The Best Wonderkids on Football Manager 2008
Football Manager 2008 introduces the first major UI overhaul since the FM franchise split from Championship Manager. The classic green background has been replaced by a cleaner white/light grey and attribute figures switching from shades yellow and orange to a better contrasting grey and blue.
Goalkeepers
Igor Akinfeev
Born: 8th April 1986 (21 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Russia (17 caps / 0 goals)
Current Club: CSKA Moscow
Transfer Value: £3.8m
Basic Wage: £15.25k per week
Contract Expires: December 2010
Player Overview
Both Akinfeev and CSKA Moscow had mixed performances over the 2006 and 2007 seasons. The side won their second consecutive league title in 2006 and made an impressive start to the 2006/07 Champions League campaign, with Akinfeev maintaining a clean sheet for the first four group games. But the side lost the remaining two and dropped into the UEFA Cup, crashing out immediately against Maccabi Haifa. Akinfeev then suffered a serious knee injury in May 2007, forcing him out for the rest of the year.
Lucky for you, FM08 has Akinfeev returning to action from July 2007!
Key Strengths
Perhaps due to his real-life injury, Akinfeev’s Goalkeeping attributes have slightly dropped compared to FM07. His Mental and Physical stats have stayed mostly the same, with noticeable bumps in Creativity and Flair.
Growth Potential
Akinfeev’s development curve essentially flips compared to last year’s game! This year, he should see significant improvement in his Goalkeeping attributes, with only minor gains in his Mental and Physical attributes. Once again, Akinfeev is a fantastic early signing who could easily perform as a world class shot stopper for 10-15 seasons.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM06 Wonderkid Guide for more on Igor Akinfeev.
Oscar Ustari
Born: 3rd July 1986 (21 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Right Only
Nationality: Argentina (Uncapped)
Current Club: Getafe
Transfer Value: £4.2m
Basic Wage: £4.2k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
Ustari featured regularly for Independiente in the 2006/07 season, earning a move to Spain’s Getafe as understudy to compatriot Roberto Abbondanzieri.
Key Strengths
Sadly, Ustari’s stats have had a slight reality check and dropped a little in FM08. But the decreases across his Goalkeeping and Mental attributes are almost entirely negated by a solid increase in his Physical attributes!
Growth Potential
Just like last year, Ustari has more room for growth compared to Akinfeev. He’s fairly likely to improve across all relevant attributes to become one of the world’s best goalkeepers for many years to come.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM07 Wonderkid Guide for more on Oscar Ustari.
Eros Corradini
Born: 17th February 1989 (18 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Right Only
Nationality: Italy (Uncapped)
Current Club: Parma
Transfer Value: £7k
Basic Wage: £110 per week
Contract Expires: June 2009
Player Overview
So far, Corradini has shown promising development as part of Parma and Italy’s youth setups.
Key Strengths
Corradini is nowhere near as developed as Akinfeev or Ustari, but he’s also absurdly cheaper. Don’t expect him to immediately perform for top European clubs though. You’ll need to implement a solid training and development plan if you want to capitalise on Corradini’s potential.
Growth Potential
Provided he gets enough playing time, either signing for a smaller club or with the right loan deals, Corradini’s potential attribute development over the first five seasons is perhaps the highest in the franchise so far! He can become just as talented as the other highlighted wonderkid goalkeepers, and still cost a fraction compared to them.
How Did He Do IRL?
Despite his enormous potential in this FM edition, Corradini was one of the biggest misses in terms of FM wonderkids reaching that potential in real life. After being released by Parma in 2008, Corradini signed for Girona and lasted just one season with their U19s before vanishing into obscurity.
Defenders
Sergio Ramos
Born: 30th March 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Defender (Right, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Spain (24 caps / 2 goals)
Current Club: Real Madrid
Transfer Value: £16.25m
Basic Wage: £55k per week
Contract Expires: July 2013
Player Overview
Ramos played a key role as Real Madrid won their 30th La Liga title. Perhaps more importantly, Ramos finally established himself as a regular starter for the Spanish national team following the international retirement of Madrid teammate Michael Salgado.
Key Strengths
Once again a natural right back, Ramos’ attributes have generally seen improvements across the board since last season. A key boost includes better Natural Fitness, as well as Passing and Technique, potentially making Ramos a strong starting point for attacking movement.
Growth Potential
There isn’t too much room for continued development but Ramos manages it anyway! In particular, his Mental attributes grow as he gains more experience for club and country.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM07 Wonderkid Guide for more on Sergio Ramos.
Domenico Criscito
Born: 30th December 1986 (20 years old)
Position: Defender (Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Either
Nationality: Italy (7 U21 caps / 1 U21 goal)
Current Club: Juventus
Transfer Value: £4.7m
Basic Wage: £7.25k per week
Contract Expires: June 2011
Player Overview
Domenico Criscito began his career with Genoa before moving to Juventus in 2004. He returned to Genoa on loan last season and helped the club get promoted to Serie A, alongside his parent club. Now back at Juventus, Criscito faces a challenging but valuable opportunity to assert his place in a much less star studded Juve squad.
A future spot with Italy’s senior side looks likely, Criscito has already progressed through the youth set up to become a firm fixture with the U21s.
Key Strengths
A versatile, two-footed defender, Criscito already has a good spread of attributes, including surprisingly solid Mental attributes for such a young player. His top notch Physical stats also help. At smaller top level clubs, he might even end up as your penalty taker!
Growth Potential
Somehow, his already impressive attributes only continue to grow, turning Criscito into one of the best defenders in the game world within a few seasons. Criscito’s weaker attributes quickly catch up with his natural abilities to give an already good young defender that edge required to create and join attacking plays, especially when used as an attacking-minded left back.
How Did He Do IRL?
Unable to establish himself at Juventus, Criscito returned to Genoa once again, first on loan and then permanently in 2009. In 2011, he moved to Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning multiple league and cup titles during his stay in Russia. Another return to Genoa beckoned, where Criscito spent four more years before departing for Toronto. Even that didn’t stop him from making a fourth return to Genoa the following season before finally retiring!
While Criscito earned 26 caps for Italy, it coincided with a particularly unsuccessful period for the national side.
Lorenzo De Silvestri
Born: 23rd May 1988 (19 years old)
Position: Defender/Wing Back (Right)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Italy (Uncapped)
Current Club: Lazio
Transfer Value: £2.7m
Basic Wage: £4.7k per week
Contract Expires: June 2008
Player Overview
A homegrown Lazio youth graduate, Lorenzo De Silvestri is just about ready to fight for a first-team role after making his league debut last season. He has also made a good impression at various stages of Italy’s youth levels.
Key Strengths
Play De Silvestri and he’s almost guaranteed to make an impact on the right wing. His defensive attributes are solid but supporting attacking build up is where he really shines. De Silvestri’s Physical attributes are almost all in the teens and his ability to deliver the ball to teammates is great, especially from Corners and Long Throws!
Growth Potential
Expect De Silvestri to become an absolute powerhouse once his abilities peak. His Technical and Mental attributes explode over the next few years, making him a permanent threat to the opposition, no matter who has the ball.
How Did He Do IRL?
2007/08 was De Silvestri’s breakout season with Lazio, earning himself a new contract at the end of the season and a move to Fiorentina the following year, after winning the Coppa Italia with Lazio. De Silvestri spent three seasons at Fiorentina, breaking into the Italy national team in 2010, but soon found himself surplus to requirements.
De Silvestri signed for Sampdoria in 2012 and re-established himself as a squad member for Italy, though only enough to earn a total of 6 caps over a six-year international career. Injuries affected De Silvestri’s playing time at Sampdoria, leading to a move to Torino in 2016. Once again De Silvestri claimed the right-back spot as his own for several years, moving to Bologna on a free transfer in 2020, where he remained a consistent squad member well into his late 30s, and even his second Coppa Italia in 2025!
Micah Richards
Born: 24th June 1988 (19 years old)
Position: Defender (Right, Centre), Defensive Midfielder
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: England (4 caps / 0 goals)
Current Club: Man City
Transfer Value: £6.25m
Basic Wage: £15k per week
Contract Expires: June 2010
Player Overview
Joining Man City’s youth set up at the age of 14, Micah Richards has steadily established himself in the first team and attracted attention from other clubs, including Spurs. The young defender has also found himself in favour with England manager Steve McClaren, making his Three Lions debut aged 18.
Key Strengths
Even from day one, Richards will be a vital player at clubs around pre-money Man City’s level. Though Richards has the Physical attributes to play as a right back, his fairly low Crossing means he won’t be much help in attacking play. It’s probably best to utilise him mainly as a centre back, unless you’re playing defensively.
Growth Potential
Over time, Richards will become more adept at moving the ball forward, both at his own foot and passing to his teammates. His Mental and Technical attributes each see significant boosts but jumps in his Agility and Balance alongside that should eventually turn Richards into a world-class defender.
How Did He Do IRL?
Richards initially maintained his place in the City squad even after the arrival of new star players, following the club’s financial takeover in 2008. But a build up of injury issues and increasing pressure from new signings saw Richards’ playing time gradually decrease. A 2014 loan move to Fiorentina didn’t help his career, leading to a free transfer to Aston Villa the following season. Continued injury problems meant Richards remained at Villa even after their relegation to the Championship, making just two more senior appearances in the next three seasons.
Steve McClaren’s sacking as England manager saw Richards’ international opportunities decline, further hindered by his fitness issues and subsequent lack of playing time, making his final international appearance in 2012.
Despite an injury plagued career, Richards remains a prominent face in English football coverage thanks to his regular appearances on Match of the Day and US coverage of the Champions League.
Vincent Kompany
Born: 10th April 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Defender (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Belgium (14 goals / 0 goals)
Current Club: HSV
Transfer Value: £4.8m
Basic Wage: £26.5k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Kompany’s first season at HSV wasn’t particularly eventful due to his early season-ending achilles injury. The injury also limited his availability for Belgium who found themselves well off the mark in Euro 2008 qualification during Kompany’s absence.
Despite that injury, Kompany makes his fifth appearance as a top Football Manager wonderkid, an accolade so far only shared by Wayne Rooney.
Key Strengths
Possibly due to his fitness issues last season, Kompany’s stats have mostly dropped a little compared to FM07. But he’s still a solid defender and a surprisingly good starting point for building play down the middle, for a centre back!
Growth Potential
Thankfully, FM08 Kompany doesn’t let last season’s injury get to him and he quickly develops into a much stronger player once again. Kompany’s biggest gains come across his Technical attributes, though some of this growth is in areas less likely to benefit your team. The main boon is, somehow, his Passing and Tackling improve even further, creating an elite ball-playing defender before the Football Manager franchise truly introduced the concept into the game.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM05 Wonderkid Guide for more on Vincent Kompany.
Cristián Zapata
Born: 30th September 1986 (20 years old)
Position: Defender (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right Only
Nationality: Colombia (Uncapped)
Current Club: Udinese
Transfer Value: £3.2m
Basic Wage: £7k per week
Contract Expires: June 2009
Player Overview
Starting his career with Colombian side Deportivo Cali, Cristián Zapata quickly impressed and earned himself a move to Udinese. Zapata has since established himself as a reliable member of the Italian side’s first team.
Key Strengths
Zapata offers a reliable presence in your defensive line. High Heading, Marking, and Tackling attributes pair well with the right Mental and Physical stats to practically make Zapata a brick wall.
Growth Potential
Expect Zapata to develop into a strong all-rounder as he gains more experience. A solid spread of growth across useful attributes transforms Zapata from a solid defender to an elite lynchpin.
How Did He Do IRL?
Zapata spent four more seasons at Udinese before moving to Villareal in 2011. The move to Spain started well but Villareal’s surprise relegation led to Zapata returning to Italy with AC Milan, initially on loan before signing permanently a year later. Despite being more of a squad rotation option, partly due to increased competition and injury, Zapata remained with Milan for seven years. He wound his career down playing for Genoa, then returning to South America for brief stints in Argentina and Colombia.
Earning his first senior international cap in 2007, Zapata made 58 appearances for his country, including representing them at the 2014 and 2018 World Cups.
Midfielders
Lionel Messi
Born: 24th June 1987 (20 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Right, Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Argentina (20 caps / 6 goals)
Current Club: Barcelona
Transfer Value: £27m
Basic Wage: £66k per week
Contract Expires: June 2014
Player Overview
An impressive 2006/07 season with Barcelona and winning the young player of the tournament award at the 2007 Copa América helped establish Messi as one of the world’s top footballers.
Key Strengths
With 20s and high teens across more than a dozen attributes, it’s safe to say that Messi will score and create lots of goals. Messi’s attribute spread is very similar to last year, albeit slightly improved.
Growth Potential
Yes, he gets better! Though not developing quite as some of his fellow wonderkids, it’s harder for Messi to improve from a stronger start. Most of Messi’s growth comes in his Technical attributes, but his Physical development, though minor, gives Messi exactly the boost needed to become one of the best players in the game.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM06 Wonderkid Guide for more on Lionel Messi.
Andrés Guardado
Born: 28th September 1986 (20 years old)
Position: Wing Back/Attacking Midfielder (Left)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Mexico (30 caps / 3 goals)
Current Club: Deportivo
Transfer Value: £3.6m
Basic Wage: £32.5k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Guardado joins Deportivo La Coruna as the most expensive Mexican player ever (as of 2007). Mexico were unfortunate not to win the 2007 Gold Cup after Guardado scored the opening goal in a 2-1 loss to the United States.
Key Strengths
Although generally the same attribute spread as last year’s game, Guardado has been given a slight boost across the board. His Long Shots and Acceleration get the best top ups, making him even more of an attacking threat on the left wing.
Growth Potential
Solid albeit uninspiring growth helps Guardado become an even more well rounded player as his FM08 career develops. Just about the only thing you can’t rely on him for is winning aerial battles!
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM07 Wonderkid Guide for more on Andrés Guardado.
(David) Silva
Born: 8th January 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Right, Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left Only
Nationality: Spain (5 caps / 0 goals)
Current Club: Valencia
Transfer Value: £16.5m
Basic Wage: £61k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
David Silva has already established himself as a first-team player after just one season with Valencia, following successful loan spells elsewhere. Silva has also caught the attention of Spain manager Luis Aragonés, earning several caps in the process.
Key Strengths
Already ready to play at the highest level, Silva delivers pretty much everything you need out of an attacking midfielder. He’s even a great choice for taking corners, which is handy considering aerial battles are one of his few weak spots.
Growth Potential
Experience molds Silva into one of the best players in the world. While his growth isn’t quite as significant as some other wonderkids, you’ll still see a solid return on an early investment, especially when his Balance and Strength improve to make Silva a physical all-rounder.
How Did He Do IRL?
Valencia’s financial issues eventually forced them to sell Silva to Man City in 2010. Over the next decade he established himself as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever players, helping City win four league titles and seven cups. At 34 years old, Silva joined Real Sociedad on a free transfer and helped the club win the Copa Del Rey in his first season back in Spain. He spent two more seasons at Sociedad before ending his illustrious playing career.
Silva was also a key contributor to Spain’s back-to-back-to-back international competition wins between 2008 and 2012. He remained a star player for the Spanish national team until retiring from international football in 2018.
Francesc Fabregas
Born: 4th May 1987 (20 years old)
Position: Midfielder (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Spain (16 caps / 0 goals)
Current Club: Arsenal
Transfer Value: £19.25m
Basic Wage: £50k per week
Contract Expires: June 2014
Player Overview
Fabregas has established himself as a key Arsenal starter, playing every single Premier League and Champions League game last season. His performances earned him UEFA’s Golden Boy award, a spot in the 2006 UEFA Team of the Year, and the Gunners’ Player of the Season award.
Key Strengths
Though still technically a wonderkid, Fabregas is already one of the Premier League’s best midfielders. His Mental attributes are incredible for such a young player, aided by his involvement in Arsenal’s first team for the previous three seasons.
Growth Potential
Despite his top starting abilities, Fabregas’ talents continue to grow even further in FM08. Weaker areas such as his Heading and Marking improve the most, as well as his Physical attributes rounding out to firmly establish the Spaniard as a world class player.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM05 Wonderkid Guide for more on Francesc Fabregas.
Samir Nasri
Born: 26th June 1987 (20 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: France (3 caps / 1 goal)
Current Club: Lyon
Transfer Value: £5.75m
Basic Wage: £7.75k per week
Contract Expires: June 2009
Player Overview
Nasri already has two seasons under his belt playing for Marseille. Impressive performances for club and at international youth level saw Nasri earn his first senior international callup in March 2007, immediately making goal contributions for Les Bleus.
Key Strengths
As an attacking-focused midfielder, Nasri’s attributes naturally lean towards an incredibly positive style of play. In particular, his ability to get the ball forward quickly, be that by Dribbling or Passing, make Nasri an immediate threat to the opposition.
Growth Potential
Nasri’s abilities gradually increase as he gains more playing experience. His attributes develop well across the board, generally rounding out well except for purely defensive and aerial skills. By the age of 25, Nasri offers a playmaking threat capable of breaking through even the most elite defensive lines.
How Did He Do IRL?
Another successful season with Marseille saw Nasri catch the attention of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, moving to the London club for £12 million just after Euro 2008. Nasri initially settled well at Arsenal but a broken leg saw him fighting for a return to fitness and form in 2009.
That fight was inarguably a success as Nasri transferred to Man City in 2011 and immediately contributed towards the Citizens’ first Premier League title that season. Although Nasri remained a regular starter for City over the next few seasons, further injuries and inconsistent form led to a loan move to Sevilla in 2016. A year later, he joined Turkish side Antalyaspor only to leave just six months later. A 12 month doping ban curtailed Nasri’s career in 2018, followed by short and uneventful spells with West Ham and Anderlecht.
Nasri began his international career with promise but quickly built a controversial reputation, falling out with club and national teammate William Gallas, and failing to be called up for the 2010 World Cup. Though Nasri returned for Euro 2012, and even scored in the group stage, he was once again left out for World Cup 2014 and retired from international football aged just 27.
Anderson
Born: 13th April 1988 (19 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Brazil (4 caps / 0 goals)
Current Club: Man Utd
Transfer Value: £21m
Basic Wage: £20k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Anderson joins Man Utd for a hefty £20 million fee, despite making just 21 appearances for Porto due to a lengthy spell out with a broken leg. But that didn’t stop Anderson from making his Brazil debut at the 2007 Copa America!
Key Strengths
Arguably less impressive compared to his FM06 profile, Anderson is still a reliable playmaker with enough Technical ability, Determination, and Flair to be a difference maker on the pitch.
Growth Potential
His natural talent may no longer stand out compared to his new teammates but Anderson should still become a key Man Utd player as his career progresses. Significant jumps in his Technical and Mental attributes help round out Anderson’s weaknesses whilst also increasing his goalscoring threat. Solid improvements in his Physical attributes, particularly Stamina and Strength, mean that Anderson will be a threat to defenders for many matches and years to come.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM06 Wonderkid Guide for more on Anderson.
Strikers
Wayne Rooney
Born: 24th October 1985 (21 years old)
Position: Forward (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Either
Nationality: England (38 caps / 12 goals)
Current Club: Man Utd
Transfer Value: £26m
Basic Wage: £90k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Although Rooney didn’t have a great personal season in 2006/07, his 14 league goals still helped contribute to Man Utd’s first league title in three seasons. Van Nistelrooy’s departure to Real Madrid means Rooney now lays claim to the #10 shirt.
Key Strengths
Rooney’s attribute spread has barely changed from FM07. Generally though, his stats have become more refined towards scoring and creating goals, a surprising feat considering how prolific he could already be on older FM editions!
Growth Potential
Much like last season, Rooney doesn’t have too much room for development but does evolve into a slightly more well rounded player. The most useful boosts he receives over the next few seasons improve his Dribbling, Decisions, and Positioning.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM05 Wonderkid Guide for more on Wayne Rooney.
Alexandre Pato
Born: 2nd September 1989 (17 years old)
Position: Forward (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Brazil (12 U21 caps / 8 U21 goals)
Current Club: A.C. Milan
Transfer Value: £15.25m
Basic Wage: £15.25k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Alexandre Pato showed so much promise in his debut season at Internacional, including helping the Brazilian side win the 2006 Club World Cup, that A.C. Milan have snapped him up for €24 million.
Key Strengths
Although Pato still hasn’t turned 18, his Mental attributes are surprisingly good for a teenager and complement his strong Technical and Physical attributes. A high Determination figure also means Pato should improve quickly with playing time.
Growth Potential
And he does! By 22 years old, Pato will look like a world class poacher with a keen eye for goal. Unlike some wonderkids, Pato’s development primarily focuses on actually useful attributes, leading to improvements in key skills like Dribbling, Finishing, and Heading. His Mental and Physical attributes also increase across the board, transforming Pato into an elite all round striker.
How Did He Do IRL?
After continuing to impress for several seasons in Milan, persistent injury problems in the 2011/12 season severely limited Pato’s appearances and performance level. Pato returned to his homeland, joining Corinthians but failing to capture the support of the club’s coaching staff or fans. A loan move to São Paulo led to similar concerns, as well as a general lack of interest from European clubs in signing the former wonderkid.
Another loan, this time to Chelsea in January 2016, gave Pato a lifeline back into European football. But just two league appearances weren’t enough to convince the London club to sign him permanently, so Pato returned to Corinthians. Spanish side Villareal showed interest and signed Pato for €3 million, playing the Brazilian for just a few months before making a 600% profit selling him to Tianjin Quanjian. Pato spent two years in China before returning to São Paulo, ending his career there after a brief stint with MLS club Orlando City before his final season in Brazil.
The injuries and failure to find consistency playing in European football limited Pato’s international appearances to the early part of his career, earning 27 caps between 2008 and 2013.
Bojan
Born: 28th August 1990 (16 years old)
Position: Striker
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Spain (1 U21 cap / 0 U21 goals)
Current Club: Barcelona
Transfer Value: £0
Basic Wage: £4.3k per week
Contract Expires: N/A
Player Overview
After a successful season with Barcelona’s B team, Bojan looks set to follow in Lionel Messi’s footsteps as the Catalan giants’ next big wonderkid. Bojan is eligible for both Spain, the country of his birth, and Serbia, where his father originates from.
Key Strengths
Bojan may be just 16 but that shouldn’t stop him from competing for a place in Barcelona’s first team! Like Pato, high Mental attributes for a teenager support good numbers in key Technical stats such as Finishing and Passing. Bojan is also a solid penalty taker, making him a must-buy player for smaller European sides looking for a relatively risk-free investment.
Growth Potential
That investment is worthwhile because Bojan soon blossoms into one of the world’s best strikers. Almost all of Bojan’s attribute development goes into key attacking areas, most noticeably improving his Finishing, Heading, and an elite level Physical presence. Snap him up quickly if you aren’t playing as Barcelona, you won’t be able to convince Barcelona to sell him if not!
How Did He Do IRL?
Bojan showed amazing initial promise with Barcelona but ultimately failed to deliver to the standards needed for a club regularly competing for (and winning) La Liga and the Champions League. Temporary moves to Italy and the Netherlands weren’t enough to reverse Bojan’s career trajectory and he instead found himself doing it on a cold, rainy night in Stoke.
Much like his time at Barcelona, Bojan started off solidly at Stoke but soon found himself surplus to requirements and spent time on loan, first with Mainz in Germany then Alaves in Spain, in an attempt to find regular minutes and goalscoring form. But that form never came and successive Stoke managers found little reason to play him. Bojan spent the final years of his playing career at Montreal Impact in Canada and Vissel Kobe in Japan.
Failure to establish himself at a top European club gave Bojan very little chance to force his way into the Spanish national team, earning just one cap in 2008, while his form was still enough to feature for Barcelona.
More Top Wonderkids on Football Manager 2008
Here are another 63 wonderkids to give your team an extra edge for many seasons to come!
| Player | Nationality | Club | Age | Position(s) | Foot | Transfer Value | Basic Wage (per week) | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hugo Lloris | France | OGC Nice | 20 | GK | LO | £2.9m | £5.5k | June 2009 |
| Bogdan Shust | Ukraine | Shakhtar | 21 | GK | RO | £2.3m | £2.4k | January 2011 |
| Fransisco Guillermo Ochoa | Mexico | America (MEX) | 21 | GK | RO | £1.5m | £5k | June 2009 |
| Olexandr Rybka | Ukraine | Dinamo Kiev | 19 | GK | R | £65k | £400 | June 2010 |
| Ezequiel Garay | Argentina | Racing | 20 | SW, D C | R | £5.5m | £15.25k | June 2011 |
| Vedran Corluka | Croatia | Man City | 21 | D RC | R | £8m | £28k | June 2012 |
| Rafinha | Brazil | Schalke | 21 | D/WB R | R | £5.5m | £20.5k | June 2011 |
| Miguel Torres | Spain | Real Madrid | 21 | D RLC | RO | £5.25m | £15k | June 2009 |
| Alexis | Spain | Valencia | 21 | D RC | RO | £4.1m | £15.75k | June 2013 |
| Marco Andreolli | Italy | Roma | 20 | D RC | RO | £4m | £4.8k | June 2011 |
| Marcelo | Brazil | Real Madrid | 19 | D/WB L, M L | Either | £5.25m | £975 | June 2012 |
| Raul Albiol | Spain | Valencia | 21 | D C, DM | R | £7.25m | £10.25k | June 2011 |
| Gerard Pique | Spain | Man Utd | 20 | D C, DM | R | £4.4m | £3.4k | June 2009 |
| Miguel Veloso | Portugal | Sporting CP | 21 | D C, DM | LO | £4.1m | £6.5k | June 2013 |
| David Luiz | Brazil | Benfica | 20 | D C, DM | R | £700k | £4.1k | June 2012 |
| Fernando Gago | Argentina | Real Madrid | 21 | DM | R | £14.25m | £37k | June 2013 |
| Lucas (Leiva) | Brazil | Liverpool | 20 | DM | RO | £6m | £20k | June 2012 |
| Daniele Dessena | Italy | Parma | 20 | DM | RO | £4m | £6k | June 2012 |
| Blaise Matuidi | France | AS Saint-Etienne | 20 | DM, M LC | L | £3.6m | £7.25k | June 2011 |
| Marek Hamsik | Slovakia | Napoli | 19 | DM | RO | £3.3m | £4.8k | June 2012 |
| Ever Banega | Argentina | Boca | 19 | DM | R | £875k | £1.2k | June 2009 |
| Zdravko Kuzmanovic | Serbia | Fiorentina | 19 | M RC | RO | £1.4m | £2.2k | June 2011 |
| Manuel Fernandes | Portugal | Valencia | 21 | M C | R | £12.5m | £20.5k | June 2013 |
| Abou Diaby | France | Arsenal | 21 | M C | R | £4.8m | £12k | June 2010 |
| Javi Martinez | Spain | Athletic | 18 | M C | RO | £4.4m | £7.25k | June 2010 |
| Claudio Marchisio | Italy | Juventus | 21 | M C | R | £3.7m | £7.25k | June 2009 |
| Arouca | Brazil | Fluminense | 20 | M C | R | £3.3m | £2.6k | April 2009 |
| Lucas Biglia | Argentina | Anderlecht | 21 | M C | R | £1m | £10.5k | June 2010 |
| Jesus Navas | Spain | Sevilla | 21 | AM RC | R | £11.5m | £29.5k | June 2010 |
| Gonzalo Higuain | Argentina | Real Madrid | 19 | AM RC, F C | R | £9m | £8.5k | June 2013 |
| Ashley Young | England | Aston Villa | 21 | AM RL, ST | Either | £8m | £30k | June 2011 |
| Salomon Kalou | Ivory Coast | Chelsea | 21 | AM RLC, F C | R | £7.5m | £30k | July 2009 |
| Aaron Lennon | England | Tottenham | 20 | AM R | R | £6.5m | £13k | June 2010 |
| Yoann Gourcuff | France | A.C. Milan | 20 | AM RC | RO | £4.8m | £10.75k | June 2012 |
| Asamoah Gyan | Ghana | Udinese | 21 | AM R, ST | RO | £4.5m | £7.75k | June 2012 |
| Jeremy Menez | France | AS Monaco | 20 | AM RLC, F C | Either | £4.1m | £5.25k | June 2010 |
| Jonathan de Guzman | Holland | Feyenoord | 19 | AM RC | R | £4m | £13.75k | June 2010 |
| Issiar Dia | France | AS Nancy-Lorraine | 20 | AM RL, F C | Either | £3.1m | £5.25k | June 2011 |
| Yoann Gouffran | France | Stade Malherbe de Caen | 21 | AM R, F C | R | £3.1m | £2.6k | June 2009 |
| Renato Augusto | Brazil | Flamengo | 19 | AM RLC, F C | R | £2.9m | £3.6k | May 2012 |
| Henri Saivet | France | Girondins Bordeaux | 16 | AM RL, F C | R | – | £60 | June 2010 |
| Matias Fernandez | Chile | Villareal | 21 | AM LC | RO | £4.6m | £8.75k | June 2012 |
| Sebastian Giovinco | Italy | Juventus | 20 | AM LC, F C | R | £4.3m | £7.75k | June 2009 |
| Giovani dos Santos | Mexico | Barcelona | 18 | AM LC | L | £3.4m | £8.25k | June 2009 |
| Ismael Aissati | Holland | PSV | 18 | AM LC | R | £3.2m | £10k | July 2009 |
| Diego Capel | Spain | Sevilla | 19 | AM L | L | £3.1m | £7.25k | June 2011 |
| Dimitri Payet | France | AS Saint-Etienne | 20 | AM L, F C | R | £2.4m | £7.5k | June 2011 |
| Sergio Aguero | Argentina | Atletico Madrid | 19 | AM/F C | R | £10.75m | £41.5k | June 2012 |
| Raul Garcia | Spain | Atletico Madrid | 20 | AM C | R | £9m | £35.5k | June 2012 |
| Giuseppe Rossi | Italy / USA | Villareal | 20 | AM/F C | Either | £7m | £7.5k | June 2013 |
| João Moutinho | Portugal | Sporting CP | 20 | AM C | RO | £5m | £9.75k | June 2013 |
| Carlos Vela | Mexico | Arsenal | 18 | AM/F C | L | £2.7m | £2.5k | August 2011 |
| Luca Cigarini | Italy | Parma | 21 | AM C | R | £1.7m | £2.6k | June 2012 |
| Lulinha | Brazil | Corinthians | 17 | AM C | Either | £250k | £600 | June 2009 |
| Mario Gomez | Germany | Stuttgart | 21 | ST | R | £7.5m | £26.5k | June 2012 |
| Karim Benzema | France | Lyon | 19 | F C | R | £6.5m | £10.5k | June 2012 |
| Jimmy Briand | France | Stade Rennais FC | 21 | F C | RO | £5.25m | £10.25k | June 2010 |
| Ciprian Marica | Romania | Stuttgart | 21 | ST | RO | £5m | £27.5k | June 2009 |
| Robert Acquafresca | Italy | Cagliari | 19 | ST | L | £3.7m | £2.3k | June 2010 |
| Edison Cavani | Uruguay | Palermo | 20 | ST | R | £3.4m | £10k | December 2011 |
| Edu | Nigeria | Hoffenheim | 21 | F C | R | £3.2m | £29.5k | December 2008 |
| Mario Balotelli | Italy | Inter | 16 | ST | R | £1.7m | £55 | June 2010 |
| Fabio Ceravolo | Italy | Reggina | 20 | ST | R | £1.5m | £1.7k | June 2011 |
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