2025
We can aim for a Top 8!!!
This has been an up and down season for Levante, a bad start (probably to find the best tactical solution) has characterised the final result, despite this and a management of the worries (which made us lose other important points) I am quite satisfied, when the starting 11 have played we have won important matches or dominated the matches this will be an excellent starting point for the new season, where unlike last year we will have fewer worries to manage and if we are not unlucky with many injuries I think Levante can finish in the top 8. Happy 26th season to everyone and Vamosssss Levante
Season 25 Review - Division 2 Champions
Season 25 could hardly have been a greater contrast to the previous two seasons of D2 mediocrity. When we lost all five pre-season games I had a feeling we might start with a win for once, and a 5-1 thrashing of Cruzeiro exceeded all expectations.
We were quickly brought back down to earth with a draw and a defeat in our next games.
Pre-Season Transfer Strategy
We had brought Lacroix back to the club in exchange for Tomas Araujo, an immediate +2 on our starting CB. That undoubtedly helped us to have such a successful season. Araujo eventually got his +2 while Lacroix mysteriously stayed at 88.
We also exchanged Noa Lang 88 for Alex Iwobi 89 and veteran Idrissa Gueye 88. Lang got his 89 by the season end while Iwobi stayed at 89. Iwobi was instrumental in our successful season with 11 goals and 17 assists from the left wing, however, and Gueye proved invaluable as Casemiro’s understudy. Casemiro scored 5 and created 8 goals from set-pieces and Gueye managed 6 and 3 in a third as many starts. Both had superb real life seasons as well, like Lacroix. Must be the Beddows anti-Marsden Mafia at SM HQ!
Mid-Season Reinforcements
During the season, we brought in more depth and youth including Jorge Carrascal, who since joined Flamengo in real life in a big money move. If he’s successful there, he could easily reach 89 rating.
Rafa Mujica joined from external as a like-for-like deputy for Ekitike, and he scored 6 crucial goals and 2 assists in 17 appearances (including just 4 starts). Absolutely vital contributions from an 86 rated player when added to Ekitike’s 16 goals and 10 assists.
For the youth team, Metinho returned for his third stint at the club. He’s now a starter for Basel in real life so expect a nice rise for him at the next review. We also brought young Hakon Volden back to the club for his second spell. I have high hopes for him, and his now a regular on Rosenborg’s bench in real life.
Division 1 Preparation
Later in the season, we started preparing for D1 by signing Roberto Firmino 89, Ferland Mendy 90, James Tarkowski 89, Yassine Bono 90 and Aleix Garcia 90.
We also brought in some younger depth players in Velasco, Krauss and Karlsson, while letting go Al-Dawsari and Forsberg, the able but aging servants.
We added a couple more exciting youth talents in Sato and Mabena.
Player Spotlight: Remy Cabella
A special mention for veteran playmaker Remy Cabella, who returned for his third spell at the club at the end of last season. This season, like Mujica, he was phenomenal when called upon to deputise for Traore and Iwobi, and later when Firmino couldn’t find his shooting boots and seemed to make the team lose when he played, Cabella became my starter, and guided us over the promotion line and to the D2 title. He scored 8 goals in 19 appearances (5 off the bench) with MotMs and a 7.26 average performance rating! He definitely earned himself a new contract.
Rating Changes
Hamari Traore, Azpilicueta, and Bourigeaud all dropped a rating during the season as expected. Greenwood +1, Ekitike +2, Macedo +2 rose to balance things out a bit. I thought the rises for Greenwood and Ekitike were miserly, but their true ratings will come in time.
For the youth team, Volden got a +8, Smit +5, Stojkovic +2, Volden +8, Bojang +4, Serrote +6, Jesus +3, Biden +1, Vitek +2, JSP +7, Dani +3.
Expecting more from all of them, plus Sarco and Rayane Messi. Jakob Brandtner is somewhat under the radar, but playing regularly for Liefering as he hopefully progresses up the Red Bull ladder.
Season Summary
All in all, I couldn’t be happier with this season. What a way to mark Top 100’s tenth anniversary and 25th Season!
Looking ahead, it’s going to be very tough again in D1. I hope to survive and at the very least do considerably better than my previous feeble attempt.
I’d like to add an 89+ RB, and a 89+ AM/winger, but it doesn’t look likely at the moment. So we’ll stick with what we have and know that we made a number of moves to improve the 1st team before the season ended, so there’s no panic.
And while our first team is aging, we have a wealth of younger talent developing through the ranks in the reserves, U21, and Academy.
Squad Evolution: S25 vs S26
Line-up comparisons for S25 and S26:
| Position | Season 25 Start | Season 26 Start |
|---|---|---|
| GK | Armani 88 | Bono 90 |
| RB | Traore 89 | Traore 88 |
| LB | Azpi 89 | Mendy 90 |
| CB | Lacroix 88 | Tarkowski 89 |
| CB | Otamendi 90 | Otamendi 90 |
| DM | Casemiro 90 | Casemiro 90 |
| CM | Bourigeaud 89 | Garcia 90 |
| AM | Traore 88 | Firmino 89 |
| RW | Greenwood 89 | Greenwood 90 |
| LW | Iwobi 89 | Iwobi 89 |
| ST | Ekitike 88 | Ekitike 90 |
Trophy Cabinet (plenty of room still)
The foundation is now set for our return to Division 1 football. From relegation candidates to champions - the Hamburg resurrection is complete.
Next up: Division 1 survival and beyond. The real test begins now.
Arsenal Tough Times
Not much t shout about, not a season review, although it has been poor one, but after an unsettled period, we are pushing along for the future, the board are backing me in the transfer market and changes are a foot.
Little InSite into the Arsenal background and recently updated tracking of players in youth team, ratings, values and playing time, yellow keep an eye for transfer movement high potential.
The first team is similar, try keep the up word trend in ratings, if a player is not playing its a concern, injury, form, also on the other hand, they could be -1 like Dolberg but he had a good finish to last season so potential to go back up, if he continues this season.
Big changes at ARSENAL as you can see, a swing to the youth team heavily invested in and bigger 28 players up to press, also the first team age down, but my ratings did suffer because of the change in mindset, this and then the trophies and wins dried up. We then concentrate on cups and your league form falters, a tough Cookie to crack, but all in the life of a football manager.
Well with over 1200 games at Arsenal and decent amount of trophies, next season at the moment we look like lining up like the below for our first team.
But there are transfer rumours for start players below.
Youth team line up pretty solid starting 11 below and plus 17 more youth coming up.
Top 100 a great world and great people, some really seriously good managers and builders who do amazing and should be agents and scouts. Hope its another great season , shout out to Admin and Gameworld owner, also very important the guys contributing, we all have busy hard lives and problems so well done all.
Bayern’s S25 Review: From Underdogs to Powerhouse
At the beginning of the season, few would have predicted Bayern to be where they are now. Tipped for an 11th-place finish, the Bavarians defied expectations in every sense, ending the campaign in 3rd place and establishing themselves as one of the most exciting teams in Europe. A cherry on top of successful season was a win in SMFA Shield, defeating Manchester City in trilling match with final result 6-5 (1-1) after penalties.
Kane, Doku & Kubo: A Trifecta of Brilliance
A big part of Bayern’s unexpected surge came from the sensational form of their attacking trio.
- Harry Kane led the line with ruthless consistency, scoring a staggering 50 goals across all competitions (42 league goals & 9 assists). Kane was crowned as SMFA Player of the Season and also SMFA Golden Boot.
- Jérémy Doku, constantly terrorizing defenses with his pace and dribbling, racked up 13 goals and 23 assists, becoming one of the league’s top providers.
- Takefusa Kubo added 3 goals and 13 assists, combining flair with intelligence in the final third.
With such firepower, Bayern didn’t just win games — they entertained, dominated, and silenced doubters.
Depth, Balance, and a Bold Philosophy
What truly set this Bayern side apart, however, wasn’t just star power — it was depth and vision. The club maintained a balanced squad of seasoned pros and hungry young talents. The coaching staff's trust in youth was evident: every game saw all five substitutions, with a clear goal — give young players a minimum of 15 minutes on the pitch.
This wasn’t rotation out of necessity. It was a bold, club-wide philosophy aimed at building long-term sustainability — and it's working.
A Club on Solid Ground
Off the pitch, the club remains stable, with a clear direction and strong infrastructure. Behind the current squad lies a pipeline of emerging talent, giving fans plenty of reasons to believe in a bright future.
The goals for next season are ambitious yet grounded:
- Secure a Top 4 finish
- Challenge for the Domestic Cup and Shield, World Club Championship, and SMFA Cup
- And in the youth competitions, push as far as possible.
Bojan’s Next Mission: National Glory
With the club season now concluded, all eyes turn to manager Bojan H, who will lead Argentina in a bid for a second consecutive international title. Given his work with Bayern this year, confidence is high that he can deliver again on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
This Bayern side was built to surprise — and they did just that. With a commitment to youth, tactical maturity, and world-class individual performances, the club is no longer under the radar. The rest of Europe is officially on notice.
The future isn’t just bright — it’s Bayern.
Season 25 Division 5 Stats and Facts review the A.I. enhanced edition.
Due to the madness of the tactical changes, I decide to engage the help of Cyberdyne systems to help crunch the number to see if they could do any better than me.
First the standard write-up A.I. free.
FK Partizan are the clear winner both of the league and the stats. +8 VA and finishing first leaves them above 2nd placed Lyon who have the 2nd highest VA in the league. 3rd place in the league and stats ( thanks for making my job easy here ) are Monchengladbach who have an impressive +10 VA as do 4th place Lazio. Biggest winners showing the long term game is paying off are Bilbao who have +14 VA. Newcastle and PSV also performed above predicted.
Independiente finish in 11th in real life but last in the stats, just slightly better than true last placed team AZ on -17 VA, who do just better than Napoli on -14 VA.
Now for the A.I. well I got it to crunch the number based on past data , it suggested adding a column for balance and more weighted depth so I have done that and adjusted the weightings as it suggested.
First table is the normal one all my own work.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| FK Partizan | 87.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.1 | 218.08 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9.00 |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 86.0 | 86.0 | 86.4 | 89.0 | 83.0 | 86.1 | 216.05 | 15 | 2 | 13 | 7.00 |
| Monchengladbach | 87.0 | 87.3 | 87.6 | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.0 | 217.19 | 13 | 3 | 10 | 3.67 |
| SS Lazio | 88.0 | 87.0 | 86.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.0 | 217.00 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 2.75 |
| Athletic Club | 85.0 | 85.5 | 86.6 | 87.0 | 84.0 | 85.6 | 214.51 | 20 | 6 | 14 | 2.50 |
| Newcastle United | 87.0 | 87.5 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.1 | 217.71 | 11 | 5 | 6 | 1.40 |
| PSV | 87.0 | 86.3 | 86.4 | 88.0 | 82.0 | 85.9 | 215.60 | 17 | 12 | 5 | 0.50 |
| Atalanta BC | 87.0 | 86.0 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 86.4 | 215.59 | 18 | 17 | 1 | 0.12 |
| Chievo Verona | 88.0 | 86.0 | 86.6 | 87.0 | 83.0 | 86.1 | 215.15 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 0.11 |
| Girondins Bordeaux | 85.0 | 86.8 | 87.0 | 87.0 | 84.0 | 86.0 | 215.83 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0.06 |
| Villarreal CF | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.4 | 218.24 | 8 | 9 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Santos FC | 87.0 | 86.8 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.1 | 217.44 | 12 | 15 | -3 | -0.13 |
| Spartak Moskva | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.5 | 218.96 | 7 | 10 | -3 | -0.20 |
| FC Twente | 88.0 | 87.3 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.2 | 218.00 | 10 | 14 | -4 | -0.21 |
| Torino | 87.0 | 87.5 | 88.0 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 87.5 | 219.54 | 4 | 8 | -4 | -0.38 |
| Rubin Kazan | 88.0 | 87.3 | 88.6 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.6 | 219.29 | 6 | 13 | -7 | -0.46 |
| Olympique Marseille | 88.0 | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.0 | 219.80 | 2 | 7 | -5 | -0.57 |
| SSC Napoli | 87.0 | 87.3 | 87.4 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 87.5 | 219.51 | 5 | 19 | -14 | -0.68 |
| AZ Alkmaar | 89.0 | 88.5 | 88.6 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.8 | 219.76 | 3 | 20 | -17 | -0.80 |
| Independiente | 89.0 | 89.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 88.0 | 219.96 | 1 | 11 | -10 | -0.82 |
So then the human and A.I. compared
| Pre | Fin | VA | A.I | Fin | VA | ||
| FK Partizan | 9.0 | 1.0 | 8.0 | 10 | 1 | 9 | |
| Olympique Lyonnais | 15.0 | 2.0 | 13.0 | 15 | 2 | 13 | |
| Monchengladbach | 13.0 | 3.0 | 10.0 | 14 | 3 | 11 | |
| SS Lazio | 14.0 | 4.0 | 10.0 | 13 | 4 | 9 | |
| Athletic Club | 20.0 | 6.0 | 14.0 | 20 | 6 | 14 | |
| Newcastle United | 11.0 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 12 | 5 | 7 | |
| PSV | 17.0 | 12.0 | 5.0 | 17 | 12 | 5 | |
| Atalanta BC | 18.0 | 17.0 | 1.0 | 16 | 17 | -1 | |
| Chievo Verona | 19.0 | 18.0 | 1.0 | 19 | 18 | 1 | |
| Girondins Bordeaux | 16.0 | 16.0 | 0.0 | 18 | 16 | 2 | |
| Villarreal CF | 8.0 | 9.0 | -1.0 | 8 | 9 | -1 | |
| Santos FC | 12.0 | 15.0 | -3.0 | 11 | 15 | -4 | |
| Spartak Moskva | 7.0 | 10.0 | -3.0 | 7 | 10 | -3 | |
| FC Twente | 10.0 | 14.0 | -4.0 | 9 | 14 | -5 | |
| Torino | 4.0 | 8.0 | -4.0 | 4 | 8 | -4 | |
| Rubin Kazan | 6.0 | 13.0 | -7.0 | 6 | 13 | -7 | |
| Olympique Marseille | 2.0 | 7.0 | -5.0 | 3 | 7 | -4 | |
| SSC Napoli | 5.0 | 19.0 | -14.0 | 1 | 19 | -18 | |
| AZ Alkmaar | 3.0 | 20.0 | -17.0 | 5 | 20 | -15 | |
| Independiente | 1.0 | 11.0 | -10.0 | 2 | 11 | -9 |
Does the A.I. do much better, well , hard to say , but it doesn’t do any worse. So what will happen is this.
Next season I will also use the A.I. formula and produce an alternate finishing position. At the end of the season if machine wins , I will create a new formula for each division based on A.I. if not I will keep it the same. All seems fair, let the battle commence.
Season 25 Division 4 Stats and Facts review.
The full Monty in the South of France.
Twelve places above the predicted 14 spots places 2nd place in the league in 1st place in the stats. They sit above play off team Feyenoord who have +13 VA who exited early from the play-offs. Boca who must fancy their chance in D3 next season with mighty Mo are in 3rd spot. Playoff teams Ajax on +11 , their rivals Wolfsburg on +5 and Lokomotive on +7 had great seasons as did Bremen who escaped relegation. Special mention to Sevilla who finished 3rd in the league but 17th in the stats perhaps showing there in no bias in the stats!
Some really poor showings led to Monaco and Brugge on -12 and -13 VA being relegated and Celtic who were predicted much better coming 13th and last in the stats. Division 4 was slightly closer to norms with 2 of the predicted relegation teams going down and 2 of the 3 auto promotion teams going up.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Montpellier HSC | 88.0 | 87.5 | 87.6 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.6 | 218.81 | 14 | 2 | 12 | 6.50 |
| Feyenoord | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.6 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.3 | 218.24 | 17 | 4 | 13 | 3.50 |
| Boca Juniors | 88.0 | 86.5 | 87.2 | 96.0 | 84.0 | 88.3 | 222.00 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3.00 |
| Ajax | 88.0 | 88.0 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.60 | 16 | 5 | 11 | 2.40 |
| Lokomotiv Moskva | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.92 | 13 | 6 | 7 | 1.33 |
| Wolfsburg | 88.0 | 87.5 | 88.2 | 89.0 | 83.0 | 87.1 | 218.93 | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0.86 |
| Bremen | 86.0 | 87.0 | 86.8 | 88.0 | 84.0 | 86.4 | 216.64 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 0.36 |
| Celta Vigo | 89.0 | 86.0 | 85.4 | 86.0 | 85.0 | 86.3 | 213.90 | 19 | 18 | 1 | 0.11 |
| Stuttgart | 85.0 | 84.5 | 83.8 | 85.0 | 80.0 | 83.7 | 209.65 | 20 | 19 | 1 | 0.11 |
| Dynamo Kyiv | 88.0 | 86.8 | 87.8 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.55 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0.09 |
| US Sassuolo | 88.0 | 88.0 | 87.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 218.60 | 15 | 16 | -1 | 0.00 |
| Dynamo Moskva | 87.0 | 88.3 | 88.0 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 87.9 | 220.26 | 6 | 8 | -2 | -0.13 |
| Beşiktaş JK | 87.0 | 87.5 | 87.8 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 87.9 | 219.62 | 9 | 12 | -3 | -0.17 |
| Olympiacos | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 219.93 | 7 | 10 | -3 | -0.20 |
| Crystal Palace | 86.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 87.5 | 219.58 | 10 | 15 | -5 | -0.27 |
| SEVILLA | 88.0 | 87.8 | 89.6 | 92.0 | 87.0 | 88.9 | 222.68 | 1 | 3 | -2 | -0.33 |
| Lille OSC | 90.0 | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.4 | 220.41 | 5 | 9 | -4 | -0.33 |
| AS Monaco | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 88.0 | 219.64 | 8 | 20 | -12 | -0.55 |
| Club Brugge KV | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.2 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.1 | 220.54 | 4 | 17 | -13 | -0.71 |
| Celtic | 89.0 | 88.8 | 89.4 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.6 | 222.02 | 2 | 13 | -11 | -0.77 |
How We Picked Freddie for Sporting
The Situation
After Joao got sacked from Sporting for not doing his WCC games and going inactive, we had to find someone new. Twelve managers applied for the job.
Who Applied
We had a mix of people - some big names from D1 clubs, some D3 and D4 managers looking to step up, and others from various divisions. Won’t name everyone but there were definitely some experienced candidates in there.
The Admin Discussion
When we first looked at the list, there was a lot of head-scratching. Some of us thought none of them were good enough for such a massive club. Others worried about giving Sporting to someone who might mess it up.
The main debate was: Do we give it to a proven winner who’s already got a top club, or do we give a chance to someone who’s earned a step up?
The Top 3
After going through everyone, we focused on three candidates:
The Big Name: Top-rated manager with tons of trophies and 1000+ games. Wrote a long application listing all his achievements. Problem was, he’s already got a top D1 club.
The Legend: Our #1 ranked manager who took his current team from D5 to D1. Short application but massive reputation. Again though, already successful where he is.
The Active One: D4 manager who’s spent 1.5 years rebuilding Wolfsburg. Made it clear he follows the rules and stays active. Not the biggest name but definitely earned a chance.
Why Freddie Won
In the end, Fredrik (Wolfsburg) got the job because:
- He’s active and follows the rules (which is why Joao got sacked in the first place)
- He’s proven he can rebuild a team
- It gives him a proper step up rather than just moving sideways
- His application showed he actually wanted the job
The Logic
We sacked Joao for being inactive, so we couldn’t then give the job to someone who might have the same issues. We also thought it was better to give a progression opportunity to someone who’s earned it rather than just shuffle the top clubs around.
Fredrik’s done well at Wolfsburg with less resources. Now he gets a chance with a proper squad. If he does well, great. If not, at least we gave someone a fair shot at the big time.
Bottom Line
Sometimes you have to be practical. Fredrik ticked the boxes we needed - active, capable, and ready for the challenge. Not everyone will agree with every decision, but that’s how it went down.
Thanks to the admin team for giving up part of their weekend to get this and the other ten jobs sorted. No easy task!
Season 25 Division 3 Stats and Facts Review
Happy days in Moscow for CSKA
A really strong keeper combined with a forward line scoring at will was a recipe for victory , CSKA go up as champs with +8 VA and + 9PVA. Two other teams have a higher VA , Augsburg who finished 3rd in the tight race for the top 3 and Dnipro the evident over achievers in this GW who made the play offs but lost painfully to West Ham. The Hammers were amongst 4 teams on + 6 VA, St Etienne who just missed the playoffs, Hoffenheim and Fiorentina who dodged relegation. Anderlecht who finished 2nd in the league also rate a mention as it is always hard to improve much on a predicted 2nd spot, a few goals difference would have seen them 1st in the league and 3rd in the stats..
Everton who sit at the foot of the table could have the last laugh as they made the playoff final despite finishing 4 spots below where they could. Maybe they could argue that Valenica’s fall from grace on -11 VA was a worse performance or their fellow relegation buddies Shakhtar. Fenerbache , Sunderland and PSG had a tough season.
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| CSKA Moskva | 90.0 | 88.5 | 88.4 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.6 | 220.61 | 9 | 1 | 8 | 9.00 |
| Augsburg | 89.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 90.0 | 86.0 | 88.2 | 220.46 | 13 | 3 | 10 | 3.67 |
| Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 87.4 | 218.24 | 19 | 7 | 12 | 1.86 |
| West Ham United | 89.0 | 89.3 | 88.6 | 88.0 | 87.0 | 88.4 | 220.60 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 1.75 |
| AS Saint-Etienne | 88.0 | 88.5 | 88.4 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.2 | 220.37 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0.88 |
| Hoffenheim | 87.0 | 88.0 | 88.2 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.4 | 219.45 | 16 | 10 | 6 | 0.70 |
| ACF Fiorentina | 88.0 | 87.8 | 87.5 | 87.0 | 85.0 | 87.1 | 217.51 | 20 | 14 | 6 | 0.50 |
| RSC Anderlecht | 88.0 | 89.0 | 89.6 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 88.7 | 222.91 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0.50 |
| Sampdoria | 87.0 | 87.8 | 87.8 | 91.0 | 84.0 | 87.5 | 220.11 | 15 | 12 | 3 | 0.33 |
| AS Roma | 89.0 | 87.8 | 88.8 | 88.0 | 85.0 | 87.7 | 219.32 | 17 | 16 | 1 | 0.13 |
| Zenit Saint Petersburg | 88.0 | 88.5 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.1 | 220.57 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0.09 |
| FC Basel | 87.0 | 87.5 | 88.2 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 87.5 | 219.17 | 18 | 20 | -2 | -0.05 |
| CR Flamengo | 91.0 | 89.8 | 88.6 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 88.7 | 221.65 | 4 | 6 | -2 | -0.17 |
| Liverpool | 88.0 | 89.0 | 88.4 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.9 | 220.53 | 12 | 17 | -5 | -0.24 |
| Shakhtar Donetsk | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.3 | 220.89 | 8 | 19 | -11 | -0.53 |
| Fenerbahçe SK | 88.0 | 88.3 | 88.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.4 | 220.98 | 6 | 15 | -9 | -0.53 |
| Sunderland | 89.0 | 88.0 | 89.6 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 88.3 | 221.46 | 5 | 13 | -8 | -0.54 |
| Paris Saint-Germain | 88.0 | 89.5 | 89.2 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 222.46 | 3 | 9 | -6 | -0.56 |
| Valencia CF | 89.0 | 90.3 | 88.2 | 88.0 | 86.0 | 88.3 | 220.96 | 7 | 18 | -11 | -0.56 |
| Everton | 88.0 | 90.8 | 89.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.1 | 223.78 | 1 | 5 | -4 | -0.60 |
BEŞIKTAŞ JK: S25 -THE BUBBLE
While Besiktas won the Division 5 title in season 24, season 25 looked to be a more complicated and complex one, the Turkish team finished in 12th place in Division 4. The main concern is that of not having a fully consolidated squad.
ADVANCED AGES AND PLAYERS WITH CHANGES IN RATING
The club has players with a rating of 87+, many of them are of a very advanced age and at risk of decreasing their value. Such is the case of Luis Suárez, our main striker, who recently dropped from 90 to 89. He is still very useful, but we don't know for how long.
Another player affected was the team's idol Portu who dropped from 88 to 86, the club did everything possible to keep him in the team until the end of the season as he is a player who gave a lot of joy to the club but had to leave earlier to have space in the squad. The club aprreciates his collaboration with the club.
Furthermore, 7 players who were important pieces had to leave the team to make room for other players who could help the team. Ruben Garcia, Viña, Tousart, Patric, Lukic, Orellano and Figal left. St-Juice, Maia, Barboza, and Luiz Araujo arrived in their place.
As the club was unable to reach agreements the club was forced to look for other alternatives so as not to end up stuck with a veteran team. Thus, it was decided to sign players middle-aged and low-rated players, hoping for a lucky break with one of them. The players chosen were: A. Hurtado, J. Freytes, A. Rodriguez, P. Henrique, Marcos Antonio, M. Martinelli but we had to let go another outstanding player from last season Lukic in order to sign him. Lyanco, a pitbull on the pitch, was also signed; a player like him was needed.
YOUTH TEAM STAGNATED
While the main team continues to be a concern for continuing to accumulate advanced age the youth team has not been the difference and is another cause for concern. There is talent but its development has stalled and is taking much longer than expected.
A striking case is that of Restes, who unleashed the fury of the manager, despite being a great talent on the pitch he left much to be desired. Finally an ultimatum by the club allowed a change of attitude from the player, allowing the situation to be resolved and his level can be enjoyed. Leoni and Anselmino stand out in the reserve team, but the rest still cannot make the definitive leap.
There are players who haven't developed as expected, either due to injuries or lack of opportunities, and some have had to leave the team. The club was unable to retain two of its young talents, Sakar and Fitzgerald, who left in search of better opportunities. To cover their departures, M. Chelmik, A. Campos and Q. Ndjantou were signed for the reserve team.
FINANCE
Another aspect to consider is the club's finances. At the start of the season, the club had barely 3 million in its accounts. Some sales have raised some cash, but it's still far below expectations considering the financial potential of other teams.
The manager and the club knew very well that the joy of last season were only a momentary bubble that could burst at any moment and some measures have been taken so that the impact will not be too strong.
The Black Eagles rest for the moment thinking about their next flight....
Next edition: “What's coming up, Interviews and more”.
Season 25 Division 2 stats and facts review
Hamburg dominate a topsy turvy division.
Maybe the best stimulus to promotion is to avoid relegation? Hamburg who were a well balanced side finished with a VA of 16 and PVA of 17 an amazing season. Zagreb would normally have claimed the top stats spot with +13 VA and 4.67PVA, Malaga is 3rd spot in the stats are in the playoffs finishing 6 places above expected.
Big congratulation have to also go to Southampton on + 9 VA and Atletico on +6.
West Brom did an inverse Hamburg should have been first but finished 17th on – 16 VA , a devasting first half of the season left them nowhere to run. Genoa narrowly escaped relegation on -12 VA. Leverkusen could still redeem themselves in the play offs. Internacional ,Swansea and Internacional also had seasons to forget. Again the tactical changes seem to have thrown the stats into the air for the moment at the top end with only sure fire Schalke going down
| GK | DEF | MID | ATT | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| Hamburg | 88.0 | 88.8 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.1 | 220.77 | 17 | 1 | 16 | 17.00 |
| Dinamo Zagreb | 90.0 | 88.5 | 89.0 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.09 | 16 | 3 | 13 | 4.67 |
| Málaga CF | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.2 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.9 | 222.38 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 1.75 |
| Stoke City | 90.0 | 90.0 | 90.4 | 90.0 | 88.0 | 89.7 | 224.18 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 1.50 |
| Southampton | 88.0 | 88.0 | 88.8 | 89.0 | 85.0 | 87.8 | 220.01 | 18 | 9 | 9 | 1.11 |
| Atlético Madrid | 89.0 | 89.5 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 83.0 | 87.9 | 221.45 | 14 | 8 | 6 | 0.88 |
| Cruzeiro | 88.0 | 89.3 | 89.2 | 91.0 | 85.0 | 88.5 | 222.67 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 0.80 |
| Standard Liège | 93.0 | 88.5 | 89.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.6 | 222.58 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 0.43 |
| Manchester United | 83.0 | 83.0 | 85.4 | 89.0 | 82.0 | 84.5 | 212.37 | 19 | 16 | 3 | 0.25 |
| Udinese Calcio | 89.0 | 88.8 | 89.6 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.65 | 13 | 12 | 1 | 0.17 |
| Schalke | 84.0 | 84.3 | 85.8 | 86.0 | 84.0 | 84.8 | 212.10 | 20 | 20 | 0 | 0.05 |
| River Plate | 90.0 | 89.0 | 88.6 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.9 | 221.82 | 11 | 14 | -3 | -0.14 |
| Galatasaray SK | 87.0 | 89.0 | 89.2 | 89.0 | 86.0 | 88.0 | 221.17 | 15 | 19 | -4 | -0.16 |
| Swansea City | 88.0 | 88.5 | 89.2 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 88.5 | 221.66 | 12 | 18 | -6 | -0.28 |
| Real Madrid | 89.0 | 88.8 | 89.8 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 89.1 | 223.64 | 6 | 10 | -4 | -0.30 |
| SL Benfica | 93.0 | 88.8 | 90.2 | 90.0 | 85.0 | 89.4 | 223.02 | 7 | 13 | -6 | -0.38 |
| SC Internacional | 91.0 | 89.0 | 90.2 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 89.4 | 223.75 | 5 | 11 | -6 | -0.45 |
| Leverkusen | 89.0 | 90.5 | 91.0 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.5 | 224.82 | 2 | 6 | -4 | -0.50 |
| Genoa CFC | 88.0 | 89.8 | 91.2 | 90.0 | 87.0 | 89.2 | 224.26 | 3 | 15 | -12 | -0.73 |
| West Bromwich Albion | 91.0 | 90.0 | 90.8 | 91.0 | 87.0 | 90.0 | 225.15 | 1 | 17 | -16 | -0.88 |
A Party in the USA
CSKA Moscow TX fans were ecstatic as they witnessed their team lift the D3 trophy on Saturday. The second August trophy after lifting the Youth Shield was one for the ages. Lifting the trophy were the elder statesman and three top scorers: Immobile, Aspas, and Ziyech. Fan favorite and 26 assist man Simon Adingra was swarmed by celebrities and flanked by leading appearance GK Carnesecchi.
Season tickets have already sold out for next season - the team's first in division 2 since season 4.
"We've had a few of the new guys crack the starting lineup - Carreras, Adingra, Lavia - but in order to succeed in a division with such great managers we'll need more of the new generation to step up and help supplement our veteran core."
Interviewed after the game, captain Harry Maguire said, "We went into the game with the burden of expectations and having President Putin in the stands just added to the weight. But as soon as I saw Sydney Sweeney front row, I knew things would be all right."
Apply For Jobs In Top 100
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S25 Manager Reappointments
Division One
Tottenham Hotspur (Pedro Vilar) - reappointed (Youth Cup Final, promoted last season)
Sporting (João Alves) - not reappointed due to inactivity (see below for a full explanation)
Glen Mullan (Espanyol) - reappointed (Top 100’s most active manager)
Division Two
Swansea (Zé Quim) - reappointed (rebuilding after taking over very old overachieving team last season)
Galatasaray (fert dert) - not reappointed (appointed mid-season, but totally inactive)
Schalke (Jamie Alldridge) - not reappointed (second successive relegation, transfer ban and multiple Youth Cup forfeits)
Division Three
Valencia (Golden Bear) - reappointed (appointed midway through season, but this must be a last chance after so many relegations with different clubs)
Shakhtar (Tharani) - reappointed (appointed mid-season)
Basel (John McHugh) - not reappointed (appointed midway, had a few humourous moments on the newsfeed, but finished with more games than points, bad mouthing everyone on the newsfeed - thanks, but no thanks)
Division Four
Celta Vigo (Murilo) - reappointed (second successive relegation albeit in first full season. Poor effort but another chance)
Stuttgart (Norman Little) - not reappointed (rebuilding, but not competitive, World Club Cup forfeits)
Monaco (Tozé Trapattoni) - not reappointed (second successive relegation, one of the worst points totals in Top 100 history, multiple forfeits in World Club Cup)
Division Five
Chievo Verona (Carlos Azevedo) - reappointed (some signs of improvement at the death. Last chance saloon…)
Napoli (Mattia Bertonati) - not reappointed (fourth full season, but it’s been a downward spiral, multiple World Club Cup forfeits)
AZ Alkmaar (Mohammed Ajmal) - reappointed (took over from Golden Bear midway)
Sporting Decision
The decision not to reappoint João Alves (Sporting CP) follows established Top 100 rules and represents the consistent application of activity standards that have been core to our game world since its inception. This post explains the decision-making criteria, process, and how these standards are and will be applied.
Background: A Remarkable Journey
João’s story in Top 100 is genuinely extraordinary. Starting at Rubin Kazan in 2017, he achieved his dream of managing Sporting CP and led them on an incredible journey from Division 3 obscurity to Division 1 prominence. His passion for Sporting and dedication to squad building was evident throughout his tenure, culminating in an elite £431M squad with perfect youth development potential.
However, football management requires more than just squad building excellence.
The Official Criteria: What the Rules State
Per Section 6.3.1 of the Top 100 Rules, managers may be dismissed under two circumstances:
- Poor League Performance: Finishing bottom three in any division
- Inactivity: Being consistently unresponsive on communication channels, failing to manage their team, or failing to arrange fixtures
Crucially, Section 6.3.2 states that managers demonstrating inactivity “may not be offered their job back or any new club if sacked for other reasons.”
The Decision Criteria Applied
Performance Assessment
João finished 19th in Division 1 with 25 points, triggering automatic relegation and sacking under the performance criterion. João played weakened teams in some league games after failing to change his team for cup matches, which compounded his poor results.
Activity Assessment
The activity evaluation revealed systematic failures across multiple areas:
World Club Cup Non-Participation:
- Failed to arrange both required WCC games
- WCC participation is mandatory for all managers
- The same failure occured in S24, so this is a repeat failure over at least two seasons
Youth Cup Abandonment:
- Previously attempted participation but failed to set teams for matches
- Abandoned participation entirely rather than learning from mistakes
- Squad perfectly suited for youth development (21 average age, 82 rating) left unused
Communication Breakdown:
- Unresponsive to official WCC arrangement requests
- Limited engagement on WhatsApp and newsfeed despite years of membership
- Failed to seek assistance when struggling with tactics/team management/fixtures
The Decision Process
Admin Team Evaluation
The decision underwent thorough admin team review:
- Unanimous decision (0/5 admin votes for reappointment)
- Evaluated against established criteria, not personal relationships
- Compared with other managers facing similar circumstances
Comparative Analysis
The decision gains context when compared to concurrent reappointments:
Pedro (Tottenham) - REAPPOINTED:
- Squad value: £173M (vs João’s £431M)
- Performance: Also relegated but with maximum community engagement
- Youth Cup finalist despite inferior resources
- Full WCC participation
Glen (Espanyol) - REAPPOINTED:
- Historical “standard bearer for activity”
- Strong track record of community contribution
The Broader Standards
Why Activity Standards Matter
Top 100’s identity has always centered on community engagement. The Top 100 About page explicitly states:
- “Top 100 thrives on an active community”
- “Getting a bigger club depends on activity on the newsfeed/blog”
- “Managers deemed inactive may not be offered any job back”
These aren’t recent additions - they’re foundational principles documented since the game world’s creation.
The Non-Competitive Problem
Managers who avoid community participation while building elite squads can exploit the system by:
- Staying in lower divisions to avoid relegation risk
- Asset stripping and youth hoarding without community obligations
- Only promoting when guaranteed success
- Creating unfair advantages over competitive managers
Division-Based Expectations
While the same basic rules apply to all managers, Top 100 does maintain higher expectations for D1 and D2 managers. This creates a clear progression route for ambitious managers starting in lower divisions.
The Success Model - Doug (Leicester):
- Took Leicester to D5 with a clear rebuilding plan
- Built elite squad while maintaining maximum community engagement
- Won Youth Cup twice and Youth Shield twice
- Demonstrated that elite performance AND community participation are possible
- Regular blog contributions detailing progress at his club
João’s Path:
- Successfully executed the rebuilding strategy (D3→D5→D1)
- Built an elite squad comparable to Doug’s achievement
- Failed to maintain community engagement that defines D1 expectations
- No blog contributions at all
This distinction ensures progression opportunities while maintaining standards at the highest levels.
Application to Other Sacked Managers
The same criteria apply to all relegated managers who demonstrated WCC non-participation:
Stuttgart (Norman): Failed WCC participation - same evaluation standards
Monaco (Tozé): Failed WCC participation - same evaluation standards
Napoli (Mattia): Failed WCC participation - same evaluation standards
Consistent Application: The criteria apply regardless of squad value, historical achievement, or personal relationships with the admin team.
The VAR Standard
Following the Season 23 precedent where decisions took “nearly two days” and caused distress for all involved, we’ve implemented a “VAR standard”:
Reappoint unless there is a clear and obvious error
João’s case presented clear and obvious errors:
- Elite squad resources with zero community participation
- Mandatory competition non-participation despite capability
- Multi-season pattern of declining engagement despite regular updates on newsfeed, blog and social channels
Moving Forward: Clear Expectations
Mandatory Requirements
All Top 100 managers must:
- Arrange World Club Cup fixtures when applicable
- Maintain basic communication responsiveness
- Engage with community platforms and activities
- Set teams for competitive matches consistently
Activity Monitoring
The admin team will:
- Provide proactive reminders about mandatory competitions
- Monitor participation patterns throughout seasons
- Offer assistance to managers struggling with requirements
- Apply consistent standards regardless of individual circumstances
Communication Improvements
Based on feedback, we will:
- Implement clearer mid-season check-ins for struggling managers
- Provide explicit guidance on community engagement expectations
- Maintain documentation of warnings and support offered
Conclusion
The decision not to reappoint João Alves, while personally difficult given his remarkable journey and gracious response, upholds the community standards that make Top 100 special. These standards apply equally to all managers, with higher expectations naturally accompanying the prestige of managing elite D1 and D2 clubs.
João’s legacy - transforming Sporting from D3 obscurity to D1 prominence - will be remembered alongside Doug’s similar success with Leicester. The difference is that Doug combined elite squad building with exemplary community engagement, setting the standard for what Top 100 expects from its most successful managers.
The criteria are clear, documented, and will be applied consistently to all affected managers. Every manager knows what’s expected, and every manager will be held to the same standards.
João gracefully gave me permission to post his parting statement:
What a journey, guys!
It’s been many years since I joined the T100. It was 2017, and I was getting the job I could get, at Rubin Kazan.
From that day one, I never considered any other team. Sporting was my dream, a team that was broken and unknown to most of you.
One year later, that moment arrived, the dream job arrived, and I managed to take the club of my heart. I started by taking one step back to be able to take two forward, and from that day one, I aimed to become a champion in the first division, something many people laughed.
Step by step, I climbed, until I reached the highest point, but I failed. I failed miserably and was relegated.
After failing i talked with David this morning, he told me I wouldn’t be reapointed because my last season had been disastrous, and I hadn’t participated in the WCC and YC. It was a unanimous decision, and I have to accept it. We already know the rules here exist, but are used in different ways. I know my team is much more interesting today and that there are players who, for me, were untransferable and who will now be very useful on the market.
No problem, my contribution to SM and T100 is done. I’m sure that today all of you know a little more about Sporting Clube de Portugal. And will be easy to find someone to manage “his heart team”.
It’s time to “uninstall” the game and move on. A lot of hours looking for players, scouting and watching game. I missed the part to know how to change tactics in game, and after all, is what matter here.
I will continue to be a soccer fan and closely follow global scouting.
If you need anything from me, this is my contact.
Thank you very much for everything.
João Alves
Super Samp Season 26
Super Samp Avg Age Starting XI - 25
Many of those players played Youth Cup football for Super Samp showing a pathway and commitment to youth development. Again next season main target is survival.
Plenty more risers come December. Alexsandro, Coppola, Cambiaso perhaps, Thuram (former U21 Samp captain), Simeone, Nmecha perhaps again - hopefully he can stay fit.
HAMBURGER SV COMPLETE MIRACULOUS TITLE TRIUMPH WITH VICTORY OVER FALLEN GIANTS
Marsden’s revolutionaries cap stunning season with championship-clinching win at The Hawthorns
The numbers told one story in April. The reality that unfolded over 38 matches told quite another.
When statistical models placed Hamburger SV 17th in pre-season predictions, few could have envisioned David Marsden’s side lifting the Division 2 trophy four and a half months later. Yet that’s precisely what transpired on a rain-soaked evening at The Hawthorns, where a comprehensive 3-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion secured promotion and vindicated one of the most audacious tactical transformations in recent memory.
The irony was rich. West Bromwich Albion, tipped by many as automatic promotion certainties, finished a disappointing 17th – the exact position Hamburg had been predicted to occupy. Instead, Marsden’s revolutionaries claimed the title with 78 points, two clear of runners-up Stoke City, having scored 83 goals in a campaign that redefined expectations.
“The mathematics said we’d struggle,” reflected Marsden after his players had completed their lap of honour. “What the models couldn’t account for was belief, tactical flexibility, and the hunger of a group written off before they’d kicked a ball.”
That hunger manifested immediately. Alex Iwobi’s fourth-minute opener, created by Mason Greenwood’s incisive pass, set the tone for an evening that encapsulated Hamburg’s season-long dominance. The Nigerian international’s 11 goals and 17 assists formed the creative spine of a team that consistently found ways to win.
Rémy Cabella’s 23rd-minute finish, assisted by new signing Aleix García, doubled the advantage before Matheus Nunes briefly threatened to spoil the party. García’s 60th-minute header from a Casemiro corner ultimately sealed both the points and the championship, capping a debut season that validated Marsden’s summer recruitment strategy.
The transformation from April’s relegation predictions proved both tactical and psychological. Where previous Hamburg sides had relied on conservative pragmatism, Marsden implemented a high-pressing, wide-attacking philosophy that maximised his squad’s technical capabilities. The 4-2-3-1 formation became a vehicle for devastating counter-attacks and sustained periods of possession-based pressure.
Central to this evolution was the retention of Mason Greenwood, the Jamaican winger whose previous two seasons had established him as Marsden’s talisman. Despite interest from higher divisions, Greenwood’s commitment provided continuity in a summer of significant change. His 40 appearances, yielding five goals and nine assists, demonstrated the consistency that championship campaigns demand.
“Mason could have moved on,” acknowledged Marsden. “His decision to stay and help build something special here shows the character that runs through this group.”
The summer transfer window reflected Marsden’s vision for tactical evolution. The acquisitions of Yassine Bono, James Tarkowski, and Ferland Mendy added D1 pedigree to key positions, while Hugo Ekitiké’s development into a first choice striker provided the clinical edge that previous campaigns had lacked. The French striker’s 17 goals in 39 appearances proved the difference in tight matches.
Perhaps most revealing was the squad’s depth. Twenty-nine players made appearances, with only three averaging below 6.0 across their games. This rotation policy, initially questioned by observers, proved crucial during congested fixture periods. The seamless integration of players like Rafa Mujica, acquired from Al Sadd, with a stunning six goals in 17 appearances (including just four starts), demonstrated Marsden’s eye for undervalued talent.
The season’s defining characteristic was resilience under pressure. After establishing early leadership, Hamburg faced sustained challenges from Stoke City and Dinamo Zagreb. Their response – a final-day performance against quality opposition – illustrated the mental fortitude that separates champions from also-rans.
“We knew everyone would have their best game against us once we took the lead,” noted Iwobi. “The manager prepared us for that pressure and gave us the tools to handle it.”
Those tools included tactical flexibility that confused opponents throughout the campaign. Hamburg’s ability to transition between high pressing and defensive solidity, often within the same match, made them uniquely difficult to prepare against. The statistics bear this out: 83 goals scored suggests attacking potency, while 50 conceded indicates defensive discipline.
The broader context makes Hamburg’s achievement even more remarkable. Division 2’s competitive balance meant that title contenders emerged from unexpected quarters. Málaga CF and Cruzeiro both challenged for promotion, while traditional powers like Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid struggled for consistency. In this environment, Hamburg’s sustained excellence across 38 matches represented exceptional management.
Looking ahead, Division 1 presents different challenges. The financial resources and squad depth of established top-flight clubs will test Marsden’s methods against higher-quality opposition. Yet this triumph suggests Hamburg possess both the tactical sophistication and mental resilience required for such battles.
The transformation from relegation candidates to champions represents more than statistical anomaly. It validates Marsden’s belief that modern football rewards tactical innovation over individual talent, that collective intelligence can overcome superior resources, and that championship mentality can be cultivated rather than inherited.
As Hamburg’s players celebrated late into the evening, few could forget April’s predictions. Sometimes the numbers lie. Sometimes belief conquers mathematics. Sometimes revolution triumphs over expectation.
In Division 2’s most compelling narrative, Hamburger SV proved that football’s greatest victories belong not to the statistically superior, but to those brave enough to redefine what’s possible.
Season 25 Division 1 Stats and Facts review.
Winner, winner no chicken dinner?
Brief explanation PVA = Positional value added, this is the value added modified with the finishing position taken into account, for example a team finishing 1st from 6th has obviously done a lot better than one finishing 15th from 20th. The tie breaker is then the value added, following by finishing position if need.
So top of the stats are 4th placed team Sao Paulo , predicted to come 15th they finish 4th, this gives them a might value added of +11 and a PVA of +3.
This narrowly beats Bayern who also have a PVA of 3 but a value added of 8 finishing in 3rd. 3rd in the stats are Barcelona who had a great resurgent season finishing second. They just head Hellas who did all they could finishing 1 place above expected. Notable big value added goes to Man City and AC Milan
The three worse performers were Dortmund who should have won the league but finished 8th, Leicester who after many great seasons were also 7 places below expected and Inter who just avoided relegation. Seems the new tactic had more of an effect on the top teams than the lower teams who still sat with one exception more or less where they should have done
| Gk | Def | Mid | Att | Top18 | Ave | ETOT | Pre | Fin | VA | PVA | |
| São Paulo FC | 89.0 | 90.0 | 91.0 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 89.6 | 225.60 | 15 | 4 | 11 | 3.00 |
| Bayern | 90.0 | 89.0 | 90.6 | 96.0 | 86.0 | 90.3 | 227.20 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 3.00 |
| Barcelona | 92.0 | 91.5 | 92.0 | 95.0 | 88.0 | 91.7 | 230.15 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 2.00 |
| Hellas Verona | 94.0 | 92.8 | 93.0 | 95.0 | 90.0 | 93.0 | 232.43 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 2.00 |
| Manchester City | 94.0 | 90.3 | 91.0 | 92.0 | 87.0 | 90.9 | 226.52 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 1.60 |
| AC Milan | 89.0 | 89.3 | 89.3 | 89.0 | 87.0 | 88.7 | 221.77 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 0.75 |
| H. Berlin | 92.0 | 89.8 | 90.0 | 92.0 | 88.0 | 90.4 | 225.20 | 17 | 14 | 3 | 0.29 |
| Cologne | 84.0 | 88.8 | 90.2 | 91.0 | 84.0 | 87.6 | 222.51 | 19 | 17 | 2 | 0.18 |
| Aston Villa | 88.0 | 90.8 | 91.8 | 93.0 | 86.0 | 89.9 | 227.37 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0.10 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 88.0 | 90.0 | 89.8 | 91.0 | 83.0 | 88.4 | 223.51 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0.06 |
| Arsenal | 91.0 | 90.5 | 90.2 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 89.9 | 225.60 | 14 | 16 | -2 | -0.06 |
| Juventus | 95.0 | 92.7 | 92.2 | 92.0 | 89.0 | 92.2 | 229.83 | 7 | 9 | -2 | -0.11 |
| RCD Espanyol | 90.0 | 90.8 | 90.6 | 91.0 | 86.0 | 89.7 | 225.35 | 16 | 20 | -4 | -0.15 |
| Levante UD | 91.0 | 91.8 | 92.0 | 92.0 | 85.0 | 90.4 | 227.92 | 8 | 11 | -3 | -0.18 |
| Sporting CP | 91.0 | 91.3 | 90.6 | 92.0 | 86.0 | 90.2 | 226.52 | 13 | 19 | -6 | -0.26 |
| FC Porto | 94.0 | 92.0 | 93.4 | 93.0 | 87.0 | 91.9 | 230.49 | 4 | 7 | -3 | -0.29 |
| Chelsea | 95.0 | 93.3 | 93.0 | 93.0 | 82.0 | 91.3 | 230.69 | 3 | 6 | -3 | -0.33 |
| Internazionale | 92.0 | 89.8 | 91.6 | 94.0 | 87.0 | 90.9 | 227.66 | 9 | 15 | -6 | -0.33 |
| Leicester City | 89.0 | 92.3 | 92.6 | 94.0 | 85.0 | 90.6 | 229.86 | 6 | 13 | -7 | -0.46 |
| Dortmund | 92.0 | 92.5 | 94.0 | 96.0 | 88.0 | 92.5 | 233.20 | 1 | 8 | -7 | -0.75 |
Barcelona Crowned WCC Champions After Thrilling Final Against Juventus
Barcelona have done it again!
In a dramatic two-legged World Club Cup (WCC) final, the Spanish giants held off a fierce Juventus comeback to claim the title with a 6-4 aggregate victory. Under the steady leadership of manager Adam, this marks Barcelona’s third WCC title in just five seasons, solidifying their status as a modern dynasty.
First Leg: Barcelona 4-1 Juventus – Total Domination at Home
The final began with a statement performance at the Camp Nou, where Barcelona completely overwhelmed Juventus.
- Declan Rice opened the scoring with a thunderous strike from distance, setting the tone for the night.
- Juventus responded through Álvaro Morata, who leveled the score.
- Rodrygo put Barcelona again in the lead with a clinical finish after a swift attacking move.
- Robert Lewandowski made it 3-1 just short after halftime, showcasing his killer instincts inside the box.
- But Barcelona weren't done—Luis Díaz added a late fourth, leave the visitors reeling.
The match ended 4-1, putting Barcelona firmly in control ahead of the second leg in Turin.
Second Leg: Juventus 3-2 Barcelona – A Brave Fightback Falls Short
Backed by a passionate home crowd, Juventus came out swinging in the second leg, desperate to overturn the deficit.
- Kingsley Coman ignited hope with an early goal, exploiting space down the flank.
- Then Marcus Rashford stepped up with a sensational goal, bringing the score to 2-0 on the night and momentarily cutting the aggregate to 4-3.
But Barcelona kept their composure, leaning on their experience—and one man in particular.
- Lewandowski, rising to the occasion once again, responded with two crucial goals to halt Juventus' momentum. His brace not only kept Barcelona ahead on aggregate but sealed the deal.
- Last goal for Juventus was again from Rashford, but too late to make a difference in final result.
The second leg ended 3-2 in Juventus’ favor, but Barcelona’s first-leg cushion held strong, and they lifted the trophy with a 6-4 win across both matches.
Tactical Brilliance & Historic Achievement
Manager Adam deserves massive credit for masterminding another title run. This victory is his third WCC title in five seasons—a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about his consistency, tactical evolution, and ability to manage high-pressure games.
Barcelona’s mix of youth, experience, and attacking flair proved too much for Juventus over two legs. With this title, they not only add silverware to their cabinet but also continue to shape an era of dominance on the global stage.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 WCC Final delivered drama, quality football, and two world-class sides going head-to-head. Juventus with manager Kevin fought valiantly and showed glimpses of brilliance, but in the end, Barcelona’s firepower and composure won out.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: Barcelona under Adam aren’t just winners—they’re building a legacy.
D-Day In Every Division!
The Stadio Bentegodi trembles with anticipation as Luis André Libras-Boas’s Hellas Verona stand 90 minutes away from etching their names into Legend status in Top 100 folklore. With 78 points accumulated across 37 grueling matches, Verona need just a solitary point against already-relegated Tottenham Hotspur to clinch their fourth consecutive Division 1 championship and fifth title in six extraordinary seasons.
It would represent the most dominant sustained period in Top 100 history, eclipsing even Scott Mckenzie’s Barcelona dynasty that captured eight titles across 12 seasons. Under Libras-Boas’s meticulous guidance, Verona have transformed from provincial challengers into an unstoppable force, their tactical sophistication and squad depth proving insurmountable for even the most ambitious rivals.
Barcelona lurk two points behind on 76, desperately requiring both a victory over Juventus (who they just defeated in the World Club Cup Final) and a Tottenham miracle to snatch the crown on goal difference. Yet Spurs arrive at the Bentegodi already condemned to relegation, their 35 points ensuring a swift return to Division 2, and still smarting from their last-gasp Youth Cup Final defeat on Saturday to… Barcelona. Pedro’s men have nothing left to play for except professional pride—a dangerous commodity when facing champions on the cusp of history.
Division 2: Hamburg’s Homecoming Reaches Crescendo
The Volksparkstadion expects as Hamburger SV prepare for their most significant 90 minutes since promotion to this level. Having already secured promotion back to the elite, Hamburg’s focus narrows to one prize: the Division 2 championship that would crown their remarkable resurgence.
Level on 75 points with Stoke City but ahead on goal difference, Hamburg require victory at pre-season title favourites West Bromwich Albion while hoping their rivals stumble against FC Schalke 04. The mathematics remain deliciously complex—Stoke must not only win but overturn a goal difference deficit that currently favors the German giants. West Brom, meanwhile, must win to be sure they don’t suffer an ignominious and unexpected relegation.
Hamburg’s transformation from pre-season strugglers to title contenders represents tactical management at its finest. Written off by the prediction algorithms, they have methodically dismantled Division 2’s established order through shrewd recruitment and tactical evolution.
Division 3: The Godfather’s Nightmare Unfolds
In football’s most unforgiving theatre, reputations crumble overnight. The Godfather, architect of title triumphs at Dinamo Zagreb and Bayer Leverkusen, watches helplessly as Liverpool teeter on the brink of Division 4 relegation. With 39 points from 37 matches, the Merseyside giants sit perilously close to the abyss.
Their decline epitomizes football’s cruel randomness. Pre-season optimism has curdled into desperate survival calculations, with every remaining fixture carrying the weight of institutional embarrassment. Liverpool face the unthinkable prospect of tumbling into the fourth tier, their proud heritage unable to shield them from sporting gravity.
Above the relegation carnage, CSKA Moskva and RSC Anderlecht remain deadlocked on 68 points, their final-day encounters with AS Roma and Zenit Saint Petersburg respectively promising to deliver the division’s ultimate verdict. Augsburg need a draw to complete three successive promotions Jamie ᚺ’s stewardship and a return to D2 under Jamie ᚺ’s stewardship.
Division 4: Where Giants Fall and Dreams Rise
AS Monaco’s catastrophic implosion provides the division’s most sobering narrative. Thirteen points from 37 matches represents systematic failure on an unprecedented scale, their pre-season predictions rendered laughably optimistic by the sporting reality and f a second consecutive relegation. Managerial extinction awaits, perhaps, alongside Stuttgart and Celta Vigo in the bottom three.
Boca Juniors top the table with 76 points, their South American flair proving perfectly suited to Division 4’s unique challenges. Montpellier HSC shadow them on 75 points, ensuring the championship race maintains its intensity until the final whistle.
Division 5: Partizan and Lyon’s Magnificent Rebellion
The division’s twin dragons have soared beyond all reasonable expectations. FK Partizan, predicted for mid-table mediocrity in 9th place, instead command the summit with 78 points. Olympique Lyonnais, written off for 15th, trail by a solitary point, their remarkable renaissance embodying football’s capacity for transformation.
Both clubs exemplify the beautiful unpredictability that makes the Top 100 special—when dedicated managers with clear visions can transform modest expectations into title challenges. Their parallel rises from predicted obscurity to championship contention provide the season’s most heartwarming narratives.
The Managerial Guillotine Awaits
As night falls across five divisions, 15 managers face automatic dismissal from the bottom three positions. Reappointment depends on factors including squad quality, community engagement, World Club Cup participation, Youth Cup involvement, transfer activity, and long-term potential.
The bottom three of each division will discover whether their Top 100 journeys continue or reach brutal conclusions. Some will find redemption through demonstrated commitment and improvement potential. Others will learn that ten years of evolution has moved beyond their capabilities.
Tonight, as Hellas Verona chase sporting immortality and struggling giants fight for survival, the Top 100’s tenth anniversary season reaches its breathtaking climax. In 90 minutes, legends will be crowned and careers will end—such is the beautiful brutality of football’s ultimate management challenge.
Youth Cup & Shield Finals Second Legs: Barcelona Prevail in FET Heartbreak For Spurs While CSKA Make History
The beautiful game delivers its cruelest lesson
Football, in its infinite capacity for both ecstasy and agony, delivered its most profound lesson on Saturday night. At the BayArena and Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, two finals reached their dramatic conclusions, one confirming methodical excellence, the other decided by the narrowest of margins in circumstances that will haunt the losers for years to come.
CSKA Moskva claimed their first trophy in the club’s history with a performance that epitomised everything they have brought to this tournament. Meanwhile, in North London, Tottenham’s impossible dream died the most agonising death imaginable, Barcelona snatching victory from the jaws of defeat through Fictional Extra Time after 180 minutes had failed to separate two evenly-matched sides.
CSKA’s professional masterclass completes historic achievement
Bayer Leverkusen 1-1 CSKA Moskva (agg: 1-3)
There was something poetic about the manner in which CSKA Moskva completed their Youth Shield triumph. Having dominated the first leg through patient build-up and clinical finishing, they travelled to Germany knowing that professionalism rather than brilliance would be required to secure the club’s first piece of silverware.
The script could not have been written more perfectly. Karim Konaté, the tournament’s leading marksman and architect of so many crucial moments, struck again in the eighth minute with a finish that encapsulated everything about CSKA’s campaign. Franco Mastantuono’s incisive pass found the striker, whose deft flick caught Jonas Urbig off balance and rolled into the net. It was Konaté’s sixth goal of the knockout rounds, a tally that speaks to both individual brilliance and collective functionality.
Leverkusen’s response was predictable but ultimately futile. Facing a three-goal deficit, they needed to score early and often, yet their approach remained curiously cautious for a team with nothing to lose. When Vanja Vlahović finally found the equaliser on 27 minutes, firing home after Ayman El Wafi’s intelligent play, it felt more like consolation than catalyst.
The statistics told the story of a team running out of ideas. Despite enjoying 56% possession and the comfort of home surroundings, Leverkusen managed just seven shots to CSKA’s fifteen. Their high-intensity pressing game, which had served them so well throughout the campaign, was systematically dismantled by opponents who had mastered the art of defensive solidity without sacrificing attacking threat.
CSKA’s tactical discipline was exemplary. They defended with the desperation of men protecting something precious, yet remained dangerous on the counter-attack throughout. Nestory Irankunda’s pace and directness constantly threatened Leverkusen’s high defensive line, while Mastantuono’s creativity ensured that the Germans could never commit men forward with complete abandon.
When the final whistle sounded, the celebrations were muted but meaningful. Chris Meida’s post-match comments captured the significance perfectly: “It may be a consolation trophy - but the youth shield is the first trophy in CSKA history.” The self-deprecating humour could not disguise the magnitude of the achievement, nor should it. As Leicester’s Doug Earle rightly observed, only those who have never won anything themselves would dare call this a consolation prize.
Tottenham’s fairytale dies in FET heartbreak
Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Barcelona (agg: 3-3, Barcelona win 5-4 after FET)
If CSKA’s triumph was the reward for methodical excellence, Barcelona’s Youth Cup victory was secured through the kind of dramatic finale that football writes but rarely delivers. For 180 minutes, these two sides could not be separated. When the dust settled after Fictional Extra Time, Barcelona had prevailed 5-4 on aggregate, but the scoreline tells only a fraction of this extraordinary story.
The evening began with Barcelona carrying the weight of expectation and the burden of their first-leg deficit. They needed to score twice while keeping Tottenham out, a task that seemed well within their capabilities given their superior individual quality. Yet Pedro Vilar’s team had spent this entire campaign defying logic, and there was no reason to believe they would start bowing to convention now.
Barcelona’s early pressure finally told when Kobbie Mainoo rose highest from Lamine Yamal’s corner to power home a header that levelled the aggregate scores. The goal came in the 23rd minute, reward for sustained pressure that had seen Tottenham’s defensive resolve tested to its limits. For a moment, the natural order seemed to be reasserting itself.
But Tottenham, as they have done throughout this remarkable campaign, refused to read the script. Gabriel Vidović’s response was swift and decisive, the Croatian striker capitalising on slack marking to fire past Ander Astralaga and restore his side’s advantage. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium erupted with the kind of noise reserved for moments when dreams seem within touching distance.
The defining moment came on the hour mark, substitute introductions coinciding with Yamal’s moment of individual brilliance. The teenage sensation, carrying the weight of Barcelona’s expectations and the burden of his £48 million valuation, found the bottom corner with a finish that combined technical excellence with psychological strength. The aggregate scores were level, Tottenham’s advantage had evaporated, and extra time beckoned.
Yet even this dramatic conclusion was insufficient to separate these evenly-matched sides. The statistics reflected the evening’s parity: possession split 51% to 49% in Tottenham’s favour, shots marginally in Barcelona’s favour at 14 to 10. This was knockout football at its purest, two teams giving everything in pursuit of glory.
Fictional Extra Time would prove Barcelona’s salvation and Tottenham’s heartbreak. The Catalans’ 2-1 victory in this decisive period gave them a 5-4 overall triumph, but the narrow margin could not disguise the epic nature of this contest. For Tottenham, the realisation that they had come so close to completing the most unlikely triumph in recent youth football history will take time to process.
Pedro Vilar’s achievement should not be diminished by the manner of its conclusion. His team’s journey from apparent elimination to within touching distance of glory represents one of the great underdog stories in recent memory. They have proven that belief, organisation, and collective spirit can bridge even the most daunting gaps in individual quality.
A tournament that delivered on every promise
These finals provided the perfect conclusion to a tournament that has consistently delivered drama, quality, and unforgettable moments. CSKA’s triumph represents the reward for sustained excellence, their systematic approach to knockout football yielding the ultimate prize. Barcelona’s victory, secured by the narrowest of margins, demonstrates that quality will eventually tell, even when faced with the most determined opposition.
The Youth Shield travels to Moscow for the first time in CSKA’s history, a tangible reward for a campaign that has established them as the tournament’s most complete side. The Youth Cup returns to Catalonia, Barcelona’s triumph secured through the kind of dramatic finale that will be discussed for years to come.
For the neutrals, these tournaments have provided everything that makes football the beautiful game. For CSKA and Barcelona, they represent the culmination of months of preparation, sacrifice, and unwavering belief. For Leverkusen and Tottenham, they offer the cruel but valuable lesson that sport’s greatest rewards are reserved for those capable of seizing the finest of margins.
The 2025 Youth Cup and Shield campaigns are concluded, but their memories will endure long after the final celebrations have ended and the last tears have been shed.
Tottenham's Miracle March Continues as CSKA Seize Control
The impossible becomes inevitable for Vilar’s warriors
If someone had suggested at the start of this tournament that Tottenham Hotspur would leave the Camp Nou with a 2-1 victory over Barcelona in a Youth Cup final first leg, they would have been dismissed as hopelessly deluded. Yet here we stand, witnesses to the continuation of the most remarkable underdog story in recent youth football history.
Pedro Vilar’s team have spent this entire campaign defying logic, overturning deficits, and making believers of the most hardened sceptics. Their latest act of sporting alchemy on Saturday night was perhaps their finest yet, a performance that combined tactical discipline with clinical finishing to leave Barcelona shell-shocked and Tottenham 90 minutes from glory.
Barcelona’s early promise evaporates in Catalan nightmare
Barcelona 1-2 Tottenham Hotspur (Youth Cup Final)
The script appeared to be following familiar lines when Lamine Yamal fired Barcelona ahead after just eight minutes. The teenage sensation, valued at £48 million and carrying the weight of Catalan expectations, found the bottom corner with the kind of finish that has made him the most coveted young talent in world football.
For a brief moment, order seemed restored. Barcelona, with their £162.5 million squad and galaxy of stars, had asserted their superiority over opponents valued at barely a quarter of that sum. The Camp Nou exhaled, confident that normal service would now resume.
But Tottenham, as they have done throughout this remarkable campaign, refused to read the script. Their response was swift and devastating, orchestrated by a player who has emerged as one of the tournament’s most compelling figures.
Julio Enciso’s name will be etched into Tottenham folklore after a first-half double that turned the final on its head. His 22nd-minute equaliser, a thunderous effort that flew in off the post from Fabio Miretti’s free-kick, served notice that Spurs had not travelled to Barcelona merely to make up the numbers.
The second goal, arriving just 15 minutes later, was a thing of beauty. Gabriel Vidović’s intelligent play released Enciso, who unleashed a blistering shot that left Ander Astralaga with no chance. The Camp Nou fell silent, save for the small pocket of travelling supporters who have witnessed miracle after miracle this season.
Barcelona’s response was predictable but ineffective. They enjoyed 54% possession and registered 14 shots to Tottenham’s 10, but their usual fluidity was disrupted by opponents who defended with the desperation of men protecting something precious. Three yellow cards for the hosts told the story of mounting frustration against a side that simply refused to yield.
Yamal remained Barcelona’s most potent threat, his rating of 9 reflecting a performance that deserved better support. But around him, talented players wilted under the pressure of expectation and the relentless pressing of opponents who had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
CSKA’s methodical masterclass sets up Shield triumph
CSKA Moskva 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen (Youth Shield Final)
While Barcelona grappled with the unexpected at the Camp Nou, CSKA Moskva were busy demonstrating why they have been the tournament’s most consistent and impressive performers. Their 2-0 victory over Bayer Leverkusen was a masterclass in controlled aggression, patience rewarded with clinical finishing when the moments mattered most.
The Arena CSKA provided a suitably intimidating backdrop, with rain and 2°C temperatures creating the kind of conditions that separate the wheat from the chaff. Leverkusen, for all their technical ability and tactical sophistication, found themselves overwhelmed by the intensity of their hosts and the hostility of the environment.
The statistics tell the story of CSKA’s dominance more eloquently than words. Eighteen shots to seven, ten on target compared to three, and 57% possession reflected a performance that was commanding without being flashy. This was the work of a team that understands the demands of knockout football, patient enough to wait for their moments but ruthless enough to capitalise when they arrived.
Karim Konaté’s 55th-minute opener was reward for sustained pressure that had seen Jonas Urbig produce a series of spectacular saves to keep Leverkusen level. The striker’s finish, sliding the ball past the goalkeeper after excellent work from Nestory Irankunda, was the culmination of a first-half performance that had seen CSKA pepper the Leverkusen goal with efforts.
The second goal was a thing of beauty, substitute Lucas Lorran marking his entrance with a clinical finish after being teed up by the influential Franco Mastantuono. It was the kind of moment that separates good teams from great ones – the ability to find that decisive second goal that transforms a narrow advantage into a commanding one.
Leverkusen’s high-intensity pressing game, which had served them so well throughout the campaign, was nullified by CSKA’s patient build-up play and the challenging conditions. Estêvão, their £16 million star and the tournament’s most valuable player, managed a respectable performance despite the difficult circumstances, though he was unable to provide the spark his team desperately needed.
The reckoning awaits: second legs promise contrasting dramas
Youth Cup Final - Second Leg: Tottenham vs Barcelona
Tottenham’s position is as remarkable as it is precarious. They return to North London with a 2-1 advantage that puts them within touching distance of their first Youth Cup triumph, yet they face opponents who possess the quality to overturn any deficit.
The mathematics are simple but the psychology is complex. Barcelona need to score at least twice while keeping Tottenham out – a task that should be well within their capabilities given their superior individual quality. Yet doubt has crept into Catalan minds, the kind of uncertainty that can prove fatal in knockout football.
Pedro Vilar will demand more of the same from his players: disciplined defending, clinical counter-attacking, and the unshakeable belief that has carried them this far. They have already defied logic twice in knockout rounds; what is one more miracle?
For Barcelona, the challenge is as much mental as tactical. They must find a way to break down opponents who have mastered the art of defensive resilience while carrying the weight of expectation that comes with being overwhelming favourites. Adam’s team possesses the individual brilliance to hurt any opponent, but they will need to show the collective character that has so far eluded them in this final.
Youth Shield Final - Second Leg: Leverkusen vs CSKA Moskva
CSKA’s 2-0 advantage should be decisive, but football’s capacity for surprise means nothing can be taken for granted. They travel to Germany knowing that a disciplined defensive performance should be enough to claim their first Youth Shield, yet they face opponents desperate to salvage something from a campaign that promised so much.
Leverkusen must score at least three goals to lift the trophy, a task that seems beyond them based on Saturday’s evidence. Their high-tempo approach was comprehensively outmanoeuvred by CSKA’s patient game plan, and there is little to suggest that a change of venue will dramatically alter the dynamic.
For CSKA, the temptation will be to sit deep and protect their advantage. Yet this is a team that has scored freely throughout the tournament, and they may be better served continuing to play their natural game rather than adopting unfamiliar tactics.
The stage is set for sporting theatre
Two second legs, two contrasting narratives. Tottenham carry the hopes of every underdog story ever told, their impossible journey nearing its most unlikely conclusion. CSKA stand on the brink of confirming their status as the tournament’s dominant force, their systematic excellence deserving of the ultimate reward.
The beauty of knockout football lies not in its predictability but in its capacity to surprise, to elevate the ordinary and humble the mighty. Whatever unfolds in these return fixtures, we can be certain of one thing: the beautiful game will be the ultimate winner.