Finding the right striker can make or break your Career Mode journey. Goals are the currency of football, and having a forward who consistently delivers can turn mid-table sides into champions. While established superstars like Haaland and Mbappé dominate the spotlight, they come with huge transfer fees. The smarter move? Signing young strikers who can grow into world-class players over time.
What Counts as “Young” in Career Mode?
For this list, only players 25 or under at the start of the 25–26 season are considered. To balance things out, we’ve looked at overall rating, potential, growth margin, and real in-game impact. Some can be starters immediately, while others are hidden gems waiting to explode with the right development plan.
Best Strikers for Lower-League Teams
If you’re managing a side that needs budget solutions and future stars, these players offer massive growth potential without breaking the bank:
- Igor Tyjon (Blackburn Rovers) – Starting at just 57 overall, Tyjon has a huge +25 growth curve, potentially reaching 82. Perfect for a long save where you can nurture him.
- Francesco Camarda (AC Milan, on loan at Lecce) – A 17-year-old wonderkid who can grow from 65 up to 87–90. You’ll need patience since he begins on loan, but he’s one of the best long-term investments.
- Chido Obi (Manchester United) – With 19 points of potential growth, Obi can be a budget pick that turns into a Champions League-quality forward.
Hidden gems also include Jeronimo Domina (Unión de Santa Fe), who starts at 70 but can reach 88 while costing less than $5M — a perfect early bargain.
Best Strikers for Mid-Table Clubs
If your club has some funds but still needs to be strategic, these options balance affordability with high ceilings:
- Yoan Bonny (Inter Milan) – A reliable option with solid finishing and strength, capable of hitting 86 overall.
- Romeo Vermant (Club Brugge) – Starting at 72, his +13 growth makes him one of the best value strikers for mid-table projects.
- Karim Konaté (RB Salzburg) – Known for his pace, he grows up to 85, making him a lethal option on the counter.
- Eli Junior Kroupi (AFC Bournemouth) – Starts at 74 and can reach 85–88, already equipped with finesse shot and incisive pass playstyles.
Another exciting name is Charalampos Kostoulas (Brighton), available for around $10–15M and capable of hitting 88 overall — a great mix of affordability and upside.
Best Strikers for Top-Tier Clubs
When budget isn’t a problem and you’re aiming for trophies immediately, you’ll want the cream of the crop:
- Erling Haaland (Manchester City) – At 90 overall with 92 potential, he’s already a game-changer and still only 25.
- Endrick (Real Madrid) – Perhaps the most exciting wonderkid, with potential between 91–93. He combines raw pace, agility, and strong finishing. Costly at around $40M+, but worth every penny.
- Julian Álvarez (Atletico Madrid) – Versatile and clinical, capable of reaching 90 overall.
- Alexander Isak (Liverpool) – At 88 overall with 89 potential, he’s ideal if you want a striker who can dominate right away.
- Benjamin Šeško (Manchester United) and Hugo Ekitike (Liverpool) – Cheaper than the Haalands of the world but still capable of leading the line for years to come.
Balanced Picks With High Upside
Some players fit any kind of project depending on your strategy and timing in the transfer market:
- Mathys Tel (Tottenham) – Already 77 overall, with potential up to 90. At $42M, he’s a pricier option but one that delivers early.
- Samu (FC Porto) – Physically dominant at 21, boasting 90 strength and 83 finishing. Costs around $50–65M, but his attributes make him an immediate powerhouse.
- Conrad Harder (RB Leipzig) – Aerially strong and physically imposing, with potential around 89. Costs ~$17M, but may not be available in the first transfer window due to his recent move.
- Kaua Elias (Shakhtar Donetsk) – An undervalued option outside the big leagues, affordable at under $10M, with potential up to 87.
Full Quick-Reference List of Best Young Strikers
| Player | Club | Age | Role Fit | Transfer Value Tier | Career Mode Upside |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Igor Tyjon | Blackburn | 17 | Growth Monster | Very Low | +25 growth (57 → 82) |
| Artem Stepanov | FC Nürnberg | 18 | Cheap Prospect | Very Low | +20 growth, up to 83 |
| Jonah Kusi-Asare | Fulham | 18 | Affordable Talent | Low | +22 growth, tops at 82 |
| Romeo Vermant | Club Brugge | 21 | Budget Gem | Low | +13 growth, reaches 85 |
| Karim Konaté | RB Salzburg | 21 | Counter-Attack Forward | Low | Pacey and effective |
| Chido Obi | Man United | 17 | Prospect Project | Low | +19 growth, caps at 84 |
| Jeronimo Domina | Unión de Santa Fe | 19 | Hidden Gem | Low (~$5M) | 70 start, up to 88 |
| Kaua Elias | Shakhtar Donetsk | 19 | Undervalued Prospect | Low (~$10M) | 71 start, up to 87 |
| Charalampos Kostoulas | Brighton | 18 | Rising Talent | Low-Mid (~$10–16M) | Athletic forward, up to 88 |
| Eli Junior Kroupi | Bournemouth | 19 | Creative Striker | Mid (~$15M) | Can rise to 88 |
| Conrad Harder | RB Leipzig | 20 | Aerial Presence | Mid (~$17M) | +11 growth, strong option |
| Yoan Bonny | Inter Milan | 21 | Balanced Forward | Mid | Reliable to reach 86 |
| Jhon Durán | Fenerbahçe | 21 | Strong Presser | Mid | Great pace/strength combo |
| Moise Kean | Fiorentina | 25 | Experienced Option | Mid-to-High | Capable backup at 86 |
| Benjamin Šeško | Man United | 22 | Target Man | Mid-to-High | Great aerial option, +8 growth |
| Hugo Ekitike | Liverpool | 23 | Fast & Powerful | Mid-to-High | 83 start, can grow to 88 |
| Francesco Camarda | AC Milan (loan) | 17 | Long-Term Wonderkid | Variable (after loan) | +22 growth, future 87–90 |
| Mathys Tel | Tottenham | 20 | Speed & Dribbling | High (~$42M) | Can grow to 90 |
| Samu | FC Porto | 21 | Complete Striker | High (50–65M) | Mix of finishing & strength |
| Endrick | Real Madrid | 19 | Wonderkid Project | High (40M+) | Can hit 91–93 potential |
| Alexander Isak | Liverpool | 25 | Physical Striker | Expensive | 88 overall, minimal growth |
| Julian Álvarez | Atletico Madrid | 25 | Versatile Forward | Expensive | Reliable, up to 90 overall |
| Erling Haaland | Man City | 25 | Elite Starter | Very Expensive | Already 90+, stays world-class |
Whether you’re hunting for a hidden gem in South America or targeting a ready-made star in Europe, EA Sports FC 26 offers a wide variety of young strikers who can transform your Career Mode journey.
- Lower-league teams should prioritize players like Tyjon, Domina, or Camarda, where patience pays off.
- Mid-table clubs can bet on Vermant, Kroupi, or Kostoulas to bridge the gap toward European football.
- Top-tier sides should focus on Haaland, Endrick, or Álvarez to dominate from day one.
Investing early in the right young striker not only saves money but also ensures you’re building a squad capable of winning silverware season after season.
