Championship Manager 01/02 remains the gold standard of football management simulators. Decades after its release, gamers are still loading up the database to experience its lightning-fast processing speeds and legendary rosters.
While the original database (v3.9.60) holds the crown for pure nostalgia, the 3.9.68 database—the final official data update released by Sports Interactive—is widely considered the most balanced and polished version to play.
If you are looking to conquer the football world with bargain wonderkids and undisputed titans in the .68 patch, here is your definitive scouting report. 🛡️ The Defensive Stalwarts Hugo Pinheiro
(GK): A legendary young Portuguese goalkeeper. You can acquire him for a minuscule fee, and he will quickly develop into one of the most reliable shot-stoppers in the world. Taribo West
(D L/C): The ultimate cheat code. He begins the game as a free agent. Despite his colorful hairstyles and real-life eccentricities, his in-game attributes are world-class. He will walk into almost any starting eleven for free. Fredrik Risp
(DC): Part of the famous "Super Swede" contingent in the game.
is incredibly cheap, highly consistent, and anchor-strong in the heart of defense.
(D/AM R): Hailing from Cheltenham, Duff is a cult icon. He can be purchased for next to nothing and averages incredibly high match ratings on the right flank. 🧠 The Midfield Geniuses
(MC): The Scottish sensation playing for Falkirk. Kerr is arguably the most consistent midfielder in the game. He will control the tempo of your matches for over a decade. Kennedy Bakircioglu
(AM/F R/C): Another brilliant Scandinavian talent. He possesses immense flair and creativity, making him the perfect playmaker to sit behind your strikers. Kim Nam-Il cm 01 02 best players 39 68
(DMC): This South Korean defensive midfielder is an absolute rock in front of the backline in the .68 database. He breaks up plays flawlessly and costs very little. Julio Arca
(D/AM L): Playing for Sunderland, Arca costs a bit more but is worth every penny. His crossing ability and explosive runs down the left wing are unmatched. ⚽ The Lethal Goalscorers Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): No CM 01/02 list is complete without him. He remains the most legendary fictional/underrated powerhouse in sports gaming history. He is cheap to buy from Minsk and will reliably score 50 to 60 goals a season. Pawel Brozek
(SC): An elite young Polish striker who becomes an absolute goal machine with just a tiny bit of development. Josh Blake
(SC): A true lower-league gem. You can regularly sign him for around £1k, and he will score dozens of goals to drag your team up from the lower divisions. Andri Sigporsson
(SC): Hailing from Iceland, Sigporsson is a massive physical presence. He wins everything in the air and offers fantastic hold-up play for a bargain price. 💡 Pro-Scouting Tips for the .68 Database
Beware the "Greek Gods": The .68 update is famous for making several young Greek league players vastly overpowered. Keep your eyes locked on names like Nikos Tobros and Anestis Anastasiadis .
Utilize Free Agents Early: On day one, filter your search for players without clubs. Elite veterans and highly-rated youngsters will accept contracts even at smaller clubs. Ignore Low CA/PA : Some players like
have low Current/Potential Ability numbers but perfect "intrinsic" stats for their positions. Trust the on-field match ratings over the hidden scouting numbers! Championship Manager 01/02 remains the gold standard of
Who was your go-to must-sign player in the 3.9.68 database? Let us know in the comments below!
Which specific tactical formation are you planning to build around these players for your next save? 3.9.68] - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
It looks like you’re asking about Career Mode in FIFA 01 or FIFA 02 (more likely FIFA 2002), and specifically about the best young players with overall ratings of 39 and 68 — or with those numbers as ages/birth years?
I’ll break down the most likely interpretations:
Cherno Samba (Millwall)
“I once had a 68-year-old Sherman Cardenas with 20 passing, 1 acceleration, and 1 pace. He completed 2 passes all season – both assists in the Champions League final.”
— FMSite user, 2008
Here is your dream team of misfits, journeymen, and hidden prodigies.
Michael Ball (Rangers – on loan from Everton)
If you want, I can also provide:
The official v3.9.68 patch for Championship Manager 01/02 is the final official database update, notable for fixing critical bugs (like the West Ham duplicate strikers) and boosting the potential of future stars like Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo . Elite Tier: The Must-Haves
These players are essentially "cheat codes" and should be your first targets regardless of your club's size. Maxim Tsigalko
(SC): Widely considered the greatest player in CM 01/02 history. He is incredibly cheap and prolifically scores goals across all top leagues. To Madeira
(SC): A legendary fictional striker known for his world-class attributes and goal-scoring consistency. He was removed in later unofficial updates but remains a titan in the .68 database.
(MC): Often cited as one of the first two players you should buy. He is extremely reliable, affordable, and develops into a world-class playmaker. Taribo West
(DC/DL): A high-profile free agent at the start of the game. He is a defensive "beast" and an essential signing for any team with a modest wage budget. Hidden Gems & Bargain Buys
These players offer elite performance for minimal transfer fees, making them ideal for lower-league or budget-constrained saves. 3.9.68] - Championship Manager 2001/2002 Forums
Championship Manager 01/02 , the version number 3.9.68 refers to the final official data update released by Sports Interactive. While many "Original Database" (3.9.60) legends remain powerful, this specific patch is famous for introducing a new wave of high-performing players, particularly from the Greek leagues. Top 11 "Must-Buy" Legends (3.9.68 Database)
These players are renowned for world-class performance, often outperforming their hidden numerical ratings (CA/PA). Striker (Pacey Finisher – CA 58) Cherno Samba