The Best Wonderkids on Football Manager 2009
Football Manager 2009 saw a major readjustment of attribute scaling, leading to many wonderkids (and many players in general) experiencing stats reductions across the board. But the scale changing meant that, relatively speaking, most players were still just as effective as before.
Goalkeepers
Hugo Lloris
Born: 26th December 1986 (21 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: France (9 U21 Caps / 0 U21 Goals)
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Transfer Value: £3.9m
Basic Wage: £19.25k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
Strong performances with Nice earned Hugo Lloris interest from across Europe’s top leagues in 2008, leading the young goalkeeper to sign for reigning Ligue 1 champions Lyon. A future role for France’s national team is practically already set in stone, though competition from Steve Mandanda may be fierce.
Key Strengths
At just 21 years old, Lloris is already more than capable keeping goal in top European competitions, showcasing a strong Command of Area, good Handling, and cat-like Reflexes. His low Eccentricity score also means a safe, reliable pair of hands. Solid Mental and Physical attributes give Lloris an extra edge over many young keepers.
Growth Potential
Lloris’ Goalkeeping attributes round out, with noticeable improvements in Aerial Ability and Kicking, to create an elite level goalkeeper and a strong contender for France’s starting #1 for the next few international tournaments. His Physical stats also improve further, putting many outfield players to shame.
How Did He Do IRL?
Lyon’s spell of Ligue 1 dominance faltered in the late 2000s, and a move to Tottenham Hotspur during a long silverware dry spell left Lloris’ career trophy cabinet surprisingly bare for such an elite-level goalkeeper. Nevertheless, Lloris captained France to their second World Cup victory in 2018 and a 2024 move to Los Angeles FC added the US Open Cup to a single Coupe de France won with Lyon earlier in his career.
Vicenzo Fiorillo
Born: 13th January 1990 (18 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Left Only
Nationality: Italy (Uncapped)
Current Club: Sampdoria
Transfer Value: £150k
Basic Wage: £375k per week
Contract Expires: June 2010
Player Overview
Already being compared to a young Gianluigi Buffon, Vicenzo Fiorillo looks set for a bright career in Italian football.
Key Strengths
Although Fiorillo isn’t as well developed as Lloris, he costs a fraction of the price to sign and still has plenty of time to improve. His standout stats from day one include good Command of Area and Reflexes, with enough going on mentally and physically to play well for a second or third tier side.
Growth Potential
Time and experience make Fiorillo ready to play in a top division, just not necessarily at a club fighting for European spots. Fiorillo’s biggest gains come in his Physical attributes, most significantly improving his Stamina and Strength to round out that column in the low teens.
How Did He Do IRL?
Despite showing a great deal of promise and hype, Fiorillo struggled to find first-team football at Sampdoria, leading to a series of loan spells that culminated in a move to Juventus. A later loan move to Pescara became permanent in 2016 when the team won promotion to Serie A. Fiorillo struggled to retain his first-choice position until the club returned to Serie B the following year. In his late career, Fiorillo served as a reliable backup keeper at Salernitana before ending his career with Carrarese.
An underwhelming trajectory at club level meant Fiorillo never progressed beyond Italy’s U21 side.
Eros Corradini
Born: 17th February 1989 (19 years old)
Position: GK
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Italy (Uncapped)
Current Club: Grosseto
Transfer Value: £4k
Basic Wage: £130k per week
Contract Expires: June 2011
Player Overview
Eros Corradini now plays for Grosseto after Parma released him over the summer. While that makes him readily available to sign, it also makes his trajectory “do or die”. Without moving to a better club, or having his career development managed by a human player, Corradini simply isn’t likely to fulfill his potential as a wonderkid.
Key Strengths
Despite leaving Parma, Corradini’s stats are actually much better than last year, at least the ones that matter at this stage in his career. But his Mental attributes have taken a hit and that could explain why it’s difficult for Corradini to live up to the hype in FM09. His absurdly low transfer cost makes Corradini worth a punt, even as a young backup goalkeeper with a chance of becoming more!
Growth Potential
Move quickly if you want Corradini to reach his true potential. In general, his attributes will improve but it would take a carefully co-ordinated trajectory to ensure he reaches a level worth utilising.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM08 Wonderkid Guide for more on Eros Corradini.
Defenders
Lorenzo De Silvestri
Born: 23rd May 1988 (20 years old)
Position: Defender/Wing Back (Right)
Preferred Foot: Right Only
Nationality: Italy (6 U21 Caps / 0 U21 Goals)
Current Club: Lazio
Transfer Value: £5m
Basic Wage: £4.6k per week
Contract Expires: June 2010
Player Overview
Now a regular Lazio starter, De Silvestri was also recently part of Italy’s Toulon Tournament winning side in spring 2008.
Key Strengths
De Silvestri has had a strange transition from FM08 to FM09. Though his Physical attributes have generally gone up, significant knocks to his Technical attributes arguably make him a weaker player than last year. The most significant reduction sees De Silvestri’s Long Throws slashed by two-thirds, making him a solid but not standout right back.
Growth Potential
Thankfully, the slight decline in De Silvestri’s day one attributes doesn’t affect his development, which follows a similar trajectory to last year. As well as becoming a Mental behemoth, De Silvestri’s Technical growth is also surprisingly attack-oriented, making him quite the wide threat on goal, particularly with Crossing and getting on the end of crosses and corners himself.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM08 Wonderkid Guide for more on Lorenzo De Silvestri.
Marcelo
Born: 12th May 1988 (20 years old)
Position: Defender/Wing Back, Midfielder (Left)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Brazil (3 Caps / 1 Goal)
Current Club: Real Madrid
Transfer Value: £6.5m
Basic Wage: £24k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Marcelo replaced Roberto Carlos as Real Madrid’s first-choice left back last season, helping the side retain La Liga in 2008. He also contributed to Brazil’s bronze medal performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
Key Strengths
Making a surprising return to top wonderkid status after two seasons being beaten to the punch, Marcelo has definitely improved since FM06. His biggest improvement, and now also his best Technical attribute, is First Touch, helping the Brazilian swiftly dribble the ball to deliver a precise cross into the box. His Off The Ball and Physical attributes have both also risen, helping him remain competitive no matter whether the ball is at his feet.
Growth Potential
Already looking quite good from a Technical perspective, most of Marcelo’s development unsurprisingly comes across his Mental attributes. The biggest improvements are likely to include his Decision making and Influence, though the latter doesn’t start off too high in the first place.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM06 Wonderkid Guide for more on Marcelo.
Andrea Mazzarani
Born: 6th November 1989 (18 years old)
Position: Defender/Wing Back/Attacking Midfielder (Right)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Italy (Uncapped)
Current Club: Udinese
Transfer Value: £925k
Basic Wage: £375k per week
Contract Expires: June 2011
Player Overview
A promising debut season in Serie C saw Andrea Mazzarani sign for Udinese ahead of the 2007/08 season.
Key Strengths
Mazzarani starts FM09 with a solid if unspectacular spread of attributes, most notably being a versatile performer up and down the right wing. His Natural Fitness is also incredibly high, making him a solid bench option, if not ready to start for most top European clubs.
Growth Potential
This is where Mazzarani really shines! Solid playing time over the next few seasons should transform Mazzarani into a world class player with very few weaknesses in his game. His attributes quickly improve across the board, creating a must-have player who could start for almost any team in the world. Be mindful that his transfer value will reflect this, so it’s best to sign Mazzarani early if you want to get your hands on him…
How Did He Do IRL?
Mazzarani had a somewhat journeyman career, playing for TEN different clubs without ever really establishing himself or winning anything notable. His career peaked in the 2011/12 season when he played a single season of Serie A football whilst on loan at Novara. He ended his career after three seasons playing in Serie C, with Catania, Livorno, and Carrerese in each consecutive season.
Understandably, Mazzarani’s lack of consistent playing time above Serie B meant he never progressed further than Italy’s U20s side.
Cristián Zapata
Born: 30th September 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Defender (Right, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Colombia (18 Caps / 0 Goals)
Current Club: Udinese
Transfer Value: £5.25m
Basic Wage: £7k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Zapata’s strong performances for Udinese have earned him a new contract. But the young Colombian begins the new campaign with a long term injury that could jeopardise his development in FM08.
Key Strengths
Now comfortable playing as a right back, Zapata’s attributes have actually taken a slight knock compared to last year. Exceptions include slight improvements to his Dribbling, Technique, Agility, and Natural Fitness – all of which should help him make forward runs if needed.
Growth Potential
It’s unlikely that Zapata will see much improvement in his Technical or Physical attributes. But the gains he could make mentally more than make up for this! The development Zapata goes through, particularly his Concentration and Stamina, should turn him into a reliable defensive stalwart for many years to come.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM08 Wonderkid Guide for more on Cristián Zapata.
Mamadou Sakho
Born: 13th February 1990 (18 years old)
Position: Defender (Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left Only
Nationality: France (Uncapped)
Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Transfer Value: £2.7m
Basic Wage: £3.7k per week
Contract Expires: June 2010
Player Overview
A temperamental but talented prospect from Paris-Saint Germain’s youth academy, Mamadou Sakho looks set for great things with club and country.
Sakho was temporarily handed the captain’s armband for his league debut last season but later spent several months out with injury, returning to help PSG lift the Coupe de la Ligue in March.
Key Strengths
Sakho begins FM09 as a decent centre back who can also provide left back cover if necessary. His attributes are solid if uninspiring, good enough to support PSG’s first-team efforts or play a more important role at smaller clubs, thanks to strong Heading and Marking skills. Many of Sakho’s Mental attributes are surprisingly high for a teenager.
Growth Potential
Consistently playing for a top European club naturally gives Sakho greater development opportunity, allowing him to become a high quality and physically dominating defender. His Mental stats should also improve significantly, creating a top contender for club captain material.
How Did He Do IRL?
Sakho played for PSG until 2013, joining Liverpool for £18 million but limited in appearances due to injury. Disagreements with multiple managers further limited Sakho’s appearances at the club despite praise for his on-pitch contributions. Exiled from the Liverpool squad in 2017, a successful loan spell with Crystal Palace turned into a permanent move with Sakho remaining at Selhurst Park for four years.
In 2021, Sakho joined Montpellier as a free signing, playing for the French club for just over two seasons before a violent altercation with Montpellier manager Michel Der Zakarian prematurely ended his tenure there.
Good performances at PSG paved Sakho’s path into the senior France team in 2010. Sakho earned 29 caps for Les Bleus, including three appearances at the 2014 World Cup. But reduced playing time at Liverpool and a less prestigious spot with Crystal Palace prevented Sakho from contributing to France’s World Cup victory in 2018, cut from the preliminary squad before the tournament began.
Ezequiel Garay
Born: 10th October 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Sweeper, Defender (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Argentina (1 Cap / 0 Goals)
Current Club: Racing (on loan from Real Madrid)
Transfer Value: £6m
Basic Wage: £21.5k per week
Contract Expires: June 2009
Player Overview
Strong performances maintained over multiple seasons with Racing Santander have earned Ezequiel Garay a move to Real Madrid. But Garay remains with Santander on a season-long loan to continue his development.
Another member of Argentina’s highly promising U-20 World Cup winning squad from 2005, Garay has been unlucky with injuries limiting his senior international appearances compared to his peers.
Key Strengths
Expect Garay to have a strong season with Racing before returning to Madrid. His all-round abilities immediately make Garay one of Racing’s best players, including a strong choice for set piece taker. If he isn’t taking corners, Garay might even grab a goal or two thanks to his high Heading and Jumping.
Growth Potential
The second summer transfer window is make or break for Garay. Tough competition for a first-team place at Real means his development could suffer without another loan or permanent move away from the Bernabéu.
Your best bet is to try and lure Garay away so that his lack of playing time doesn’t stall growth. Garay’s Mental attributes are the most likely to improve, helping establish him as a reliable defensive leader for mid table La Liga sides, even without consistent playing time. Sign Garay in summer 2009 and you might have a world class defender on your hands!
How Did He Do IRL?
Garay struggled to establish himself upon returning to the Bernabeu after another season with Santander, ultimately moving to Benfica as part of a swap deal involving Fábio Coentrão. The Argentine settled much better at Benfica and helped contribute to a Portuguese treble in 2013/14, as well as back-to-back Europa League finals appearances.
Club success continued following a transfer to Zenit Saint Petersburg before Garay returned to La Liga, this time with Valencia, to see out his career. Garay won the Copa del Rey with Valencia in 2019 before retiring at the end of the following season.
Although Garay’s international career started off promising, his move to Russia clearly didn’t help, earning his final Argentina cap in 2015 after a year playing with Zenit.
Midfielders
Lionel Messi
Born: 24th June 1987 (21 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Right, Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Argentina (29 Caps / 9 Goals)
Current Club: Barcelona
Transfer Value: £35.5m
Basic Wage: £77k per week
Contract Expires: June 2014
Player Overview
Relatively speaking, Messi struggled as Barcelona experienced a rare trophyless season. But Argentina struck gold once for a second Summer Olympics in a row with Messi himself scoring two goals and receiving wide praise for his performances.
Key Strengths
Minor tweaks were made to Messi’s overall attribute split from the previous year. The results make him slightly more effective from a Technical standpoint, as if that was even possible. While most of his Physical attributes take a slight hit in response, it isn’t really enough to stop him from dominating games.
Growth Potential
As Messi’s career progresses he experiences the expected Mental attribute development and recovers his lost Physical stats. There isn’t much room for his Technical attributes to improve, which are unlikely to change much as the game progresses.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM06 Wonderkid Guide for more on Lionel Messi.
Andrés Guardado
Born: 28th September 1986 (21 years old)
Position: Wing Back/Attacking Midfielder (Left)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Mexico (31 Caps / 4 Goals)
Current Club: Deportivo
Transfer Value: £6.25m
Basic Wage: £16.75k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Guardado immediately took to life at Deportivo, being voted as the team’s best player. Internationally, Guardado earned an impressive 21 caps in the 2007 calendar year, firmly establishing himself as one of Mexico’s key players.
Key Strengths
Despite a slight decrease across his attribute spread, Guardado is still an absolute speed demon capable of potentially lethal Long Shots.
Growth Potential
FM09 is incredibly kind to Guardado! His skills grow remarkably well across all three areas. The boost across most Mental attributes leaves almost every single attribute in that column in the teens. Elsewhere, his First Touch, Dribbling, and Passing all grow to once again make Guardado a reliable contributor to attacking play on the left wing.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM07 Wonderkid Guide for more on Andrés Guardado.
Giovani Dos Santos
Born: 11th May 1989 (19 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Right, Left, Centre), Forward (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Left
Nationality: Mexico (5 Caps / 0 Goals)
Current Club: Tottenham
Transfer Value: £4.7m
Basic Wage: £22k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
A graduate of Barcelona’s prestigious La Masia academy, Giovani dos Santos has just signed for Tottenham Hotspur after a solid debut season in Spain. Dos Santos has also been excelling with Mexico’s youth sides, earning his senior national debut in late 2007.
Key Strengths
Three things set dos Santos ahead of the pack when starting a new FM09 save, speed, Determination, and Flair. Supporting attributes like Dribbling, Agility, and remarkable decision making skills give dos Santos exactly the talents necessary to make a difference on the pitch. His ability to play across the attacking third certainly helps too!
Growth Potential
The development curve dos Santos can achieve transforms him from a promising luxury player into an attacking force to be reckoned with. The combination of growth across his Technical and Mental attributes create a much more well rounded player capable of performing consistently for top European clubs.
How Did He Do IRL?
Sadly, dos Santos didn’t seem to impress at White Hart Lane and found his playing time quite limited, leading to a series of loans throughout Europe. He later returned to La Liga, first with Mallorca and later Villareal, where dos Santos was able to secure more minutes. In 2015, dos Santos joined LA Galaxy as their Designated Player and earning a spot in two MLS All-Star Games. Dos Santos spent four years with LA before returning to Mexico, playing the final two years of his career with Club América.
Dos Santos’ inconsistent club career didn’t prevent him from becoming a key player for the Mexican national team, earning 106 caps and scoring 19 goals across a 12 year stint.
Francesc Fabregas
Born: 4th May 1987 (21 years old)
Position: Midfielder (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Either
Nationality: Spain (32 Caps / 1 Goal)
Current Club: Arsenal
Transfer Value: £22.5m
Basic Wage: £55k per week
Contract Expires: June 2014
Player Overview
Fabregas stepped up amidst a turbulent second season at the Emirates Stadium, earning himself the PFA Young Player of the Year and Arenal’s Player of the Season awards.
He also played a major part in Spain’s victory at Euro 2008, tallying up a goal and three assists and earning a spot in the Team of the Tournament, alongside lifting the trophy.
Key Strengths
Though Fabregas’ attributes seem to have been tuned down compared to FM08, his overall ability is still incredible. Despite this, his Physical attributes actually look slightly better thanks to significant jumps in his Agility and Natural Fitness.
Growth Potential
Any noticeable decline in Fabregas’ performances in the first season will quickly be resolved as his attributes improve. His Mental and Physical stats both already being quite high mean most of his development is Technical attribute focused, transforming Fabregas into a world class box to box midfielder.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM05 Wonderkid Guide for more on Francesc Fabregas.
Marek Hamsik
Born: 27th July 1987 (20 years old)
Position: Midfielder (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Slovakia (12 Caps / 2 Goals)
Current Club: Napoli
Transfer Value: £5m
Basic Wage: £15.5k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
Previously playing for Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava, Marek Hamsik joined Serie A club Brescia in 2004. He spent three seasons with Brescia before signing for Napoli on their return to the top flight, making an immediate impact as the club’s top goalscorer in the 2007/08 season.
Hamsik debuted for the Slovakia national team in February 2007, narrowly missing out on being named as the country’s best player of the year to Martin Škrtel.
Key Strengths
Already a talented all rounder, Hamsik looks like a natural successor to Frank Lampard; offering playmaking abilities, a commanding presence, and a strong chance of racking up several goals throughout the season! Perhaps most importantly, Hamsik is a great Penalty Taker, and could slot into your Free Kicks rotation too.
Growth Potential
While Hamsik doesn’t improve as significantly as some wonderkids, the growth he does achieve should help fulfill that Lampard-eqsue style of play. His Technical attributes should see the most gains, which is also unusual for a wonderkid, but hardly surprising given how strong Hamsik’s Mental attributes are from day one.
How Did He Do IRL?
A regular starter for Napoli over 12 seasons, Hamsik was named club captain in early 2014 and lifted both the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana later that year. He also featured in the Serie A Team of the Year across three seasons, providing the most assists in two others, before becoming Napoli’s record appearance holder in late 2019.
Hamsik departed for Dalian Yifang just a few months later, spending two seasons in China before returning to Europe with a desire to continue playing for Slovakia. The twilight of his club career included Süper Lig and Turkish Super Cup victories with final club Trabzonspor in 2022.
A 16-year international career also saw Hamsik become Slovakia’s record appearance holder AND goalscorer, finding the net 26 times across 138 caps for his country. Hamsik was named captain for Slovakia’s first independent World Cup appearance in 2010, where they unexpectedly beat holders Italy in their final group game to progress at the Italians expense.
Samir Nasri
Born: 26th June 1987 (21 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder (Left, Centre)
Preferred Foot: Either
Nationality: France (12 Caps / 2 Goals)
Current Club: Arsenal
Transfer Value: £12m
Basic Wage: £35k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Nasri’s best season yet with Marseille has earned the Frenchman a £12 million move to Arsenal. Although part of France’s Euro 2008 squad, his playing time was limited to relatively minor cameo appearances.
Key Strengths
As with many of his fellow wonderkids, Nasri’s attributes take a slight knock compared to last year’s game. One exception sees Nasri’s Finishing improve a little, making him more of a threat on goal than ever. His overall attribute spread is still quite good though, it just might be harder to lure him away after signing for the Gunners.
Growth Potential
The next few seasons should see Nasri undergo steady development, especially if he gets good playing time at Arsenal (or a loan move to another top division club). Some of the most useful gains come in Nasri’s Work Rate, and Stamina, making him a reliable workhorse for driving his team’s attacks forward.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM08 Wonderkid Guide for more on Samir Nasri.
Strikers
Sergio Agüero
Born: 2nd June 1988 (20 years old)
Position: Attacking Midfielder/Forward (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Argentina (12 Caps / 3 Goals)
Current Club: Atlético Madrid
Transfer Value: £18.5m
Basic Wage: £48k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Argentine striker Sergio Agüero has established himself as one of the top young goalscoring prospects playing, scoring an impressive 27 goals in 50 appearances in his debut season with Atlético Madrid.
Agüero played a key role in a series of youth tournaments won by Argentina, including the 2005 World Youth Championship and the 2007 U-20 World Cup, winning both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball award at the latter. He also contributed to the nation’s gold medal-winning performance at the 2008 Summer Olympics, scoring a brace against Brazil in the semi final. This goalscoring momentum has continued as Agüero joined the senior team.
Key Strengths
You’re unlikely to find a better first signing in FM09 than Sergio Agüero. A 20 year old with absurdly high attributes in almost every stat that matters, who will bang in goal after goal for more than a decade. It’s difficult to pin down Agüero’s best ability, but the combination of his speed, Dribbling, and Technique all help put him in the ideal position to score. If you can afford Agüero’s transfer fee, sign him immediately!
Growth Potential
Much like previous wonderkids who have it all from day one, Agüero’s attributes won’t actually improve that noticeably as his career progresses. But he does still round out into a better player over time, particularly improving on his Composure and Positioning to create an even bigger threat for the opposition.
How Did He Do IRL?
Agüero continued to score for fun with Atlético until 2011 when he signed for Man City for a £35 million transfer fee. The move was an immediate success as Agüero’s injury time goal against Queen’s Park Rangers helped City win their first ever Premier League title that season. Eventually adding four more league titles plus seven FA Cup and League Cup wins over the next decade, Agüero also sits in the top ten all-time Premier League goalscorers with 184 scored over 275 games.
Argentina were perennial runners up throughout Agüero’s international career. The only trophy he lifted as a squad member was the 2021 Copa América.
Also in 2021, Agüero signed for Barcelona but was forced to medically retire just a few months later due to a heart condition. This unplanned early retirement prevented Agüero from playing at the 2022 World Cup, but that didn’t stop him from joining the Argentine team’s celebrations after winning the trophy!
Karim Benzema
Born: 19th December 1987 (20 years old)
Position: Striker
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: France (13 Caps / 3 Goals)
Current Club: Olympique Lyonnais
Transfer Value: £7m
Basic Wage: £60k per week
Contract Expires: June 2013
Player Overview
Karim Benzema played a relatively minor role as Lyon stormed to FOUR consecutive Ligue 1 titles between 2005 and 2008. His biggest contribution came last season where Benzema scored an impressive 31 goals across 52 appearances in all competitions, roughly half of them while still a teenager!
Strong performances with Lyon saw Benzema called up for France, scoring on his debut.
Key Strengths
Not too dissimilar to Agüero, Benzema is practically already the complete package and will score plenty of goals. While less refined overall, Benzema has a much better chance of scoring from crosses and corners thanks to his higher Heading and Jumping, making him an ideal spearhead for wide play. More importantly though, he costs less than half as much to sign compared to Agüero.
Growth Potential
Playing time will turn Benzema into a world class striker, arguably making him an even better investment than Agüero. Their development follows a similar pattern with Benzema gaining more to catch up in areas he starts off lower. Improvements in Benzema’s Mental and Physical attributes allow him to become a dominant presence who leads attacking play rather than simply finishing it.
How Did He Do IRL?
Another (individually) successful season with Lyon saw Benzema join Real Madrid in 2009. Benzema spent a total of 14 seasons with the Spanish giants, winning four La Liga and five Champions League titles, eventually tying fellow wonderkid Marcelo as Madrid’s joint most decorated players. Departing for Al-Ittihad in 2023, Benzema captained the Saudi club to a domestic double the following season before a contract dispute saw him transfer to Al-Hilal in early 2026.
Benzema’s international career was highly temperamental. Despite good early performances, Benzema was one of several young French players criticised by senior players following Euro 2008. Controversy off the pitch saw Benzema left out of the 2010 World Cup squad before returning to play a key role in Euro 2012 qualification.
Solid performances at both Euro 2012 and the 2014 World Cup weren’t enough to counter Benzema’s role in a blackmail scandal, which saw him blacklisted from the national team in 2015. But Benzema returned to the squad in 2021, scoring four goals for France at the delayed Euro 2020 tournament. His goalscoring contributions continued as France won the Nations League in 2021, but an unfortunate thigh injury meant Benzema missed out on France’s 2022 World Cup victory, following which he retired from international football after 37 goals in 97 international appearances.
Pato
Born: 2nd September 1989 (18 years old)
Position: Forward (Centre)
Preferred Foot: Right
Nationality: Brazil (3 Caps / 1 Goal)
Current Club: A.C. Milan
Transfer Value: £9.5m
Basic Wage: £11.75k per week
Contract Expires: June 2012
Player Overview
Pato’s debut season with AC Milan went incredibly well, scoring 9 league goals across 18 games after he finally became eligible to play.
Key Strengths
One of the few exceptions to the game’s attribute rescale, Pato drops his first name going into FM09 but sees a fantastic bump up across his attributes. The most valuable gains come from his Dribbling and Physical attributes.
Growth Potential
Despite bucking the trend heading into FM09, Pato isn’t likely to see much further improvement as he ages, at least not compared to this wonderkid cohort. There is still growth, however, with his Physical attributes rising even further to make Pato a force of nature on the pitch.
How Did He Do IRL?
Check out the FM08 Wonderkid Guide for more on Pato.
More Top Wonderkids on Football Manager 2009
Check out a further 77 wonderkids available on FM09! It’s another year where goalkeepers are few and far between, so make sure you snap up one from above if you need to!
Arsenal offer the most wonderkids already on their books at six. Barcelona and Inter Milan aren’t far behind with give each.
| Player | Nationality | Club | Age | Position(s) | Foot | Transfer Value | Basic Wage (per week) | Contract Expiry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domenico Criscito | Italy | Juventus | 21 | SW, D LC | Either | £2.9m | £15.5k | June 2011 |
| Micah Richards | England | Man City | 20 | D RC | R | £5.5m | £35k | June 2013 |
| Fabiano Santacroce | Italy | Villareal | 21 | D RC | R | £3.1m | £2.3k | June 2012 |
| Stefan Radu | Romania | Lazio | 21 | D LC | Either | £3m | £5.75k | June 2012 |
| Ivan Fatic | Montenegro | Inter Milan | 19 | D LC, WB L | LO | £1.2m | £1.1k | June 2010 |
| Gerard Piqué | Spain | Barcelona | 21 | D C, DM, M C | R | £5.25m | £5k | June 2012 |
| Henrique | Brazil | Barcelona | 21 | D C | R | £4.8m | £22.5k | June 2013 |
| Martin Cáceres | Uruguay | Barcelona | 21 | D C | R | £4.7m | £16.5k | June 2012 |
| Breno | Brazil | FC Bayern | 18 | D C | R | £4.5m | £77k | June 2012 |
| David Luiz | Brazil | Benfica | 21 | D C | R | £3.2m | £7.25k | June 2013 |
| Clément Chantôme | France | Paris Saint-Germain | 20 | DM, AM C | R | £5.75m | £7.75k | June 2012 |
| Lucas (Leiva) | Brazil | Liverpool | 21 | DM, M C | R | £5.25m | £20k | June 2012 |
| Denilson | Brazil | Arsenal | 20 | DM, M C | R | £5m | £22k | June 2011 |
| John Obi Mikel | Nigeria | Chelsea | 21 | DM, M C | R | £4.6m | £12.5k | June 2009 |
| Blaise Matuidi | France | Saint-Etienne | 21 | DM, M C | L | £4.5m | £10.75k | June 2011 |
| Charles Kaboré | Burkina Faso | Marseille | 20 | DM, M RC | RO | £3m | £7.25k | June 2012 |
| Daniele Dessena | Italy | Sampdoria | 21 | DM, M LC | R | £2m | £7k | June 2013 |
| Ricardo Faty | France | Roma | 21 | DM, M C | R | £1.6m | £8.25k | June 2011 |
| Zdravko Kuzmanovic | Serbia | Fiorentina | 20 | M C | R | £5.25m | £12.5k | June 2013 |
| Javi Martinez | Spain | Athletic Bilbao | 19 | M C | R | £5m | £6.5k | June 2014 |
| João Moutinho | Portugal | Sporting CP | 21 | M C | RO | £4.5m | £16k | June 2013 |
| Gabriel Obertan | France | Bordeaux | 19 | AM RL, F C | R | £7.75m | £5.5k | June 2011 |
| Theo Walcott | England | Arsenal | 19 | AM RL, F C | R | £7.25m | £20k | June 2010 |
| Hatem Ben Arfa | France | Marseille | 21 | AM RLC | Either | £6m | £40k | June 2012 |
| Nani | Portugal | Man Utd | 21 | AM RL | R | £6m | £25k | June 2012 |
| Gonzalo Higuaín | Argentina | Real Madrid | 20 | AM RC, F C | R | £6m | £17.25k | June 2013 |
| Mario Balotelli | Italy | Inter Milan | 17 | AM RL, ST | R | £5.5m | £15.5k | June 2013 |
| Renato Augusto | Brazil | Bayer Leverkusen | 20 | AM RLC | R | £5m | £23k | June 2013 |
| Yoann Gourcuff | France | A.C. Milan | 21 | AM RC | R | £5.25m | £15.25k | June 2012 |
| Arda Turan | Turkey | Galatasaray | 21 | AM RLC | R | £4.5m | £15.5k | May 2012 |
| Ivan Rakitic | Croatia | Schalke | 20 | AM RLC | Either | £3.9m | £23.5k | June 2011 |
| Jonathan de Guzman | Netherlands | Feyenoord | 20 | AM RC | R | £3.9m | £10.25k | June 2010 |
| Mauro Zárate | Argentina | Al-Sadd | 21 | AM RC, F C | R | £3.8m | £10k | June 2011 |
| Loïc Rémy | France | Nice | 21 | AM R, F C | R | £3.1m | £8.5k | June 2012 |
| Jérémy Ménez | France | Roma | 21 | AM RLC, F C | R | £3m | £15.25k | June 2012 |
| Miralem Pjanic | Bosnia Herz | Lyon | 18 | AM RC | R | £3m | £7.75k | June 2013 |
| Marquinhos | Brazil | Palmeiras | 18 | AM RLC, F C | RO | £2.8m | £2.5k | December 2011 |
| Djamel Bakar | France | Monaco | 19 | AM R, F C | R | £2.7m | £4.8k | June 2012 |
| Alessio Cerci | Italy | Roma | 20 | AM RL, F C | L | £2.5m | £4.2k | June 2011 |
| Alexis Sánchez | Chile | Udinese | 19 | AM RL, F C | RO | £1.9m | £6.25k | June 2011 |
| Freddy Adu | United States | Benfica | 19 | AM RC | L | £1.9m | £5.25k | June 2012 |
| Henri Saivet | France | Bordeaux | 17 | AM RL, F C | R | £1.9m | £80 | June 2010 |
| Davide Lanzafame | Italy | Palermo | 21 | AM RL, ST | R | £1.6m | £6.25k | June 2011 |
| Gaël Nlundulu | France | Portsmouth | 16 | AM R, F C | R | £1.2m | £55 | June 2011 |
| Gai Assulin | Israel | Barcelona B | 17 | AM RLC | R | £1.1m | £250 | June 2010 |
| Luca Tremolada | Italy | Inter Milan | 16 | AM RL | LO | £180k | £55 | June 2011 |
| Alessandro Maria Cascio | Italy | Cisco | 18 | AM RLC | R | £20k | £170 | June 2011 |
| Miralem Sulejmani | Serbia | Ajax | 19 | AM LC, F C | L | £13m | £11.25k | June 2013 |
| Diego Capel | Spain | Sevilla | 20 | AM L | LO | £8.25m | £14.5k | June 2011 |
| Ryan Babel | Netherlands | Liverpool | 21 | AM LC, F C | R | £8m | £30k | June 2012 |
| Juan Manuel Mata | Spain | Valencia | 20 | AM LC, F C | LO | £6.75m | £14.5k | June 2011 |
| Sebastian Giovinco | Italy | Juventus | 21 | AM LC, F C | R | £6m | £15.25k | June 2013 |
| Carlos Vela | Mexico | Arsenal | 19 | AM LC, F C | L | £5.75m | £4.5k | June 2011 |
| Stevan Jovetic | Montenegro | Fiorentina | 18 | AM LC, F C | R | £4.3m | £8.75k | June 2013 |
| Esteban Granero | Spain | Getafe | 21 | AM LC | R | £4m | £9.75k | June 2013 |
| Marko Marin | Germany | Gladbach | 19 | AM LC | R | £3.9m | £4.3k | June 2010 |
| Carlos Eduardo | Brazil | Hoffenheim | 20 | AM LC | L | £3.6m | £10k | June 2012 |
| Ismail Aissati | Netherlands | Ajax | 19 | AM LC | R | £3.5m | £8.5k | June 2012 |
| Leandro Greco | Italy | Roma | 21 | AM LC | R | £1.4m | £4k | June 2010 |
| Anderson | Brazil | Man Utd | 20 | AM C | L | £7.5m | £20k | June 2012 |
| Giuseppe Rossi | Italy | Villareal | 21 | AM/F C | L | £6.25m | £7.5k | June 2013 |
| Toni Kroos | Germany | FC Bayern | 18 | AM C | R | £5.5m | £38.5k | June 2012 |
| Guilherme | Brazil | Cruzeiro | 19 | AM/F C | R | £4m | £4.7k | January 2012 |
| Maor Bozaglo | Israel | Maccabi Tel Aviv | 20 | AM C | Either | £1.4m | £3.1k | May 2012 |
| Gabriele Paonessa | Italy | Bologna | 21 | AM C | R | £975k | £3.1k | June 2009 |
| Benito Nicolas Viola | Italy | Reggina | 18 | AM C | R | £850k | £875 | June 2010 |
| Martín Galván | Mexico | Cruz Azul | 15 | AM C | R | £875k | £10 | June 2012 |
| Jô | Brazil | Man City | 21 | ST | L | £18m | £50k | June 2012 |
| Diogo | Brazil | Olympiakos | 21 | ST | R | £7.5m | £18.5k | June 2013 |
| Nicklas Bendtner | Denmark | Arsenal | 20 | ST | R | £6.75m | £22k | June 2012 |
| Bojan | Spain | Barcelona | 17 | F C | R | £6.75m | £14.75k | June 2013 |
| Hulk | Brazil | Porto | 21 | F C | LO | £4.3m | £8.75k | June 2012 |
| Bruno Fornaroli | Uruguay | Sampdoria | 20 | F C | R | £3m | £6.25k | June 2013 |
| Robert Acquafresca | Italy | Inter Milan | 20 | ST | R | £2.8m | £7.75k | June 2012 |
| Fabio Ceravolo | Italy | Reggina | 21 | ST | R | £925k | £2k | June 2011 |
| Mattia Destro | Italy | Inter Milan | 17 | ST | RO | £725k | £55 | June 2010 |
| Éder | Brazil | Frosinone | 21 | ST | RO | £300k | £1.5k | June 2011 |
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