Football Manager is almost perfect as is, but if you want to take the realism (and your enjoyment) to a whole new level, here are some essential downloads.

Real faces for regenerations

Until recently, Football Manager was a fan favorite without much scope for complaint. Sure, the graphics aren’t perfect here, but no one is playing for hyperrealistic visuals. However, there is one lingering complaint: regenerated faces. Let’s be real: They often look more like haunted mannequins than real humans. If you’ve ever seen The Polar Express, you know the type of unsettling and eerie atmosphere I’m talking about. And this year’s edition? It looks like they’ve been rolling in the mud.

But don’t worry, there is a solution! With a quick search for “NewGan Manager”, you can get real, realistic faces for your regenerations that look a bit like This. Once installed, you will feel even more immersed in your Football Manager universe.

Public Service Announcement: I can’t help you install these add-ons. There are just too many instructions and I’m far from a tech wizard. Believe me, my “help” could make things worse.

Instant result button

We’ve all been there: the routine of a nation-building save, where you just can’t be bothered to play every game against the bottom players in the league. Or maybe you’re on one Pentagon Challenge Raceand only care about major continental clashes. Maybe the league season is decided and all you want is some pre-season preparation. Whatever your reason, there is a faster way to simulate matches.

Just download a skin with an instant result button, which will add This functionality directly on your tactical screen and during games. YouTuber Zealand has created similar mods in the past, although I couldn’t find his 2024 version (if he ever created one).

Kit Creator

One of Football Manager’s biggest immersion breakers? Your club’s kits never change. Even 20 years later, you’ll still be wearing the same design and sponsor from Season 1. Enter the Football Manager kit creator. With this tool, you can redesign your kits on their website every season (or just every few years, to keep things fresh without overdoing it). Although it was initially made for Football Manager 2021 and 2022, it still works with the latest editions. Head to their site to design your dream kit and find instructions for installing it. For any problem, they are responsive on Twitter.

There are lots of other different things you can add, so if there’s clearly enough interest in this article, I’ll definitely do a part two.