th), Saint-Etienne (5^th), and Lille (6^th) qualifying to Europe, as well.