Fallen giants. Forgotten champions. Fresh rebuilds.
Women’s football has its fair share of historic clubs – the ones that once defined eras, lifted trophies, and built legacies that shaped the gam, before the momentum slipped away. For us FM players, those stories are pure gold. There’s nothing quite like taking over a once-great side, fighting against the odds, and writing a new chapter of success in Football Manager.
This guide highlights fallen or fading giants across women’s football in FM26. Each one has history, identity, and a rebuild waiting for the right manager. We’ve included a short backstory, the rebuild goals you can chase in your save, and a few players to keep an eye on.
England
Sunderland
Once one of England’s most respected women’s clubs, Sunderland were a genuine talent factory and produced internationals like Lucy Bronze, Steph Houghton, and Jill Scott.
They competed at the top level and even finished fourth in the 2015 WSL, but funding cuts in 2017 sent the club tumbling down the pyramid. Now back in the professional leagues, Sunderland are rebuilding piece by piece, and the foundations are strong.
Why it’s fun in FM: A proud club with loyal fans and one of the best youth setups outside the top flight. This is a proper rebuild for anyone who loves restoring old powers.
Rebuild Goals
- Win promotion back to the WSL.
- Develop homegrown talent through the academy.
- Challenge the elite for domestic trophies.
Key Players
- Rhiannon Roberts – experienced centre-back and leader; reliable in big games.
- Natasha Fenton – energetic midfielder who sets the tempo and never stops running.
Ones to Watch
- Katy Watson – sharp, instinctive striker; could become the club’s long-term star.
- Libbi McInnes – hard-working midfielder with great movement and composure.
Birmingham City
A founding WSL club, FA Cup winners in 2012, and even Champions League semi-finalists in 2014, Birmingham once mixed it with Europe’s best. But financial struggles and years of instability led to relegation in 2022.
Now rebuilding in the Championship, the Blues are desperate to climb back to where they belong.
Why it’s fun in FM: A proper “sleeping giant” save – big club energy, great facilities, and a proud history. You’re not chasing miracles, you’re restoring standards.
Rebuild Goals
- Win the Championship and return to the WSL.
- Re-establish as a mid-table top-flight side.
- Compete for silverware within five years.
Key Players
- Ji So-yun – pure class; the creative engine who makes the team tick.
- Batcheba Louis – direct and dangerous winger who can change a game in a flash.
Ones to Watch
- Ava Baker – lively teenage forward with excellent off-ball movement.
- Ebonie Locke – promising centre-back with bravery and leadership beyond her years.
Spain
RCD Espanyol
Six-time Copa winners and 2006 league champions, Espanyol’s fall from grace was dramatic. Relegated for the first time in 2021, they’ve since clawed their way back to Liga F, but the shadow of Barcelona looms large.
Why it’s fun in FM: If you enjoy long-term saves, turning Espanyol into Barcelona’s equal is a challenge with real bite.
Rebuild Goals
- Rebuild around young Spanish talent.
- Reclaim Espanyol’s Cup pedigree.
- Close the gap on Barça.
Key Players
- Anna Torrodà – calm, composed midfielder who dictates play with intelligence.
- Laia Ballesté – modern, attack-minded full-back who drives the team forward.
Ones to Watch
- Ona Baradad – creative winger with flair and an eye for a killer pass.
- Nora Fernández – tall, athletic striker with long-term potential.
France
Montpellier HSC
Once Lyon’s fiercest challengers, Montpellier won the league in 2005 and were regulars in Europe, but haven’t lifted a trophy in over 15 years. The infrastructure is there, the talent is there… the spark just needs reigniting.
Why it’s fun in FM: You’ve got the tools and the pedigree. The challenge is belief, and turning strong finishes into silverware.
Rebuild Goals
- Break into the top three.
- Qualify for the UWCL.
- End Lyon and PSG’s dominance.
Key Players
- Kethna Louis – powerful left-back who brings athleticism and aggression.
- Sonia Ouchène – hard-working playmaker and the team’s creative link.
Ones to Watch
- Justine Rouquet – pacey wide threat with confidence and drive.
- Jade Rastocle – intelligent young defender with the makings of a leader.
Sweden
Umeå IK
Back-to-back European champions in the early 2000s, Umeå were once the pinnacle of women’s football. But financial collapse led to relegations and restarts, and they’re now fighting to rebuild their reputation from the ground up.
Why it’s fun in FM: One of the ultimate long-term projects. Take a fallen European titan, restore their professional status, and bring Champions League nights back to northern Sweden.
Rebuild Goals
- Win promotion from Elitettan.
- Turn professional.
- Qualify for Europe again.
Key Players
- Anni Miettunen – composed veteran who brings leadership and structure.
- Cassandra Larsson – creative midfielder with the vision to lead attacks.
Ones to Watch
- Cecilia Ek – tireless midfielder who covers every inch of the pitch.
- Maja Baun – tall, confident goalkeeper with big potential.
Djurgården
Champions in 2003 and 2004, European finalists in 2005, Djurgården were once the benchmark in Sweden. Two decades later, they’re still trying to find their way back into contention.
Why it’s fun in FM: A brilliant Stockholm save. Strong facilities, fierce rivalries, and the chance to knock Hammarby and AIK off their perch.
Rebuild Goals
- Become the capital’s best club.
- Qualify for Europe.
- Win a league title again after 20 years.
Key Players
- Therese Åsland – commanding midfield leader who drives forward.
- Pauline Rubin – powerful striker capable of leading the line.
Ones to Watch
- Annika Svensson – promising young full-back with great work ethic.
- Elvira Björklund – tall, composed goalkeeper with huge potential.
Denmark
Brøndby IF
Twelve league titles. Three European semi-finals. But Brøndby haven’t lifted a trophy since 2019, and rivals are catching up fast.
Why it’s fun in FM: A fallen powerhouse ready for revival. Take Brøndby back to the top of Danish football, and beyond.
Rebuild Goals
- Win the A-Liga again.
- Go deep in the UWCL.
- Develop the next generation of Danish stars.
- Stay ahead of Fortuna Hjørring.
Key Players
- Nanna Christiansen – club icon and creator-in-chief; experience and class personified.
- Kamilla Karlsen – composed defensive midfielder with tactical intelligence.
Ones to Watch
- Isabella Damm – 17-year-old goalkeeper with serious potential.
- Julie Jorde – young Norwegian all-rounder with calmness and control in midfield.
Fortuna Hjørring
Twelve-time champions and once a Champions League semi-finalist, Fortuna have long been Danish royalty. But the modern A-Liga is stronger than ever, and the competition is fierce.
Why it’s fun in FM: A proper dynasty save. Take a historic club, modernise it, and build a side ready to dominate Denmark and Europe again.
Rebuild Goals
- Retain the A-Liga title.
- Reach the UWCL quarter-finals or beyond.
- Reassert dominance over Brøndby.
Key Players
- Andreea Părăluță – experienced Romanian goalkeeper with leadership and poise.
- Sarah Dyrehauge Hansen – intelligent attacking midfielder who pulls the strings.
Ones to Watch
- Signe Søndergård – fearless young winger with pace and flair in abundance.
- Ida Sort – gifted midfielder with balance, creativity, and long-term potential.
Australia
Canberra United
Once the pride of Australia’s capital, Canberra are two-time A-League Women champions but have struggled to keep pace with Sydney FC and Melbourne City in recent years.
Why it’s fun in FM: A perfect underdog project. Bring silverware back to the capital and restore Canberra’s place among Australia’s elite.
Rebuild Goals
- Win the A-League Women again.
- Develop homegrown Aussie talent.
- Rebuild Canberra into a powerhouse club.
Key Players
- Michelle Heyman – club legend and clinical finisher who leads by example.
- Sasha Grove – versatile wide player with energy, pace, and determination.
Ones to Watch
- Mary Stanic-Floody – young creative midfielder with flair and vision.
- Ruby Nathan – promising New Zealand winger who loves to cut inside and attack defenders.
Ready to Rebuild?
Every rebuild tells a story, and these clubs have plenty to tell. They might not have the budgets of Europe’s elite or the star power of modern giants, but they’ve got something far better: identity, legacy, and heart.
Whether you’re reviving Sunderland’s academy, restoring Brøndby’s golden era, or chasing Umeå’s European dreams, every save is a reminder that history is only waiting for someone to write the next chapter.
