FIFA 22 Career Mode guide to scouting the best players and mastering transfers

FIFA 22 career mode best teams to manage

With over 700 clubs to manage in FIFA 22, it can be a little tricky deciding on who to play as. That’s where we come in. We’ve combed through legions of leagues and tonnes of teams to find five absolutely must-play Career Mode saves this year. They range from road to glory clubs that barely have two pennies to rub together to South American powerhouses, and even those looking to reclaim their rightful place at the top of the game. Whether it’s short-term or long-term saves you’re after – at home or abroad – there’s bound to be something here for you.

The road to glory: Sutton United

FIFA 22

(Image credit: EA)

Sutton United’s first year in FIFA was always going to be a memorable one – why don’t you take it a step further? The 2021/22 season marks the first time the South London club has ever appeared in the Football League.

Expectations are low, and the transfer budget is even lower. That means two things: you’ll have to get creative with the resources at your disposal – including focusing on the youth team – and you’ll also have plenty of time to get things right.

The sleeping giant: Werder Bremen

FIFA 22

(Image credit: EA)

If you follow German football, then you might consider Werder Bremen to be one of the constants among the Bundesliga – until last season, that is. Now, The River Islanders find themselves in the second tier for the first time in over 40 years. Your objective? To bounce straight back up. But it won’t be easy. Fellow sleeping giant Schalke also took a tumble into 2 Bundesliga and will be breathing down your neck.

The most demanding board: River Plate

FIFA 22

(Image credit: EA)

There’s lots to like about South American football – not least of all the clash of the titans between some of the continent’s biggest names in the Copa Libertadores. As River Plate manager, you’ll be looking to add to those four continental cups – all while having the highest amount of pressure possible in Career Mode. Four out of five categories upon taking the job are deemed ‘Critical’. The quirky round-robin format in the Argentinian league is a fun cherry on top of one of the most demanding Career Mode challenges.

The youth development challenge: Anderlecht

FIFA 22

(Image credit: EA)

Once perennial champions of Belgian football, Anderlecht have undergone a slight slump in recent years. That, though, has led to the former powerhouse relying heavily on youth talent to bring success to the club. A quick look at the squad suggests several U21 players that can make the step up. Couple that with the unique blend of Domestic Success and Youth Development set down by your paymasters and it makes for an immensely moreish challenge.

The smallest budget: Longford Town

FIFA 22

(Image credit: EA)

£430,000 may not seem like a lot – and it isn’t – but the Irish league is filled with teams strapped for cash so you won’t feel the financial disparity too much. You are, however, tasked with providing a strong domestic challenge from day one and you have the lowest budget in the league (and the game). A recipe for disaster? Not necessarily. Be on the lookout for loans, bargains, and hidden gems to help maximise your team’s chances of bringing home silverware.

Understand FFA 22's scouting system on the next page

Bradley Russell

I'm the Senior Entertainment Writer here at GamesRadar+, focusing on news, features, and interviews with some of the biggest names in film and TV. On-site, you'll find me marveling at Marvel and providing analysis and room temperature takes on the newest films, Star Wars and, of course, anime. Outside of GR, I love getting lost in a good 100-hour JRPG, Warzone, and kicking back on the (virtual) field with Football Manager. My work has also been featured in OPM, FourFourTwo, and Game Revolution.