FC 26 Hidden Gems - Forwards, Midfielders, Defenders, and Goalkeepers

What to know

• Hidden gems are young players with low current ratings but high growth potential in FC 26.
• Many of the most promising options are affordable and ideal for building clubs at lower levels or with small budgets.
• Players such as Bailey Rice, Francis Onyeka, and Pietro Comuzzo are recognized for their impressive development potential at bargain prices.
• Overpowered cards like Omar Marmoush provide immediate value for Ultimate Team squads, often outperforming their ratings early on.

The 2025 release of EA Sports FC 26 brings another batch of underrated and overlooked young talents ready to become stars in Career Mode or budget-friendly forces in Ultimate Team. Targeting these hidden gems delivers a huge edge — not only are they cheap, but their growth rates can quickly turn them into regular starters for even the best squads.

Why hidden gems matter more than big stars early

Big-name prospects often command huge transfer fees and wages, putting them out of reach for smaller clubs. Hidden gems let you build depth without bankrupting your budget. As they develop, their value can surpass what you paid, and they can carry your club into competitiveness in later seasons.

Affordable forwards with explosive potential

These strikers and wingers combine pace, finishing, and growth potential, making them perfect for budget-conscious managers aiming for immediate impact and long-term gains.

Camarda’s 88 potential makes him a long-term star.

Midfielders who control and create

These versatile midfielders excel in dynamic roles, offering creativity and stamina at a low cost.

Nypan’s 18+ growth potential suits EFL sides, while Sancet’s 2024/25 form adds goals affordably.

Defenders to anchor your backline

These full-backs and center-backs bring pace and versatility, strengthening defenses while aiding attacks.

Cubarsi’s 88 potential shines with training, and Dorgu thrives in wing-back roles.

Goalkeepers to secure the net

These young keepers offer reflexes and distribution, growing into reliable long-term options.

Restes leads with 87 potential, while Leysen’s low cost suits smaller budgets.

Emerging women's talents as overlooked assets

FC 26 deepens women's Career Mode integration, spotlighting gems like Temwa Chawinga (19, 76 OVR, 86 POT at Portland Thorns) for her blistering pace. Or Crystal Dunn (32, but 82 OVR with hybrid midfield prowess), proving age doesn't cap value. Scout NWSL or Liga F for €1M steals that diversify your squad.

These are just a few examples — many more hidden gems exist across less prominent leagues or youth divisions.

Overpowered Ultimate Team cards that play like hidden gems

Hidden gems aren't just for Career Mode — FUT players often rave about cheap starters who perform way above their stats, particularly at launch:

• Omar Marmoush (Premier League forward): Agile, fast, and a genuine threat behind defenders — compared to a budget Haaland.
• Barcola, Thuram, Kalulu: Other low-cost cards that punch well above their ratings.
• Saúl Coco, Moise Kean: Balanced, reliable picks for early squads.

Acquiring these cards early can give an enormous advantage against pricier squads, especially before wider player awareness drives up their market price.

How to scout hidden gems in FC 26

Use smart filters in the recruitment hub

• Filter by age (e.g. 16–21)
• Look for “Exciting Prospect” or equivalent tags
• Use potential ceiling / growth filters
• Explore lesser-known leagues or reserve squads

Monitor youth tournaments & competitions

Scouting youth tournaments often reveals players that databases haven’t widely flagged yet.

Use loan/transfer markets in smaller leagues

Smaller clubs often list their rising stars at affordable prices. Keep an eye on markets in leagues like the Dutch Eredivisie, Belgian Pro League, Portugal, or second divisions.

How to develop hidden gems to their full potential

Here’s a step-by-step approach:

Step 1

Give them consistent playtime — even in minor cup matches or lower-stakes league matches so they build match fitness and exposure.

Step 2

Set a development plan focusing on their key attributes. E.g., for a young winger, emphasize dribbling, pace, crossing.

Step 3

If they cannot break into your starting XI, consider loan spells to clubs where they’ll play regularly.

Step 4

Track their performance — exceptional games (goals, assists, clean sheets) often accelerate growth in dynamic potential systems.

Step 5

Around the mid-career mark, review their role: shift them into a more specialized position if needed to maximize strengths.

Common pitfalls and cautions

• Overloading your squad with too many prospects can limit each one’s playing time and stunt growth.
• Don’t rush them into high-pressure matches; a few mistakes can hurt confidence.
• Keep an eye on their morale, contract situation, and growth speed — sometimes slowing down training is better than overtraining.

In FC 26, hidden gems give you long-term stability and the satisfaction of turning raw talent into a star. Rather than chasing expensive names early, building a squad with hidden gems lets you grow sustainably. If you tailor scouting, give them chances, and plan their development, you’ll see them blossom into top performers.