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If you are a fan of FIFA 20, then it is likely that, in addition to enjoying the FIFA Ultimate Team mode, you are likely to have picked the bones of possibly the most engaging option in the game – FIFA Career Mode.
As the name suggests, this option allows you to manage and play your team through a career in the FIFA 20 universe – either as a player or manager. As part of this task, your job is to buy and sell players to improve your team. As such, finding the best FIFA 20 players and in particular the best young players FIFA 20 has to offer is a key strategy in Career Mode.
Unlike Ultimate Team mode, where the age and ability of your player is set permanently on their 2020 data, in Career Mode, the FIFA best young players can all improve with age and experience based on a number of factors that are built into the data for each player. As such, finding these FIFA 20 career mode wonderkids, or hidden gems, is the aim for Career Mode managers to help improve their team, and to ensure it keeps on improving into the future. This is especially the case when managing a team with a small budget.
It is fair to say that FIFA 20 is one of Electronic Arts’ most important titles. Not only are the Career Mode and Ultimate Team game modes hugely popular, the game also has a massive esports following with a number of top tournaments throughout the year and a healthy FIFA betting community being built up as the game surges in popularity as an esport.
Of course, FIFA may lag behind other popular esports betting options such as League of Legends or Dota 2, but there’s no doubt that it is one of the most played games in the world. Therefore, finding the best young players that FIFA 20 has to offer is fundamental to enjoying Career Mode to the full.
So with that in mind, we are going to bring you our list of FIFA wonderkids, together with a little bio for each player to help you narrow down your search and to find the players that can have the most long-term positive impact on your Career Mode team.
However, rather than simply pick players, what we have done is pick three players for each position in your team, based on a standard 4-3-3 formation. All information provided is at the very start of FIFA Career Mode.
One final thing to note is that the potential rating is a general guide. Due to dynamic potential in FIFA 20, a player’s potential is not set in stone. The more positive experience a player gets, the better the training and the better they perform at a younger age, the more chance their potential could increase beyond the stated amount up to a maximum of 99.
Where possible, we have tried to pick out a range of options to suit most budgets in FIFA 20 Career Mode, from the very top teams that can afford the best players, to teams that may not be able to stretch to FIFA best players and who are looking for value or players that are almost out of contract.
The best FIFA 20 Career Mode Wonderkids
Goalkeepers
1. Gianluigi Donnarumma (AC Milan)
- Age – 21
- Overall – 85
- Potential – 92
- Contract – 2021
A regular for Milan since 2015 when he made his debut aged 16, and an Italian international. Donnarumma is widely regarded as the best young goalkeeping prospect in world football.
2. Alban Lafont (FC Nantes – on loan from Fiorentina)
- Age – 20
- Overall – 79
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2023
Lafont is on loan from Fiorentina in the opening season in Career Mode, but the talented French stopper, who has racked up over 150 games in his career so far, is available from the second season onwards.
3.Maarten Vandevoordt (RC Genk)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 65
- Potential – 85+
- Contract – 2023
Very promising young Belgium keeper who became the youngest goalkeeper to start a Champions League game in history, when he played 90 minutes in Genk’s defeat to Napoli in December 2019.
Right Back/Right Wing Back
1. Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 85
- Potential – 90+
- Contract – 2024
Marauding right back and one of the most creative players in the Premier League. Already twice a finalist in the Champions League. Deadly with crosses from the right flank and good on set pieces but doesn’t come cheap.
2. Reece James (Chelsea)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 74
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2025
Rated as one of England’s best young right backs amongst a talented group, James spent last season on loan at Wigan playing 45 times, and has broken into the Chelsea team this season.
3. Josha Vagnoman (SV Hamburg)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 65
- Potential – 84+
- Contract – 2021
Very talented Hamburg youth product who has played for Germany at every level from U17 to U21. At 6ft 2 he is tall for a full back and is SV Hamburg’s youngest ever player to play in the Bundesliga. Can also play left midfield and left back.
Left Back/Left Wing Back
1. Achraf Hakimi (Borussia Dortmund)
- Age – 19
- Overall –79
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2023
Can play either full back position. Talented and attack-minded defender who is on loan from Real Madrid at Dortmund at the start of Career Mode.
2. Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 73
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2023
One of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, the young Canadian has established himself at left back at Bayern Munich at just 17. Certainly likely to be a huge star in the future.
3. Rayan Ait-Nouri (Angers)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 70
- Potential – 85+
- Contract – 2021
A French U18 and U21 international who has made over 20 league appearances for Angers. Ait-Nouri is a great value full-back pick for clubs that don’t have a massive transfer budget to spend.
Central Defenders
1. Matthijs de Ligt (Piemonte Calcio)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 85
- Potential – 93+
- Contract – 2024
A powerful and imposing centre-half who joined Piemonte Calcio (Juventus) last year. One of the most expensive defenders in the game but worth it if you prise him away from Turin.
2. Joe Gomez (Liverpool)
- Age – 21
- Overall – 81
- Potential – 89+
- Contract – 2024
A former Charlton youth product and now a full England international. Gomez is starting to fulfil his massive potential alongside Virgil van Dijk in the Liverpool back line.
3. Dayot Upemecano (Red Bull Leipzig)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 79
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2021
Angular, physically strong centre back who is a regular for Red Bull Leipzig and is hotly tipped to soon be capped at international level by France. Strongly linked with a big money move to England in recent weeks.
4. Ibrahima Konate (Red Bull Leipzig)
- Age – 20
- Overall – 79
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2023
Upmecano’s defensive partner at Red Bull is just but is a powerful, tall and rangy centre back with deceptive pace. Another hotly tipped to make the step up to the French national side very shortly.
5. Benoit Badashile (AS Monaco)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 72
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2024
Already a regular in the AS Monaco first team, this young centre half is powerfully built, strong in the air and his brother Loic also plays for the team. Strongly linked with a move to Spain and England of late.
6. Evan N’Dicka (Eintracht Frankfurt)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 76
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2023
Yet another talented French defender also plying their trade in the Bundesliga. Strong, powerfully built and good in the tackle. A real danger in the air at set pieces too for his club Frankfurt.
Defensive Midfielder
1. Sandro Tonali (Brescia)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 77
- Potential – 91+
- Contract – 2021
Very talented young Italian defensive midfielder tipped to move to a big club sooner rather than later. Could be Italy’s closest thing to a natural replacement for Andrea Pirlo.
2. Boubakary Soumare (LOSC Lille)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 75
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2022
One of the most sought-after midfield talents in Europe at present. The tall, powerfully built midfielder who can play a defensive role but who has the potential to develop into a fine box-to-box player.
3. James Sands (New York City FC)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 66
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2023
The first ever homegrown player to play for New York City FC, Sands is a talented player who is able to play in central defence as well as a defensive midfield role.
Central Midfielder
1. Nicolo Zaniolo (AS Roma)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 74
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2024
A tall, powerful midfielder who can play a number of roles in the team. Can create and score goals and is rated as one of AS Roma’s best prospects for many years.
2. Eduardo Camavinga (Bordeaux)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 72
- Potential – 90+
- Contract – 2022
The youngest ever player to play for Rennes and already a France U21 international, he has been one of the star players for Rennes this season attracting huge interest from around Europe.
3. Dominik Szoboszlai (Red Bull Salzburg)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 81
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2023
Already a full international for Hungary, the 18 year old Szoboszlai impressed in Red Bull Salzburg’s Champions League run this season in a creative central and right midfield role.
Attacking Midfielders
1. Kai Havertz (Bayer Leverkusen)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 84
- Potential – 93+
- Contract – 2022
One of the most highly regarded midfielders in world football, Havertz has been linked with a mega money move to England and Spain this summer due to the short amount of time left on his contract.
2. Pedri (Las Palmas)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 72
- Potential – 89+
- Contract – 2023
Hugely talented attacking midfielder who has been snapped up by Barcelona in real life. A small, creative player in the mould of Iniesta, Fabregas and David Silva.
3. Mohammed Ihattaran (PSV Eindhoven)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 73
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2022
Another good value purchase in career mode, this talented attacking midfielder has already made over 25 appearances for PSV Eindhoven, scoring three goals in the Eredivisie.
Right Midfielder
1. Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 85
- Potential – 93+
- Contract – 2022
Perhaps the hottest property in world football at the moment, Sancho’s soon to expire contract at Dortmund has all of Europe’s top clubs checking out this supremely talented right sided player.
2. Takefusa Kubo (Real Madrid)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 71
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2025
On loan at Real Mallorca from Real Madrid, this very talented, slightly-built young Japanese star is a dangerous right sided midfielder who can create as well as score goals.
3. Adam Hlozek (Sparta Praha)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 70
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2022
Can play a more forward role if required, Hlozek broke into the Sparta Prague team aged just 16 and became their youngest ever player and has remained a regular first choice ever since.
Left Midfielder
1. Agustin Urzi (Banfield)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 71
- Potential – 89+
- Contract – 2022
A small, slight attacking midfielder and winger who has already featured regularly for Banfield in the Primera Division in Argentina. Already an U20 and U23 cap for his nation.
2. Dwight McNeil (Burnley)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 76
- Potential – 85+
- Contract – 2023
A powerfully built left midfielder/winger who still has plenty of time to fulfil his potential. Has a sweet left foot and is a great crosser of the ball. Already an England U21 international.
3. Bakary Sako (Arsenal)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 70
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2021
Has had an incredible season in the Premier League in real life which has seen him courted by a number of clubs eager to take advantage of the short amount of time left on his contract.
Right Wing
1. Francisco Trincao (SC Braga)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 73
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2023
Signed in real life by Barcelona, a talented wide man who can play down either wing but who seems to be best suited to the right side. Has superb first touch and vision in particular.
2. Pedro de la Vega (Lanus)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 70
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2023
Rejected as a youngster by both River Plate and Boca Juniors, De La Vega signed with Lanus and made his debut aged 17 and is rated one of the sharpest and technically gifted youngsters in Argentina.
3. Jeremy Doku (Anderlecht)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 69
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2021
Signed from Beerschot as a youngster, Doku has already played 30 games for Anderlecht, scoring an impressive 4 goals from wide right. Still only 16 in the game and available at a cut price fee.
Central Forward
1. Joao Felix (Atletico Madrid)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 80
- Potential – 93+
- Contract – 2026
The good news is he is a lot cheaper in FIFA Career mode than in real life, but he would still represent a significant outlay for most teams. A talented, creative young striker.
2. Fabio Silva (FC Porto)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 70
- Potential – 86+
- Contract – 2024
One of a number of talented youngsters making their way through the ranks at FC Porto. The youngest ever player in the club’s history and also their youngest ever league goalscorer.
3. Ahmed Kutucu (Schalke 04)
- Age – 19
- Overall – 68
- Potential – 85+
- Contract – 2023
Has netted five goals in 30 league appearances for Schalke 04 and is one of a group of talented young players at the club. He has also earned his first cap for his native Turkey in 2019.
Striker
1. Kylian Mbappe (Paris St Germain)
- Age – 20
- Overall – 89
- Potential – 95+
- Contract – 2022
One of the fastest and most explosive strikers in recent years with an incredible goalscoring record for both Monaco and Paris St Germain. Could be set to become the world’s most expensive player.
2. Erling Braut Haaland (Borussia Dortmund)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 79
- Potential – 90+
- Contract – 2024
Another striking sensation who has enjoyed a sensational start to his career with Red Bull Salzburg and most recently Borussia Dortmund. Son of former Leeds and Man City midfielder Alf-Inge.
3. Mason Greenwood (Manchester United)
- Age – 17
- Overall – 71
- Potential – 87+
- Contract – 2023
A talented young striker who has come through the ranks at United and has already netted a number of key goals for the Red Devils. Available at a great price in Career Mode, too.
Left Wing
1. Ansu Fati (Barcelona)
- Age – 16
- Overall – 73
- Potential – 90+
- Contract – 2022
The youngster that most Barcelona fans feel could well be the successor to the incomparable Lionel Messi when he retires. Exploded onto the scene this season with some sensational performances.
2. Callum Hudson-Odoi (Chelsea)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 73
- Potential – 88+
- Contract – 2024
A talented winger who can play on either flank. Dangerous when he cuts in to shoot at goal. Likely to see more action next season after missing large chunks of this one with injury.
3. Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid)
- Age – 18
- Overall – 79
- Potential – 92
- Contract – 2025
Wonderfully gifted left-footed Brazilian who has made a bright start to his career in Madrid and has already become a firm favourite with the fans in the Bernebeu.
The Bargains
While some of the players above are great value, some are very expensive to land in FIFA 20 Career Mode. The list below comprises players in various positions that should be available for around £2 million or less in the game.
- Sebastiano Esposito (Inter) – Aged 16 – 67 Rating, 87+ potential – £1.4m – ST
- Julian Carranza (Inter Miami) – Aged 18 – 68 Rating, 86+ potential – £1.7m – ST
- Andre Gomes (Man Utd) – Aged 18 – 68 Rating, 86+ potential – £1.6m – CAM, CM, LW
- Paxton Pomykal (FC Dallas) – Aged 19 – 68 Rating, 86+ potential – £1.7m – CAM, CM, RM
- Ethan Ampadu (Chelsea) – Aged 18 – 67 Rating, 86+ potential – £1.2m – CB, CDM
- Nicolo Armini (Lazio) – Aged 18 – 66 Rating, 86+ potential, £1.1m – CB
- Nicolas Cozza (Montpellier) – Aged 20 – 69 Rating, 85+ potential, £1.8m – CB, LWB
- Hotman El Kababri (Anderlecht) – Aged 19 – 65 Rating, 85+ potential, £900k, RB
- Alessandro Plizzari (Milan) – Aged 19 – 66 Rating, 84+ potential, £1m – GK
We hope this list of the best young players FIFA 20 has to offer will help you get the most out of the Career Mode. Remember that, as FIFA Career Mode can be very unpredictable, so can FIFA as an esport!
