Goals win games and signing a top-class striker will be high on the to-do list for managers in Football Manager 2026.
After the release of the long-awaited Beta for FM26, fans of the franchise are beginning to build their sides. Here, we look at the best young strikers to sign in the game.
Best young strikers in FM26
Samu Aghehowa (21), FC Porto
Arguably (probably) the best centre-forward prospect in the game. At just 21, Samu Aghehowa comes ready-made to make an impact. In real life, the Spaniard has smashed in 35 goals in 55 games for FC Porto and those performances are reflected in FM26.
He has scores of 16 for finishing and anticipation, and 15 for composure, alongside physicals that includes 17 strength and 16 for jumping reach, natural fitness and pace.
O hat-trick do Samu ⚽⚽⚽
📺 @sporttvportugal#CDCFCP pic.twitter.com/awCYQ4OFPQ
— FC Porto (@FCPorto) October 18, 2025
A beast, but he’ll cost upwards of £70m.
Francesco Camarda (17), AC Milan
The youngest debutant in Serie A history at 15 years and 260 days, Camarda’s goal-scoring feats have turned heads across Europe. In the AC Milan academy, he netted 485 goals in only 89 matches. No, that’s not a typo.
Now 17, he’s on loan at Lecce where regular football can aid his development. Despite his potential, he can be signed for around £12.5m in FM26. He already boasts a finishing attribute of 15…
Vitor Roque (20), Palmeiras
Despite failing to make the grade at Barcelona and a return to Palmeiras, Roque remains a player to keep an eye on in FM26.
Still just 20, the forward has a well-balanced range of initial stats, including scores of 16 for aggression and work-rate, and 15s for acceleration, pace, stamina and determination. There’s work to be done for a player priced at around £45m, but the foundation is there.
Francesco Esposito (20), Inter Milan
Currently battling for a place at Inter Milan alongside Lautaro Martinez, Marcus Thuram and Ange-Yoan Bonny, there might be an opportunity to prise the £21m-rated Esposito out of the San Siro.
The 20-year-old has 15+ for finishing, heading, technique, off the ball, balance and jumping reach, making him an ideal focal point.
20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito is having a dream season 🇮🇹✨
He’s now scored his first goal for the Italian national team
So far this season:
✅ Serie A debut & goal
✅ Italy debut & goal
✅ UCL debutThe future of Italy is here 🔵👏 pic.twitter.com/7LXZWiVrTg
— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 11, 2025
Charalampos ‘Babis’ Kostoulas (18), Brighton
If Brighton are prepared to break the bank for a teenager, there’s a good chance that there’s a huge talent involved.
Kostoulas formed part of the Olympiacos team that upset the odds to win the UEFA Youth League in 2023/24, before a first-team breakthrough in Athens last season. Comfortable across the forward line, he’s already ready to make an impact for a top-tier side.
Read – FM26: The best wonderkids in Football Manager 2026
See more – Football Manager 2026: Best clubs to manage on FM26
