Football Manager 2021

In short: Football Manager 2021 is a sports game released in 2020 by Sports Interactive, available on PC, macOS, Linux and Nintendo Switch. Our score: 8.5/10 (highly recommended).

Football Manager 2021

This title focuses on the strategic and tactical side of football management, allowing players to build their dream team, manage finances, and make crucial in-game decisions to lead their club to victory. Valid for PC.

Football Manager 2021 (FM21) is the latest iteration in Sports Interactive's critically acclaimed football management simulation series. Released in 2020, FM21 allows players to step into the highly demanding shoes of a football manager, taking charge of virtually any club across numerous leagues worldwide. The game deepens the immersive experience by offering unparalleled control over every aspect of a football club, from scouting and transfers to tactical setups, training regimens, and man-management. At its core, FM21 is about strategic thinking and meticulous planning. Players must assemble a squad, balancing talent with team chemistry, manage club finances, and develop a tactical philosophy that suits their players and desired style of play. The match engine, a cornerstone of the series, provides a realistic representation of football matches, forcing managers to make real-time decisions, substitutions, and tactical tweaks to influence the outcome. Beyond the pitch, players engage with an intricate world of media interactions, player morale, and board expectations, all of which contribute to the pressure and rewards of the managerial role. The game significantly refined existing features and introduced new elements to enhance realism and player agency. Notably, the interaction system was overhauled, offering more nuanced conversations with players and the media. Matchday experience also saw improvements with enhanced animations and a more sophisticated xG (expected goal…

Game details

Our review

Football Manager 2021 continues its reign as the undisputed king of football management simulations. The depth and realism on offer are simply unparalleled, allowing for an incredibly immersive experience. The tactical options are vast, and the player interaction system has been significantly improved, leading to more believable team dynamics. While the graphical presentation during matches remains functional rather than spectacular, it's a minor quibble given the sheer strategic brilliance. For fans of the beautiful game who dream of leading their club to glory, FM21 is an essential purchase, offering hundreds of hours of engaging and challenging gameplay. The emotional highs and lows of management are captured perfectly.

Pros

Cons

FAQ

Is Football Manager 2021 suitable for newcomers to the series?
While FM21 offers an incredible amount of depth, which can be overwhelming, it also includes various tutorials and assistant managers to guide new players through the initial stages. Stick with it, and the rewards are immense.
Are there real player names and licenses in the game?
FM21 has a vast database of real players, clubs, and staff, but some leagues and clubs may not have official licenses, resulting in generic names or kits. However, there's a strong modding community that provides solutions for this.
Can I play Football Manager 2021 offline?
Yes, once the game is installed and activated, you can play Football Manager 2021 entirely offline. An internet connection is only required for initial activation, updates, and certain online features.
What are the main differences between FM21 and previous versions?
FM21 introduced significant improvements to player interaction, the matchday experience, and recruitment. The interaction system is more nuanced, offering greater control over conversations, and the match engine saw refinements in animations and data presentation.

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Last updated: 03/04/2026